Jordan
Dana Nature Reserve
Ecological Safari in Jordan
Program: 10 Days/ 09 Nights
Theme: Adventure, Eco & Nature Reserves
About the Program
This program is made to meet the expectations of nature lovers. We have chosen the most beautiful and rich hiking areas in the wildlife landscape. In order to make the journey as complete as possible, the natural reserves chosen for these excursions are varied and distributed from north to south. This is to allow you to discover the ecological biosphere reserve Dana, Ajloun, and Almujib. Keeping in mind we added the most majestic historical UNESCO sites Petra, and Wadi rum along the way of your journey to marvel at.
Tips to travel smoothly
- Hiking boots
- Backpack, sleeping bag, and emergency kit
- Warm clothing, because it gets cold during the night
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Power banks
- Plenty of drinking water to avoid getting dehydrated in the heat
Program Overview
1
Queen Alia Airport (Welcome to Jordan) - Amman
2
Amman – Jerash – Ajloun Forest Reserve (Soap House Trail)
3
Ajloun Forest Reserve (The Prophet’s Trail) – Al Mujib Nature Reserve
4
Al Mujib Reserve (Ibex Trail) – Dana Nature Reserve
5
Dana Nature Reserve - Wadi Dana Trail (14 KM)
6
Dana Nature Reserve (Wadi Ghwair Trail) – Petra
7
Petra visit with a local guide – Walking up to 10 KM
8
Petra – Little Petra – Wadi Rum (Jeep tour for 3 Hours)
9
Wadi Rum – Dead Sea - Amman
10
Amman – Queen Alia Airport
A trip according to your desires:
This travel proposal is 100% customizable according to your wishes. You can change your trip (duration, accommodation, activities, and services) during your discussions with the local agency.
Itinerary Day by Day
Day 01: Queen Alia Airport - Amman
Upon arrival at Queen Alia international airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative who will be waiting for you with a sign under your names to complete all airport procedures, then guide you to your driver/ guide to pick you up from the Airport to your hotel in Amman.
You will be transferred from Queen Alia Airport to Amman | |
Distance | Time Estimated Access |
35 KM | 45 Minute |
No excursions on this day
Hotel Name: Amman Hotel (3*), (4*), or (5*) upon your request
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Day 02: Amman – Jerash (with a local guide) – Ajloun Forest Reserve (Soap House Trail)
Meet your driver/ guide at the hotel in the morning, transfer to visit Jerash "one of the Decapolis cities” and then continue to Ajloun Forest Reserve which is located in the Ajloun highlands.
You will be transferred from Amman to Jerash | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
40 KM | 1 Hour | 1 Hour and 30 Minute |
You will be transferred from Jerash to Ajloun - Soap House Trail | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
25 KM | 40 Minute | 2-3 Hours |
Jerash (Gerasa):
It is without doubt one of the most beautiful Roman cities preserved in the Near East, the city of 1000 pillars. After Petra, Jerash is the second largest tourist destination in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash can proudly situate the beginning of its occupation by men to more than 6500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in the year 63 BC, it passed under Roman control and became one of the ten great Roman cities composing the Confederation of Decapolis. Our local guide will introduce you to his colonnades, temples, theaters, churches, cardo-maxims, and other monuments.
Ajloun:
Trail Description:
This trail begins at the Reserve's Visitor Center and takes you to the Soap House in the neighboring village of Orjan. On the way, you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and oriental strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view a ruined wine press before you pass one of the oldest strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley. The trail climbs to 1,100m above sea level at Eagle's View Point and then descends to the Soap House where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive oil soap.
Note: You can continue walking the Houses Trail or the Village Tour once you have reached the Soap House.
It is without doubt one of the most beautiful Roman cities preserved in the Near East, the city of 1000 pillars. After Petra, Jerash is the second largest tourist destination in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash can proudly situate the beginning of its occupation by men to more than 6500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in the year 63 BC, it passed under Roman control and became one of the ten great Roman cities composing the Confederation of Decapolis. Our local guide will introduce you to his colonnades, temples, theaters, churches, cardo-maxims, and other monuments.
Ajloun:
Soap House Trail – Guided only | ||
Grade | Distance | Time |
Moderate | 6-7 KM | 2-3 Hours |
Trail Description:
This trail begins at the Reserve's Visitor Center and takes you to the Soap House in the neighboring village of Orjan. On the way, you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and oriental strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view a ruined wine press before you pass one of the oldest strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley. The trail climbs to 1,100m above sea level at Eagle's View Point and then descends to the Soap House where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive oil soap.
