Road-trip along the Route of the Kings

The origin of the name of the Kings' Highway is still a mystery. Some say that it originated in the Bible when Moses, who took this route after crossing Sinai, asked the Edomite king for permission to pass through. Others claim that the road was named after Queen Sheba, who came to visit King Solomon. Still others believe that its nickname is simply due to its majestic, almost regal appearance.

Whatever the case, the Kings' Highway is a major route in Jordan, which has seen many merchants from East and West, Christian pilgrims and then Muslims pass through when it was still just a caravan route.

Route 35 begins in the vicinity ofIrbid, in the north of Jordan, but it is from Amman onwards that it takes on the gentle nickname of "Road of Kings". While it's well worth the road trip just for the incredible scenery it passes through, it also takes in some of Jordan's must-see places, so you can combine business with pleasure!

Amman

Vibrant and resolutely alive, Amman has plenty to surprise. In a skilful blend of tradition and modernity, large shopping centres and top-of-the-range cars rub shoulders with a folkloric souk and vestiges of Roman times.

Built on a rocky spur in the heart of the capital, the Jabal al-Qal'a citadel offers a magnificent view of Amman and the nineteen hills that surround it. In the evening, as the last rays of sunlight dress the ruins in a golden halo, you can feel the city begin to pulsate and the night will be long for the Jordanian youth pouring into the streets.

⭐ Where to stay in Amman?

Madaba and Mount Nebo

Madaba is best known for the mosaics in theGreek Orthodox Church of St George, including the oldest cartographic representation of the Holy Land, in particular Jerusalem and the Decapolis.

A few kilometres from Madaba, Mount Nebo plays an important biblical role. According to chapter 34 of the Bible, Moses, forbidden to enter the Promised Land to which he led the Hebrews out of Egypt, died on the summit of Mount Nebo at the age of 120. A church and monastery were built there to honour him.

⭐ Where to stay in Madaba?

Mujib Dam

After Madaba, the Kings' Highway crosses the Mujib Dam and then winds its way up to the top of a hill. From up there, the view of the Wadi Mujib lake formed by the dam is breathtaking. Don't hesitate to stop off at Sami's little café, a man of contagious good humour. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or mint tea with a cup of cake as you gaze out over the almost unreal landscape.

Kerak

The town of Kerak is famous for its citadel, which dates back to Crusader times. The visit alone costs €2 and is included in the Jordan Pass. It's impossible to miss despite its sandy colour. Indeed, on its promontory, it rises out of the earth to overlook and observe the desert that stretches for miles around.

After being the capital of the land of Moab mentioned in the Old Testament, in the 12th century Kerak became the capital of the Crusaders from the region beyond the Jordan. See the long terrace of the lower courtyard, the very beautiful underground rooms and the upper courtyard, which offers a splendid view stretching as far as the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley.

⭐ Where to stay in Kerak?

The Dana Reserve

Spread over an area of more than 300 square kilometres, the Dana Nature Reserve brings together stunning landscapes and a diverse range of wildlife. Here you will discover Rummana Mountain and the red and white cliffs of Wadi Dana in a magnificent setting, surrounded by the Rift Valley and the desert plains of Wadi Araba.

The Dana reserve has four different ecosystems and 600 varieties of plant. Its peaks reach 1800 metres and its lowest point is 50 metres below sea level. On the wildlife side, there are more than 200 species of birds, as well as reptiles and a few mammals such as ibex, gazelle, Syrian wolf and hyena.

⭐ Where to stay in the Dana reserve?

Shobak Castle

On your way to Petra, make a diversion to visit Shobak Castle, also known as the Krak of Montreal. Built by the Crusaders in 1115 on a hilltop, this was the first fortress in Transjordan.

The site's caretaker will show you around the ruins, surrounded by absolute mineral solitude, all the more impressive because they seem to melt into the geological strata. A 365-step rock staircase leads you to the castle's water supply, which enabled the knights to resist Saladin, the former Sultan of Egypt, for eighteen months.

⭐ Where to stay near Shobak Castle?

Petra

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Petra is a must-see in Jordan. What's more, this ancient city of the Nabataeans is the number one star among the country's historical and cultural sites. The secret of this troglodyte city was jealously guarded by the Bedouins until 1812, when a Swiss explorer discovered it during one of his journeys to the Orient.

It was not until 1929, however, that excavations uncovered its many treasures and remains. Today, any visitor who claims to have visited Jordan must visit Petra to catch a glimpse of the richness and spirituality of Jordanian culture.

⭐ Where to stay near Petra?

The desert of Wadi Rum

The last stop on the Road of Kings is so incredible that it has been used as a backdrop for numerous films, including Alone on Mars, Dune and Star Wars. In other words, the Wadi Rum desert is the ideal place to visit if you want to imagine yourself on another planet.

With its orange, even red sand, dunes and strange rock formations that seem to rise out of the earth as far as the eye can see, this is undoubtedly one of Jordan's greatest natural wonders.

⭐ Where to stay in the Wadi Rum desert?

⏰ How long does it take to cover the Kings' Highway?

From Amman city centre to the Wadi Rum desert, the Kings' Highway covers just under 400 kilometres. Because of the speed limits and the nature of the road, which is in very good condition but quite winding, allow 7h30 for the journey. Of course, we recommend that you take the time to admire the scenery and visit the points of interest along the way, which should take several days.

⛽ Are there any petrol stations on the Route des Rois?

The Route des Rois is not very busy, as the parallel routes are much faster. Despite this, you'll have no trouble finding petrol stations all along the route. You'll find toilets as well as food and drink.