Jordan Visit - October 2025

When we first met Yousef Sayah in Umm Qais back in October 2023, we had no idea how much the day would stay with us. We spent a brilliant time with him and his nephew Ahmed, learning about their bees, tasting honey straight from the comb, and discovering the wild beauty of northern Jordan.

So when we returned to Jordan for another holiday at the beginning of October 2025, we knew we wanted to visit them again.

This time, Yousef invited us to his home for lunch, which his wife had prepared. The food was delicious, homemade and full of flavour. It was also lovely for Emma to meet Yousef’s wife, who makes her own beeswax-based beauty products using wax from the hives. After lunch, we headed out with Yousef and Ahmed to visit some of his bee colonies.

Yousef has been tending bees since he was a child, and his knowledge of the local landscape is remarkable. As we walked, he showed us different trees and plants that his bees forage on - carob, silybum, Sidr and many more. We even picked and ate fresh dates straight from the trees, along with a few other fruits growing nearby. Every part of the afternoon was relaxed, genuine, and full of warmth - just like Yousef himself.

We’d brought along a couple of small gifts for him this time - a jar of our own Meadow Honey and a Yorkshire Beekeeper T-shirt. It felt special to share something from home with someone who shares the same love for bees on the other side of the world.

Before we left, we bought some of Yousef’s black honey, which is truly amazing - rich, dark, and full of character. It’s one of those honeys that makes you stop and take notice.

The Umm Qais area, where Yousef lives and keeps his hives, lies in northern Jordan, close to the Syrian border. The views are breathtaking - from certain points you can see the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee shimmering in the distance. The region is also steeped in history, with extensive Roman and Byzantine ruins, ancient streets and theatres, and a real sense of timelessness that makes it one of our favourite parts of Jordan.

What struck us most this time wasn’t just the bees, but the warmth and hospitality of Yousef and his family. They welcomed us into their home like old friends, sharing food, stories, and laughter as if no time had passed at all.

Beekeeping has brought us together in the most unexpected way. Though we live and work in very different climates - the cooler meadows of Yorkshire and the sun-baked hills of Umm Qais - we face many of the same challenges: unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and the constant care our bees need. Yet no matter where in the world they are, bees always work in the same way - a perfectly balanced community where every bee has its role, from the queen to the foragers. Watching Yousef’s bees at work felt comfortingly familiar, a reminder that while our landscapes and languages may differ, the rhythm of the hive is universal.

What began as a chance meeting two years ago has grown into a genuine friendship, built on a shared respect for bees and the people who care for them. It’s a connection we’ll always treasure - and we hope to see Yousef, Ahmed, and their family again before too long.

For anyone travelling to Jordan and looking to experience sustainable tourism, we’d highly recommend a visit to Yousef in Umm Qais. It’s a wonderful way to meet local people, learn about beekeeping in this beautiful region, and support a small family business that truly cares for its bees and environment.