Note: You can continue walking the Houses Trail or the Village Tour once you have reached the Soap House.
Hotel Name: Ajloun Cabins (Economy or Deluxe)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 03: Ajloun Forest Reserve (The Prophet’s Trail) – Al Mujib Nature Reserve
You will start your day with “The Prophet’s Trail in Ajloun Reserve” to continue what you have begun yesterday and discover more amazing things, then visit Ajloun Castle.
Meet your driver/guide, transfer to Al Mujib Natural Reserve.
Meet your driver/guide, transfer to Al Mujib Natural Reserve.
You will be transferred From Ajloun To Al Mujib Biosphere Reserve | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
70 KM | 1 Hour and 30 Minute | --- |
The Prophet’s Trail "Guided only" | ||
Grade | Distance | Time |
Moderate | 8.5 KM | 4 Hours |
Trail Description (Starting time: 08:00 a.m.):
This hike takes you from Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center to Mar Elias, the ruins of one of Jordan's oldest churches. It is named after the Prophet Elias, or Elijah, to whom Mar Elias is dedicated. The trail leads through fig and pear orchards, amongst forests of oak and oriental strawberry trees. The stone walls that crisscross the valley guard the farmers' crops inside from both the winter rains and wild boar. Relax in the shade with a glass of tea before climbing to the hilltop ruins, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding area. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch near the ruins.
Ajloun Castle;
It is a 12th-century Muslim castle situated in the Northwest of Jordan. Located 75 km away from Amman, about an hour and a half drive.
It was named after a Christian monk who lived on the mountain in the Byzantine Period.
The castle stands on the ruins of a monastery, traces of which were discovered during archaeological excavations. It is believed that the castle controlled traffic along the road connecting Damascus and Egypt.
Many areas of the castle can be explored, there is also a museum exhibition inside with many interesting artifacts from various time periods of the region. You can also admire the panoramic view over the Jordan Valley from the top of the castle. You can also see the Ajloun nature reserve, Mar Elias an archaeological site believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Elijah. Finally, you can have a meal with a local family or even a homestay to truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Hotel Name: Al-Mujib Chalet (Economy or Deluxe)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 04: Al Mujib Reserve (Ibex Trail) – Dana Nature Reserve
On this morning; you will walk around the lowest nature reserve on Earth “Mujib Biosphere Reserve” via Ibex Trail, with a lot of wonderful things waiting for you to see.
You will be transferred from Al Mujib Nature Reserve to Dana Reserve | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
140 KM | 2 Hours | --- |
Ibex Trail (Dry Trails): Available: from November 1- to March 31 each year | ||
Grade | Distance | Time |
Moderate | 8.5 KM | 4 Hours |
Trail Description:
- Starting time: 08:00 a.m.
- Guided only
- Requirements: Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
The trail begins at the Adventures Center and follows The Dead Sea Highway before ascending into the Reserve. Diverging to the south, the trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a startlingly blue backdrop for the entire hike. The hike then continues along with a number of dry wadis to the Raddas Ranger Station, where you may see Nubian Ibex. It is also where the famous rock “statue” of Lot’s wife can be seen. After resting at the Station, the trail continues along a road for about one hour until reaching the Reserve entrance near the Visitor Center.
Hotel Name: Dana Hotel/ Dana Camp (Economy or Deluxe)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 05: Dana Nature Reserve - Wadi Dana Trail (14 KM)
Dana Nature Reserve - Wadi Dana Trail (14 KM)
No transportations on this day
Wadi Dana Trail (Year-round) | ||
Grade | Distance | Time |
Moderate | 14 KM | 5-7 Hours |
Trail Description:
- Starting time: 8:00 a.m. from Dana Guesthouse
- Guided or self-guided
Start from the Dana Guesthouse at 1200m above sea level and adventure down through the beautiful Dana Biosphere Reserve to Feynan at 325 m. Cross paths and exchange warm greetings with local Bedouin tending their goats or stop to rest and enjoy some sweet tea. Experience the 4 different bio-geological zones of Dana and keep an eye out for the many rare forms of flora and fauna to be found here such as the Nubian ibex. For those looking for a steeper challenge, this hike can be made in reverse, uphill from Feynan to the Dana Guesthouse.
Note: Local drivers can transport your luggage to the lodge or the guest house. There is an additional charge for transfers.
