Essa Alammarin. A Bedouin guide who lives in the Dana Reserve. I used to go with my father to graze in the mountains when I was 7 years old, which made me know the trails from a young age. I used to see visitors coming to hike in the area, but I was young and did not speak English. When I reached the age of 16 I decided to learn the language that will allow me to communicate with all the people that are visiting us. It was like a dream, and my way to meet the other cultures in the world.
I believe that the best way to learn is to practice, so every day I would go to Wadi Dana and take with me a small bag with a teapot. I invited visitors to drink tea with me, and spend more time with them, so I could practice English more and more.
Over the time, I gained confidence and the dream started to come true. I attended university, where I learned more about tourism in Jordan and became rich in experiences and knowledge. When the Jordan Trail was established in 2015, I was one of the first 3 people to walk it through. I love nature and I love people. I started working as a guide on the Jordan Trail, part 6, Dana to Petra, and part 7, Petra to Wadi Rum. I quickly became known as the Jordan Trail guide. I have hosted tourists from all over the world and I am so happy and thankful for making my dream come true.
Ahmed Alamareen, my older brother. I don’t call him my brother, I call him "you are my everything". Mountains and nature are the most natural places for him. He is funny and kind and likes to help everyone. He also loves to explore and always wants to stay outside. He is good at English and at adapting the pace of the hike based on groups' needs and different activity levels. Well ... you should be ready, there is always a good humour included when hiking with Ahmed.
How did it all start? Over the years, we had been working with tourism companies all over Jordan. Every visitor who came to us always left happy, giving us the feedback that we create so unique and authentic experiences - "This is exactly what hikers on the Jordan Trail need!" There are a lot of people who have advised us to create an agency so that more people can meet and work with us. And so I decided to create this agency with the name by which I was already known: the Jordan Trail Guide.
The name symbolizes new beginnings, giving from the heart, and excellence in what we do. We have an integrated team of 4 local people (guide, chef, driver, support), who work with a purpose to support their families. 100% of the cooperation fee goes to supporting their daily life and dreams.
