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Jordan Tourism Guide |
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Natural Sites |
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 Nature
Reserves |
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Mujib Nature Reserve
Established in 1987. Located at the Dead Sea
area (400m) below sea level and extents to Kerak
and Madaba Mountain (900m) above sea level.
According to the variations in the elevation
which is a bout 1300-m, and permanent water flow
all the year of seven Wadis this creates a
magnificent bio-diversity which represent
typical habitat for the endemic species of
plants and animals. The sand stone cliffs
represents the most typical habitat for one of
the most beautiful mountain goats is the Ibex,
which their numbers declined in the nature
because of illegal hunting. In order to save
this animal from extinction the RSCN established
a captive-breeding programme for Ibex in the
reserve. Many carnivores inhabit the various
vegetation zones in Mujib. The Caracal, a medium
sized cat with black and white ear-tufts, lives
in rocky Wadis. It is a powerful and agile
hunter with great jumping power, known to catch
flying birds in its paws.
Hiking Trails and Tours:
There are hiking trails suitable everybody:
Easy Trails:
Go! Below Sea Level Trail:
This trail is open in numbers, it starts from
the Mujib Gorge at the Mujib Bridge, hiking and
swimming for about 1 - 3 hours. The hike
continues till reaching the big waterfall where
the visitors will be heading back to the
starting point. The reserve's guide escorts this
hike when needed.
The Ibex Trail:
Hikers of this trail can enjoy the Ibex
enclosures at the Mujib gorgeous mountains. 2 km
from the Mujib Bridge starts this trail, then
heading to the gorge. Visitors are guided to the
Rayyashi Area where one can view some historical
monuments. This 2-3 hours hike is ended at the
Ibex enclosures where a full explanation about
Ibex project is given. Maximum 25 persons &
minimum 5 persons can enjoy hiking at this
trail. In addition, only 6 groups are allowed to
hike there a week.
Moderate Trails:
** The Eagle Nest Trail:
We only allow 6 groups a week, maximum 25
persons per group. The trail starts from the
Mujib Bridge area by the Dead Sea, then inside
the reserve through the Wadi system until
reaching the Mujib Gorge. After that, hiking in
the Mujib River up to the Malaqi Area where
visitors will enjoy swimming in the natural
swimming pools then back to Mujib Bridge. The
Reserve's guide always accompanies this hike. It
takes around 5 - 6 hours. Also we can provide
anyone who can't swim with a live jacket.
Hard Trails:
** The Lost Trail to the Dead Sea:
Like the circuit trail, we only allow 6 groups a
week to visit this trail, maximum 25 & minimum 5
persons per group. It begins from the upper part
of the area at Faqu'a (a small village at the
Kings' Highway), and then one goes through the
fascinating Wadi system until reaching the
Malaqi Area of the swimming pools. The voyage
continues then in the Mujib Gorge to the Mujib
Bridge. This hard hike usually takes 8-9 hours
of exciting hard hike. It might include
swimming. (Up to 35 years old)
Mujib campsite
Nature talk around eco- friendly wilderness
campsite fire sitting under stars and near the
marvellous Dead Sea - the saltiest lowest point
on earth.
Camping is not permitted outside of this area.
The carrying capacity of the camp is 12 persons
per day. Visitors will walk up to the camping
area and our car will carry their luggage.
The campsite contains 3 large tents, a bathroom,
and barbecue grills for visitor use. Visitors
are asked to bring their own sleeping bags and
drinking water. Mujib is a rough, hot area and
the walk is called adventure walk because it
contains swimming and hiking for long hours we
ask our visitors to be ready for such a trip.
Ajloun Nature Reserve
13 square km. located in the Ajloun Highlands,
consists of Mediterranean hill country,
dominated by open woodlands of Oak and
Pistachio. It represents the last remains of
evergreen Oak forests in Jordan and supports
wide range of plants and animals biodiversity.
Bird life International declared it as an
important bird area. In fact, the site supports
wide range of globally and regionally important
species. A captive-breeding program for the Roe
Deer was initiated.
The rich greenery of Ajloun has made it a
popular spot for picnickers and hikers.
Hiking Trails:
Easy Trails:
Scenic Viewpoint Trail: this 1-2 hours, 2 km
short trail leads from the campsite to the
summit of a nearby hill overlooking the reserve.
The area surrounding the trail is rich in
wildflowers in the springtime. The summit is
covered with many rocks, and you can scramble
around to find the best view. It’s an excellent
spot for a picnic. Not far from the campsite you
will find an old stone wine press. The return
trip goes through an oak forest, past a gate,
down a dirt path, and back up to the visitor’s
centre .
Moderate Trails:
Village Overlook Trail: this 4-5 hours, 8 km
trail passes through thick oak woodlands,
forming a round trip loop from the campsite. It
leads away from the campsite along the rim of a
scenic wadi Orjan to large three clearings with
scattered rocks. From these clearings, you can
see the villages of Sinar, Ras Muneef, Ajloun
Castle, Mar Elias area, and Eshtafeena). Follow
this trail along a scenic ridge, and you will
soon gain a view of the village of Rassoon
below. The trail continues around to the other
side of the hill and back up to the visitor’s
centre .
Dana Nature Reserve
Dana Nature Reserve is a system of Wadis and
mountains that extend from the top of the Rift
Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba.
Dana is truly a world of natural treasures.
Visitors to Dana can experience the beauty of
Rummana mountain, the mystery of the ancient
archaeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless
tranquillity of Dana Village, and the grandeur
of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi
Dana.
Dana is a large reserve (310 square km.),
established as a protected area in 1989. It
contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes,
ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes
to gravel plains and sand dunes. It supports a
wide variety of wildlife, including many rare
species of plants and animals.
Dana Village:
The Dana village area, over looking the scenic
Wadi Dana, has been occupied since about 4000
BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that the
fertile soil, water springs and the strategic
location of the village have drawn big
civilization to control it.
Even though this village was nearly abandoned by
its families to the nearby village of Qadissiya,
in search of better jobs, schools and housing.
Today, the village is coming back to life with
colour and vitality, the people of Dana have
rebuilt many of their traditional stone houses
with the help of the (friends of Dana). This
group of women from Amman raised enough money to
restore 65 homes and built a new mosque for the
village.
Through RSCN Wadi Dana project, the villagers
have also restored their beautiful terrace
gardens and are producing traditional handcrafts
and jewelry for sale.
Dana Guest House:
Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this
beautifully styled building offers breathtaking
views of the reserve, comfortable rooms,
traditional Arabic food, and friendly service.
It contains nine bedrooms accommodating 23
persons on beds, most with private terraces, as
well as facilities for courses and conferences
Feinan Lodge in Dana:
Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feinan, on
the border of Dana Nature Reserve, the eco-
friendly Feinan lodge will provide a cool
atmospheric retreat for eco-tourists wishing to
explore this under discovered, archaeological
rich area of Jordan.
Rummana Campsite in Dana:
Camping is not permitted outside of this area.
The carrying capacity of the camp is 60 persons
per day and 75 persons for a daily visit. The
campsite is open for visitors from March 15th to
November 15th. Visitors should leave their cars
at the Tower Entrance. A shuttle bus will
provide transportation to and from the campsite
at one-hour intervals.
The campsite contains 20 large tents, bathrooms,
and barbecue grills for visitor use. Each tent
comes fully equipped. Drinking water is
available; gas cookers may be rented and
catering services can be provided. |
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