Jordan Reserves (Get intimate with Nature)
Eco-tourism
The best way to explore a country is on foot, and Jordan is no exception. With its beautiful wilderness and nature, Zaatarah & Co. Travel and Tourism Agency wishes for you to explore these beautiful and interesting places Jordan the natural way.
Eco-tourism works on the principal of: "tourism activities should not harm the environment or cultural values and should bring benefits to local people".
Dana Nature Reserves
What's Special About It?
Dana has one of the most beautiful and unspoiled mountain landscapes in Jordan and a spectacular village, perched on the edge of a deep and precipitous gorge, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. It is rich in wildlife, and one of the best places to watch birds, especially during spring and autumn migrations. |
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Things to Do
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The total number of species recorded so far consists of 697 plants, of which 3 are new to science, and 282 animals. Many of these are now very rare and some threatened with extinction: animals like the Grey Wolf, Nubian Ibex, the Lesser Kestrel, Eagle Owl and the Desert Monitor Lizard.
So far, 45 endangered or vulnerable animals have been found in the reserve, making it truly a place of world importance. |
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Dana is rich in archaeology and culture. About 100 archaeological sites have been identified, of which the ancient copper mines Wadi Feinan are particularly special, being considered the most important archaeological complex in southern Jordan outside of Petra.
There is a wide variety of hiking trails, from short 1 hour circuits to day-hikes, requiring an over night in camps. All trails offer spectacular views of rock formations, and some pass important archaeological sites, including the ancient copper mining centre of Feinan.
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Hiking in Dana
Dana offers a selection of trails, to key points of interest for both the casual and adventurous hiker. Four of the trails are clearly marked with intermittent piles of stones along the route and can therefore be hiked independently, or with a travel agent guide.
The other two trails, which are longer and unmarked, must be hiked with a guide. Guided hikes offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a stimulating walk and learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of Dana in a natural "classroom".
Guides are available at the Rummana campsite, Dana Village, and Feinan upon request.
You should note that in Dana you are not supposed to leave the marked trails and that no independent camping is allowed. Most (not all) of the hikes described below are only authorized with an official guide.
Easy Trails:
Traditional Tribal Arts Tour
Within 1 hour, you can visit some spectacular viewpoints above Dana Village, explore the terraced gardens, meet some local farmers, visit a traditional bakery and Dana's Jam Factory and the fruit, soap and silver workshop.
Campsite Trail
Within two hours, you can go on a circular walk around the campsite area, a favorable place for birding, nesting or migrating. (Could be self guided).
Valley "Wadi" Dana Trail
For the long hike lovers, you will enjoy this hiking experience for 14 Km (5-6 hours) of spectacular uphill walk from Dana to Feinan. (Could be self guided).
Moderate Trails: (up to 47 years old)
Roman Lost Copper Mines Tour
(Dana- Feinan- copper mines): 16 Km trail taking 6 hours hiking from Dana to Feinan, visiting the copper mines (Guided, group number maximum 20 young, 10 old).
Griffon Vulture’s Tour
2.5 Km moderate trail to Rummana scenic peak, for an excellent view of Wadi Araba, and an ancient cistern. Here you enjoy 1-2 hours of circular walk. Visitors will pass some magnificent rock structures of sandstone and limestone; Roman and early Islamic archaeology, observe Griffon vultures and other birds of prey; view the beautiful nature of the area covered by Juniper trees, as well as early Islamic ruins. (Could be self guided)
Village Overland Trail
8 Km, 3 hour, horizontal moderate trail starts from Rummana Camp, past Wadi escarpments, through terraced gardens, and Dana Village to Dana Guesthouse and Visitor Centre. (Compulsory guided)
Feinan Copper Mine Tour
Start from Feinan to see ancient copper mines; and Tell of Khirbet Feinan to see the remains of Byzantine churches; a Roman tower, Christian and Islamic graves, and Iron Age remains. It takes 1-2 hours from Feinan. (Compulsory guided)
Waterfalls area tour: Two and a half hours- 2 Km - moderate trail, starting from al-Barra area, to the beautiful springs, and ancient ruins in Nawatef area, going back to al- Barra area. (Compulsory guide)
Hard trails: (up to 35 years old)
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Palm Trees Wadi Tour
This trail is suitable for adventure lovers; since it takes 6-8 hours of hard hike, (16 km) up the Wadi, past an oasis with a warm spring beginning from al- Barra to Feinan. (Compulsory guided, group number maximum 15)
Mysterious Nabatean Tomb Tour
2 km hike, on a hard hike trail to a breathtaking ravine, containing Nabatean tombs from al-Barra, to Shaq al Reesh then back to al-Barra. (Compulsory guided group number maximum 10).
How to get to Dana?
The reserve lies 200 kilometers south of the capital, Amman, and 50 kilometers north of Petra, which is about 2 hours from Amman and Aqaba.