Hotel Name: Dana Hotel/ Dana Camp (Economy or Deluxe)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 06: Dana Nature Reserve (Wadi Ghwair Trail) – Petra
Dana Nature Reserve - Wadi Ghwair Trail
You will be transferred from Dana Nature Reserve to Petra | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
60 KM | 1 Hour | --- |
Wadi Ghwair Trail - (Not available in winter and during Ramadan) | ||
Grade | Distance | Time |
Difficult | 18 KM | 7-8 Hours |
Trail Description:
- Starting time: 7:00 a.m.
- Guided only
- Requirements: Transportation to and from Al Mansoura near Shoubak area; no fear of heights
Continue along the gravel river bed of the Wadi, alongside a flowing stream, to the entrance to Wadi Ghweir. Very similar to the famous Siq in Petra, the trail leads through magnificent sceneries of different stone formations and many unique plants and trees on both sides of the river. The scenery is so breathtaking it has been known to cause visitors to forget about everything else -- including how long they have been hiking! After 3.5 hours, you will have a tea break while you learn more about the area from your guide. From there, continue to the Byzantine archaeology at Khirbet Feynan until you reach your final destination at Feynan Ecolodge.
Note: This trail is closed in the case of rainfall in the surrounding mountains, due to the possibility of flash floods.
Hotel Name: Petra Hotel (3*), (4*), or (5*) upon your request
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Day 07: Petra visit with a local guide – Walking up to 10 KM
Meet your driver/guide at the hotel in the morning, transfer to the Petra site for a full-day visit.
No transportation
Petra:
The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value - as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.
Petra the world wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is without a doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago. Their presence turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice, and other trade routes that linked China, India, and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome.
you will visit the unique "Rose-Red" city of Petra, built by the Arab Nabateans who hewed their monumental tombs, palaces, temples, and treasury from the desert rock’s sandstone in its’ natural hues of rose and gold.
You will begin the trip on horseback for 700m till the entrance of the impressive narrow gorge (Siq) that leads marvelously to the magical moment. There you can glimpse the Treasury, continue to the street of facades, the Royal Tombs, the Cardo, Temples, Churches, and Museums.
The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value - as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.
Petra the world wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is without a doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago. Their presence turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice, and other trade routes that linked China, India, and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome.
you will visit the unique "Rose-Red" city of Petra, built by the Arab Nabateans who hewed their monumental tombs, palaces, temples, and treasury from the desert rock’s sandstone in its’ natural hues of rose and gold.
You will begin the trip on horseback for 700m till the entrance of the impressive narrow gorge (Siq) that leads marvelously to the magical moment. There you can glimpse the Treasury, continue to the street of facades, the Royal Tombs, the Cardo, Temples, Churches, and Museums.
Hotel Name: Petra Hotel (3*), (4*), or (5*) upon your request
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Day 08: Petra – Little Petra – Wadi Rum (4x4 Jeep Ride)
Meet your driver/ guide at the hotel in the morning, travel around Little Petra, it’s close to Petra and you will find it after a 15-minute drive. Then transfer south to the Largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s landscape – Wadi Rum, you will discover the desert by the old Bedouin 4x4 SUV.
You will be transferred from Petra to Little Petra | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
10 KM | 15 Minute | 30 Minute |
You will be transferred from Little Petra to Wadi Rum | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
140 KM | 2 Hours and 30 Minute | 3 Hours |
Little Petra:
Al Beidha better known as Little Petra. You enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq Al-Barid, the "cold Siq". The name refers to the circumstance that the high walls prevent sunlight from entering the canyon and warming it. The Siq is 350 meters long with three wider areas inside.
It is believed that Little Petra was an important suburb of Petra, the entry and exit point for the trade routes to the north and north-west. Here the caravans from the Negev, Gaza, Jerusalem, Egypt, and the Mediterranean coast arrived, had a rest, and engaged in trade. Like in Petra buildings had been carved into the sandstone, used as residences, storages and tombs along with water channels and cisterns. In one of the buildings, you can find the remains of painted frescoes with birds, grapes, and flowers, dating from the 1st century AD.
Wadi Rum:
Wadi Rum is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes, it's also known as the "Valley of the moon". You can explore the desert with a 4x4 SUV, as well as excellent opportunities for unusual treks to discover the desert on foot.
Our team will take you to discover the most extensive and majestic desert landscape of Jordan with its red sandstone hills, needles, and ridges. "Vast resounding, divine" are the terms used by Lawrence of A Rabie to describe this landscape. Excursion by vehicle type 4x4 to observe the animals. The eco-system of Wadi Rum holds many rare plants endemic to this region. It is in spring that hundreds of species of wildflowers are reborn. There were approximately 120 species of birds in this region include the griffon vulture, the short-tailed crow. Surveys have shown the presence of the gray wolf, Blandford fox, sand cat, and ibex in the area.
