Place to Visit: Dana Nature Reserve

Wonderful Rambles in a Showpiece Reserve

Central Jordan, Jordan

The stunning scenery and excellent hiking trails make Dana Nature Reserve Jordan’s premier location for on-foot exploration. A wide range of plants, animals and birds can be found in a variety of habitats which range over an escarpment that extends in altitude from 1,500m to well-below sea level. A visit allows the hiker an opportunity to spot some rare wildlife and enjoy some of Jordan’s most spectacular views.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Jordan’s best hiking ranging from a couple of hours to multi-day trips
  • A range of accommodation styles from camps to the wonderful lodges and guesthouses
  • See how the community if being revitalised through sustainable development work

Background

The reserve takes its name from Dana village, a rural settlement once in danger of dying as its young moved away to find work in nearby towns. Thanks to the efforts of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) the establishment of the reserve and the work done in eco-tourism to involve villagers in provided services to visitors the community is strengthening again.

At the visitors' centre (located at the edge of Dana village and next to the Dana Guesthouse) look in on the interpretation room which explains a little about Dana's complex eco-system and nature, and purchase organically grown produce which comes straight from the village terrace gardens, along with silver jewellery created by the women of Dana village.

Relaxing

Sit back and enjoy the views – arguably there’s no better way of enjoying the dramatic Wadi Araba which drops dramatically away below the reserve.

Dana Nature Reserve

The reserve covers a huge area with the topography giving rise to several different habitats. Some 700 species of plant, 8 of which are endemic, 565 species of animal including Nubian ibex, sand cat, honey badger, Syrian wolf and Asiatic jackal and 160 species of birds can be found in the reserve.

The views are incredible and can be enjoyed from a variety of trails where walks range in duration from an hour or so to several days: a guide from the RSCN is mandatory. Accommodation can be found in Dana village or booked through the RSCN at one of their excellent lodges and camps.

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