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Accommodation
1- Dana Guest House
This stone-built guest house lays hundreds of meters above the edge of Wadi Dana, offering breath-taking views of the reserve. It has nine comfortably furnished rooms with private terraces (5 double, 3 triple and one with 4-beds) and serves traditional Arabic food. Also, there are facilities for workshops and conferences.
2- Dana Hotel
This is run as a village co-operative.
3- Feinan Lodge
Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feinan on the western boarder of the Dana Nature Reserve, the Wilderness Lodge will provide a cool, atmospheric retreat for tourists wishing to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. The lodge will have a unique arabesque desert design, and use environment- friendly technologies, including solar and candle power. At night, most of the lodge will be lit by candles, making it a very romantic destination.
4- Rummana Camp
Camping is not permitted outside of this area. The campsite is open for overnight visitors from 15th March to 15th November. Visitors must check into the campsite before 8 p.m. Visitors should leave their cars at the Tower entrance. Transportation to and from the campsite is provided by a shuttle bus. The campsite contains 2 large tents, bathrooms, and barbecue grills for the use of visitors doing their own catering. Each tent comes fully equipped. Drinking water is available and you can cook in barbeque trays if you bring your own charcoal. The staff can prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner if requested in advanced.
Mujib Nature Reserves
What’s Special about It?
Mujib is one of Jordan’s most dramatic, but least known places, consisting of rugged sandstone mountains, cut into deep ravines by clean, flowing rivers. Its beauty is further enhanced by its location alongside the Dead Sea, giving a deep blue/green backdrop to its colorful mountains.
The most exciting attraction of Mujib is the adventure tour along the river, which takes you through deep canyons and pools where you can swim and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife. This guided tour is available 4 times a week and is limited to groups of 20 and less.
There are other shorter hikes in addition, such as descending water falls, wild life tours, ibex breeding enclosure, bird watching, wilderness camping, which can be provided.
Mujib is a place for nature lovers who are fit and enjoy walking. Facilities are simple, and it can get very hot during the summer. River tours are popular and pre-booking is essential.
How to Get There
Mujib lies about half way down the Dead Sea, which is about 100 kilometers from Amman. There is a highway all the way to the reserve. The main entrance and reception is by the new Mujib road bridge.
Accommodation
There is only one wilderness campsite with tents set up for 25 visitors. Sleeping bags and blankets are not provided. Washing and toilet facilities are very simple. Visitors must walk to and from the campsite but transportation for luggage is available. Along the Dead Sea shore are several luxury hotels in easy reach of the reserve.
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Azraq Wetland Reserve
What’s Special about It?
Azraq is a unique oasis, which has recently been brought back to life after years of excessive water pumping.
It is the only place in the Jordanian deserts where you can walk around marshes, pools, and have green vegetation above your head.
Once a major stop-over for thousands of migrating birds, it is now beginning to attract some of these birds again.
Bird watchers take note!
Things to Do
The reserve offers a lot in a small area: raised wooden trails through the marsh (hard to imagine that you are in a desert), a beautiful hide for watching birds in shade and comfort; fascinating archaeology of a very rare Umayyad Dam.
A visitor centre and attractive activities are available. Otherwise, you can just sit by the pools and enjoy the wetland atmosphere.
Azraq is close to the Shaumari nature reserve, and you can make a full-day outing by visiting them both.
The reserve is adjacent to the South Azraq village, which lies due east of Amman at a distance of 110 kilometers. It takes about one and a half hour of driving, using the eastern highway. This highway passes through the famous desert castles of Amra and Harrani.
Accommodation
There is an old hunting lodge that belongs to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and several two-room bungalows in Azraq Village where visitor facilities are under development. They provide basic facilities and can accommodate up to 30 people per night.
Shaumari Nature Reserve
Shaumari is the home of the magnificent Arabian Oryx, the big White Antelope, which once roamed throughout Arabia. Here, you can see one of the largest herds in the world, built up by years of care to save this animal from extinction.
Things to Do
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Visitors can see not only the Oryx, but also Onagers, Ostriches, Gazelles, and other endangered animals in the Middle East. The breeding enclosures are like a small zoo, popular for children. The Visitors Centre tells the amazing story of the Oryx and its fight for survival. A special ‘safari shuttle’, takes up to 15 people into the reserve to see the free-roaming Herds. A small picnic area and children’s playground are available. |
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How to Get There
Shaumari lies about 125 kilometers east Amman, near Azraq Village, and can be reached by following the directions given for the Azraq Oasis.
Accommodation
Most visitors travel to Shaumari for the day and do not stay overnight. But if you want to combine it with a visit to the Azraq Oasis, and desert castles then simple accommodation is available in RSCN’s hunting lodge in Azraq Village, where it can lodge up to 30 people and offers 10 separate, two-room bungalows with private toilets.
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Ajloun
Ajloun Nature Reserve, is located in the Ajloun highlands (north of Amman), around the extension of a long valley known as Wadi Ain Zubia.
It consists of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of Oak and Pistachio trees.