Al Beidha better known as Little Petra. You enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq Al-Barid, the "cold Siq". The name refers to the circumstance that the high walls prevent sunlight from entering the canyon and warming it. The Siq is 350 meters long with three wider areas inside.
It is believed that Little Petra was an important suburb of Petra, the entry and exit point for the trade routes to the north and north-west. Here the caravans from the Negev, Gaza, Jerusalem, Egypt, and the Mediterranean coast arrived, had a rest, and engaged in trade. Like in Petra buildings had been carved into the sandstone, used as residences, storages and tombs along with water channels and cisterns. In one of the buildings, you can find the remains of painted frescoes with birds, grapes, and flowers, dating from the 1st century AD.
Wadi Rum:
Wadi Rum is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes, it's also known as the "Valley of the moon". You can explore the desert with a 4x4 SUV, as well as excellent opportunities for unusual treks to discover the desert on foot.
Our team will take you to discover the most extensive and majestic desert landscape of Jordan with its red sandstone hills, needles, and ridges. "Vast resounding, divine" are the terms used by Lawrence of A Rabie to describe this landscape. Excursion by vehicle type 4x4 to observe the animals. The eco-system of Wadi Rum holds many rare plants endemic to this region. It is in spring that hundreds of species of wildflowers are reborn. There were approximately 120 species of birds in this region include the griffon vulture, the short-tailed crow. Surveys have shown the presence of the gray wolf, Blandford fox, sand cat, and ibex in the area.
Hotel Name: Wadi Rum Camp - Luxury or Deluxe -upon your request
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 09: Wadi Rum – The Dead Sea – Amman
Meet your driver/guide at the camp in the morning and transfer to the lowest spot on the earth - The Dead Sea, and then continue to Amman.
You will be transferred from Wadi Rum to The Dead Sea | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
10 KM | 15 Minute | 30 Minute |
You will be transferred from The Dead Sea to Amman | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
140 KM | 2 Hours and 30 Minute | 3 Hours |
The lowest spot on the earth "Dead Sea":
The Dead Sea has an extensive historical and spiritual legacy. Its surface and shores are 430.5 meters below sea level the Earth's lowest elevation on land.
It is the lowest point on earth located 60 km from Amman. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Bela).
Dead Sea waters have been known by many for centuries to be the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world.
You will spend an amazing time sunbathing, swimming, and dining, as well as enjoy a strange but delightful experience: "float on the surface of the waters", the high buoyancy is due to the salt content being nine times higher than that of ordinary seawater.
The Dead Sea has an extensive historical and spiritual legacy. Its surface and shores are 430.5 meters below sea level the Earth's lowest elevation on land.
It is the lowest point on earth located 60 km from Amman. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Bela).
Dead Sea waters have been known by many for centuries to be the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world.
You will spend an amazing time sunbathing, swimming, and dining, as well as enjoy a strange but delightful experience: "float on the surface of the waters", the high buoyancy is due to the salt content being nine times higher than that of ordinary seawater.
Hotel Name: Amman Hotel (3*), (4*), or (5*) upon your request
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Room Type: Single/ Double/ Twin/ Triple – upon availability
Meal Plan: BB (Bed & Breakfast only) or HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Higher Categories: Suite, Family, or Apartments
Others: Connected Rooms - subject to availability
Day 10: Amman – Q. Alia Airport
Meet your driver/ guide at the hotel and transfer to Queen Alia Airport for final departure.
You will be transferred from Amman to Queen Alia Airport | ||
Distance | Time Estimated Access | Site visit |
35 KM | 45 Minutes | --- |
No Excursions
No accommodations
End Of Program
Are you interested in this trip?
Contact us to customize a program that suits your wishes and needs,
Our team will be at your service, we manage and operate a multilingual department
Our team will be at your service, we manage and operate a multilingual department
Looking for international flight tickets?
We are able to book flights to and from pretty much anywhere in the world, and can even hold them for a week or so in most cases, whilst you firm up the details of your trip.
We offer our travelers exclusive advantages:
- Competitive prices
- All-inclusive prices with no hidden fees
- We will keep you posted of any changes to your flights
- Our team will find for you the best flight that suits your customized itinerary
For more information or to book your flights directly, please contact us.
Optional Activities
It's a good idea to add some activities to your program so that you get more fun, don't hesitate to contact us for further information