About
Umm Qais is a lush garden, ideal for those who wish to forage. There are many edible plants, fruits and vegetables that can be found on the hills that surround the village of Umm Qais.
Foraging groups will set off onto the hills or into fields in search of akoub, loof, almonds, thyme, chamomile, mushrooms, rocca and much more. The foraged goods would be of much better use in a kitchen; therefore, we strongly suggest that you book a cooking class after the foraging experience. This experience runs Winter through Spring season.
What’s Included?
- Experienced local guide
- Foraging bag
- Walking sticks
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- Tea
- First Aid equipment
- Take foraged produce by guests
- Transportation from and to Beit Al baraka
What to bring
- Backpack
- Sun protection
- Hiking shoes
- Warm fleece or sweater fall through spring
- Waterproof jacket or poncho fall through spring
- Camera and/or mobile phone
- Identification Document (ID or Passport)
Weather sensitivity
Experience is cancelled in heavy rain
Popular Day Itinerary
10:00 – Foraging
Northern Jordan is noticeably greener than other parts of the country, and many edible plants can be found on the hills surrounding us. Spring is the best time to go foraging but there are many plants, fruits, and vegetables that can be found throughout the year. Contact us for more information.
13:00 – Cooking Class
Find your inner chef with a cooking class with an experienced local chef. Visit one of the many local chef that offer cooking lessons in Umm Qais and take away a recipe that will always remind you of your time in northern Jordan.
16:00 – Yousef’s Honey
Head over to the beekeeping site in the evening to try your hand at beekeeping led by an experienced local keeper. Yousef will teach you about the bees, the intricacies of life in a hive, and even how honey is made. Don a beekeeping suit and get up close and personal with a hive- watch the bees as they continue with their work and even make way for the Queen.
* Contact us via email at reservations@barakadestinations.com for a quotation or a different itinerary suggestion.
Popular Over Night Itinerary
Day 1:
Beit Al Baraka
Check-in at Beit Al Baraka begins at 15:00 but we can sometimes arrange an earlier check in. We can also store your bags whilst you experience some of the many activities that the local community offer.
12:00 – Gadara Cycling (Intermediate)
Alaa established the Gadara Bike Shop in 2017 and provides bike rentals and cycling tours of the area. Join him for an adventure to challenge the weekend cyclist. The intermediate tour is ideal for those wishing to see the most of the Umm Qais area and all the natural landmarks that surround us.
16:00 – Duke’s Paradise
Sip on hot tea in an oasis located at the foot of the Golan Heights. The Duke’s Paradise is an ideal spot for a dip in volcanic water and a stroll within the shaded compound. This was once the holiday home of the Duke of Mukheibeh, the only Duke in Jordan.
17:30 – Romero
Watch the sun slowly set as you eat cold and hot mezza whilst perched above the Yarmouk Valley. Romero is a restaurant located in the heart of the ruins of Gadara. The restaurant employs people from the local community and has done so for many years.
Day 2:
Beit Al Baraka
Check out at Beit Al Baraka is 11:00 but this can sometimes be pushed back so do ask our staff. We can also put your bags in storage until you’re ready to leave us.
09:00 – Foraging
Northern Jordan is noticeably greener than other parts of the country, and many edible plants can be found on the hills surrounding us. Spring is the best time to go foraging but there are many plants, fruits, and vegetables that can be found throughout the year. Contact us for more information.
12:00 – Cooking Class
Find your inner chef with a cooking class with an experienced local chef. Visit one of the many local chef that offer cooking lessons in Umm Qais and take away a recipe that will always remind you of your time in northern Jordan.
15:30 – Yousef’s Honey
Head over to the beekeeping site in the evening to try your hand at beekeeping led by an experienced local keeper. Yousef will teach you about the bees, the intricacies of life in a hive, and even how honey is made. Don a beekeeping suit and get up close and personal with a hive- watch the bees as they continue with their work and even make way for the Queen.
* Contact us via email at reservations@barakadestinations.com for a quotation or a different itinerary suggestion.
