Jordanian Tours »Wild Reserves Tours of Jordan

Wild Reserves Tours of Jordan

Eco-Tourism

Jordan was known throughout history for its extensive pasture-lands and forests, which until recently surrounded most of the towns and villages. Perhaps the elderly can still remember the beautiful greenery, but sadly, due to ignorance, it no longer exists.

Sixty-nine species of mammals were recorded in Jordan before the beginning of 20th century. Currently, it is believed that only thirty-one species.

The national bird is the 'Petra rose finch'.

In Jordan, there are about 3,500 different types of wild plant, and the national flower in Jordan is the 'black Iris'.

Ajloun Nature Reserve (Highland Reserve)

Located in the Ajloun highland. It consists of Mediterranean hill country, dominated by open woodlands of oak and pistachio. It was first established in 1988 in an area known as 'Burqush', where a captive-breeding program for the Roe Deer was initiated. Later it was moved to 'Ishtafaina', an area north west of Burqush. The Ishtafina area (132 km.) is now considered the official nature reserve.

The rich greenery of the area has made it a popular spot for picnickers and hikers. Visitor services however, are few at present, but a project is going to be launched to develop trails for observing wild life and the camp to enjoy the beauty of the special area.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert. Its beauty lies in several pools, a seasonally-flooded marshland, and a large mudflat known as Qa'at Azraq.

A variety of birds flock to the reserve each year, stopping for a short rest along their migration routes, staying for the winter or breeding within the reserve.

Because of the marvelous blue streams, the local people named it 'Azraq'.

Unfortunately these streams are all dry nowadays, and all the oases have disappeared because they pumped the water from them to Amman and Zarqa,

The visitor centre enables you to experience the area in a different way, by offering explanations and other activities regarding the reserve.

In this reserve there is still a lot to see, like the wooden trail, which affords visitors an opportunity to hike through, and the beautiful hide for bird watching, with the remains of an ancient dam dating back to the 8th century A.D.

Azraq lodge

The lodge contains a cozy common room with a fireplace, and five private two-room bungalows.

Shaumary Reserve

This was created in 1975 as a breeding centre for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. It is home to some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East. In this small 22.2 km. reserve, you can find Arabian Oryx, ostriches, gazelles and Onager (wild ass). These animals are increasing their populations and reasserting their presence in this safe haven, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction which nearly wiped them out.

Visitors to the reserve can see the living result of this global co-operation. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the ostriches, gazelles and wild ass can be observed in their enclosures. Shaumary's breeding enclosures provide a small 'zoo' for visitors, making the reserve a popular spot for children and school outings.

Mujib Nature Reserve

Located in the Dead Sea area at 400 m below sea level, it extends to Kerak and Madaba 900 m above sea level. According to the variation in the elevation, which is about 1300m, and permanent waterflow all year round, in seven valleys, this has created a magnificent bio-diversity, which represents the typical habitat for endemic species of plants and animals. The sandstone cliff represents the most typical habitat for one the most beautiful mountain goats - the Ibex, whose numbers declined in the nature reserve, due to illegal hunting. In order to save this animal from extinction the 'RSCN', the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, established a captive-breeding program for Ibex in the reserve.

Many carnivores inhabited 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 an incredible jumping capacity, and is able to catch flying birds in it paws.

Mujib Trails

As far as the Mujib reserve is concerned, there are many adventures you can enjoy:

Mujib circuit trail. Mujib siq trail. Mujib upper trail. Ibex trail.

Mujib campsite

It contains 5 large tents, a bathroom, and barbecue grills for visitors' use. The capacity of the camp is 25 people, per day.

Mujib is a very rough, hot area, and the walk is called an adventure because it contains swimming and hiking for the whole day, therefore adventurers are required to be well-prepared for this adventure.

Dana Nature Reserve

Dana Nature Reserve is a system of valleys and mountains that extended 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 Rumman Mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless tranquility 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, overlooking the scenic Wadi Dana, has been occupied since about 4000 BC. Archeological evidence indicates that the fertile soil, water springs, and the strategic location of the village have enticed large civilizations 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 color and vitality. The people of Dana have rebuilt many of their traditional stone houses with the help of 'friends of Dana'. This group of women from Amman raised enough money to restore 65 houses, and built a new mosque for the village.

Things to do in Dana:

Enjoy the panoramic view over the unique rock formation. Bird watching. From the terrace overlooking the deep valley. Take a tour of the exhibition and workshops in the main building. Learn about the reserve and see the handicrafts being made. Find excellent gifts in the nature reserve shop. Explore the authentic type of architecture, by walking through the old village. Explore the style of life, and see how people still live in their original houses. Enjoy wandering amongst the terraced gardens of the local people. Partake in a wonderful adventure, by hiking along the trails into the nature reserve, as you can choose particular trails and various distances.

Reserve camps

A. Rummana campsite: camping is not permitted out side of this area. The capacity of this camp is 60 people per day and 75 people for daily visits.

All facilities are available in the camp.

B. Feinan campsite: there are 10 tents currently.

Costings

This Tour costs £599 per person (minimum 2 people)

Price is for 3* Hotel.

For 4* hotel add £100, and for 5* add £200.

Our other tours

Other tours we offer include: