Dana Biosphere Reserve is an area of staggering beauty, history, and biodiversity. The only reserve in Jordan that encompasses the four different bio-geographical zones of the country (Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian), it is a melting pot of species from Europe, Africa and Asia. Such a combination of natural communities in a single area is unique in Jordan and many of Dana Biosphere Reserve’s animals and plants are very rare. So far, a total of 800 plant speciesand 449 animal species have been recorded in the Reserve, of which 25 are known to be endangered, including the Sand Cat, the Syrian Wolf, the Lesser Kestrel and the Spiny Tailed Lizard.
WADI DANA TRAIL
This trail passes through sandstone gorges, and the 3 different bio-geological zones of Dana. If you’re lucky you may see some endangered animals such as the Nubian Ibex. This trail leads downhill to Feynan, where visitors can arrange for return transportation or stay overnight in the Feynan Ecolodge. Alternatively, visitors can begin this trail at Feynan Ecolodge and travel to the Dana Guesthouse or Rummana Campsite.
This trail is operated year-round (except during Ramadan) and can be guided or self-guided.
DANA FRUIT DRYING WORKSHOP
The sun-drenched terraces of Dana Village provide a perfect place for growing fruit. The women of the village harvest the fruits by hand and lay them out in the Jordanian sun to dry. Afterwards, they are turned into delicious sun-dried fruit products that make perfect snacks for the whole family.
DANA VILLAGE TOUR
Starting from the Dana Guesthouse, this trail winds above the Dana Village and through the terraced gardens and local craft workshops. Visitors can meet the local residents, see original Ottoman architecture, and learn more about Dana’s rich history.
This trail is operated year-round and can be guided or self-guided.
RUMMANA CAMPSITE TRAIL
This circular walk around the Rummana campsite is a great place to see birds, especially during migration seasons. The scenic viewpoints along the trail offer picturesque views of the Dana Mountains.
This trail is available between March 15th and October 31st and can be guided or self-guided.
SHAQ AL-REESH TRAIL
This circular trail traverses Al-Barrah through a breathtaking siq, All the way to Shaq al Reesh. This trail is operated year-round (except during Ramadan) and is only available with a licensed guide.
WHITE DOME TRAIL
This trail follows the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana Campsite and Dana Village. Passing through terraced gardens, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Wadi. The trail can also be done from the Rummana Campsite to the Guesthouse.
This trail is operated from March 15th until October 31st (except during Ramadan) and is only available with a licensed guide.
NAWATEF TRAIL
This circular trail begins from the Al-Barrah area and takes you to the beautiful mountains, springs and ancient ruins in the Nawatef Area and the Lodge. This trail is operated year-round but is only available through a licensed guide.
WADI DATHNEH TRAIL
Perfect for adventure lovers who have no fear of heights, this trail descends through Wadi Dathneh, past an oasis, and through Wadi al Hamra to the Feynan area. This trail is operated year-round (except during Ramadan) but is only available through a licensed guide.
WADI GHWEIR TRAIL
This trail stretches 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 tea and you can rest and 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.
This trail is operated year-round (except during Ramadan) but is only available through a licensed guide.
RUMMANA MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This circular trail starts from the campsite and ascends to the top of Rummana Mountain, with breathtaking views of Wadi Araba. Highlights on the trail include magnificent sandstone and limestone formations, birds of prey, and beautiful views of the nature reserve.
This trail is available between March 15th and October 31st and can be guided or self-guided.
THE CAVES TRAIL
Starting at the Rummana campsite, this trail passes by the unusual sandstone formations of Shaq al Kalb (Wadi of the Dog) to a group of small caves, believed to have been a religious retreat or hermitage.
This trail is available between March 15th and October 31st and can be guided or self-guided.
DANA JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP
Local women from Dana produce fine hand-crafted copper, silver, and bronze jewelry. All the designs have been inspired by the wildlife and landscapes of the area.
KARAK TO DANA
Karak to Dana, The crusader landscape continues in this section as you exit Karak, passing the old crusader village of Shehabieh and the abandoned village of Khirbet Ainun. Orchards and olive groves grow abundantly through fertile plains. Crossing another Dead Sea canyon, Wadi Hasa, the landscape becomes a series of towering limestone cliffs and ridges before reaching Edomite ruins at Sela and Ma’tan. After moving on through the deep Wadi Labun, the trail turns to easier terrain as it passes over the next hill to the restored village of Dana, its hotels and campsite resting on the rim of Wadi Dana at the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Total Length: 84.5 KM
Days: 5 Hiking days
Main sites in the region:
- Karak Castle
- Khirbet Ainun village
- Tor al Taboun crags
- Wadi Hasa - Burbaita village
- Ma’tan and Buseira and Edomite ruins
- Dana Village and Dana Biosphere Reserve
DANA TO PETRA
Dana to Petra, A truly awe-inspiring section of the Jordan Train and named by National Geographic as one of the 15 best hikes in the world. The trail descends the hilltop village of Dana into Wadi Feynan and onto the dramatic mountain plateaus of Wadi Araba. This region crosses several climate zones, diverse ecosystems, hidden canyons, and dramatic labyrinths of hills and valleys displaying the full spectrum of the region’s geology. The scenery spans from majestic and epic mountaintops to peaceful, fertile farmlands with new landscapes presenting themselves every few kilometres. This section’s most dramatic and memorable aspect is the departure at the Nabatean masterpiece, Petra. A chance to enter the city through the ‘back door’ to walk in the footsteps of ancient traders. Few other trails can boast a site as spectacular as Petra.
Total Length: 72.6 KM
Days: 4 Hiking days
Main sites in the region:
- Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Feynan ruins and ancient copper mines
- Feynan ecolodge
- Hidden stream and waterfall in Wadi Feid
- Little Petra
- Petra, Nabatean capital and wonder of the world