The Reserve was first established in 1988, when a captive-breeding program for the Roe Deer was initiated.
The reserve (13 square km.) is located in an area named Eshtafeena. The reserve management has set up two hiking trails, and provided a special area for camping.
Ajloun's woodlands consist mostly of Oak trees, in-mixed with Pistachio, Pine, Carob, and wild strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty and quite often for medicine and food.The Roe Deer is adapted to forest habitat, and feeds on a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses.
The rich Mediterranean-like forests that covered the Ajloun area provided an ideal habitat for millennia. However, deforestation and desertification over the past 200 years led to the decline in numbers of the Roe Deer. Three Roe Deers were introduced to the captive breeding enclosure in Ajloun in 1988, from a similar habitat in Turkey. Today, there are thirteen Roe Deers in Ajloun.
The Persian Fallow Deer is specie that was once common in Jordan. This animal probably became extinct by the turn of the century. A re-introduction program for this deer at Zubia will begin as soon as the Roe Deer Program has been firmly established. This species of deer derives its name from the old English word "falu", meaning "brownish-yellow", which describes the color of its coat.
People with a rich history
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Ajloun has a long history of human settlement. Due to its Mediterranean climate, dense forests and fertile soil, this rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins, scattered in the woodlands, and surrounding villages. In the village of Tubna, the visitor will find a Zeidanian mosque, and a meeting hall dating back to 1750 AD. The visitor will also find a structure known as "Al'ali Shreidah", home of the governor of the region, before the establishment of modern Jordan.
The governor's home was much admired by the contemporaries, due to the fact that, it was the first two-level building in the region.
The Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad) built by Salah al Deen's nephew 1184 AD, is another important archeological landmark.
The castle was built to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and to counter the progress of the Crusaders; by dominating the three main routes leading to the Jordan valley, and protecting the communication routes between Jordan and Syria.
There are settlements in Zubia village in Ajloun which dates back to the Byzantine period. There is an area in the village known as "the monastery" which contains the remains of an old Byzantine church. There are also houses and stables dating back several hundred years.
A spring, located in a valley between Zubia and Tubna, served as a major source of water for the surrounding settlements. Today, there are more than ten villages surrounding the Ajloun Reserve.
Some villagers are involved in farming crops such as grapes, figs, and olives, while others work in the public sector. Ajloun area is famous for its olive trees and its assortment of goods and products. |
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Bird watching
Jordan's location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia means that birds from these three regions can sometimes be spotted in the same general area in Jordan.
Bird-watchers from all over the world have started organizing week-long trips to Jordan to enjoy the sight of some rare species of indigenous birds, and others that migrate annually between the northern, and southern hemispheres.
Jordan's remarkable variety of habitats from rugged mountains, and evergreen woodlands, to scrubby steppe and hot deserts, also makes for a dazzling variety of bird species.Jordan's Great Rift Valley is something of a high-traffic crossroads on the main migration routes, for birds moving between Eastern Europe,Central Asia , Russia , and Africa.
At certain times of the year, the skies over the Rift Valley are full of circling birds of prey. Bird watching in Jordan is also enhanced by the genuine friendliness of the Jordanian people, and the opportunity to combine bird-watching with trips to some of the Middle East's most amazing ancient and natural wonders such as Petra , Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea.
What Sort of Birds Can You See?
The eastern desert habitat is interrupted by the Azraq Wetland Reserve and is home to aquatic and desert species along with migrants in spring, such as the Temmiinck's Horned Lark, Desert Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Desert Wheatear and Trumpeter Finch. In winter, Cranes and Imperial Eagles roam across this area, while in the Desert Castles area east of Amman you can see Thick-billed Lark and Red-rumped Wheatears.
In the western highland Mediterranean habitats, surrounded by open steppe country, the wooded areas of Ajloun, Zubia, Dibbin, and Dana, are home to the Palestine Sunbird, Upcher's, Orphean, and Sardinian Warbler. The more open, steppe habitats typically contain the Spectacled Warbler, Long-billed Pipit, Black-eared Wheatear, Woodchat Shrike and Linnet.
The rift margins and valleys of the western highlands represent the cross-roads of four bio-geographic zones. Wadi Shu'eib and Wadi Mujib with their perennial water courses are home to the beautiful Smyrna Kingfisher, while at the magnificent rocky gorges of Wadi Rum, Dana, Mujib and Petra you can find the Griffon Vulture, Bonelli's Eagle, Hume's Tawny Owl, Blackstart, different Wheatears, Scrub Warbler, Sinai Rose finch, House Bunting, Tristram's Grackle and Fan-tailed Raven.
The Dead Sea area and Wadi Arabah are home to the Arabian and African species such as the Sand Partridge, Bar-tailed, Dunn's and Hoopoe Larks, Little Green Bee-eater, Blackstart, and Arabian Warbler.
Several fine color guides to bird watching in Jordan have been published in recent years. Information on bird watching can be obtained from the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.
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