Discover where to stay in Jordan’s nature reserves, including Dana Biosphere Reserve, Ajloun Forest Reserve, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, and Mujib Biosphere Reserve.
These protected areas offer a unique combination of landscapes, wildlife, and eco-friendly accommodation experiences, ranging from guesthouses and eco-lodges to cabins, campsites, and chalets.
Established in 1989, Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering approximately 292 square kilometers of spectacular and diverse terrain along the Great Rift Valley. The reserve stretches from the highlands near Qadissiya at around 1,500 meters above sea level down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba.
Dana is renowned for its dramatic mountain ridges, deep wadis, rich plant life, and varied geology, which ranges from limestone and sandstone to granite. Its landscapes are among the most impressive and ecologically significant in Jordan.
Where to stay in Dana Biosphere Reserve:
Dana Guesthouse in Dana:
Perched on the edge of the dramatic cliffs overlooking Wadi Dana, Dana Guesthouse is one of the most iconic accommodation options in the reserve. Its architecture beautifully blends traditional village design with modern touches, creating a distinctive Arabic character and offering breathtaking panoramic views.
The guesthouse features 24 comfortable rooms and can accommodate up to 65 guests. Nine rooms share external toilets and showers, while 15 deluxe rooms have private bathrooms. Originally built to host researchers, all rooms include private terraces with exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The property also offers facilities suitable for retreats, workshops, and small conferences.
Open: All year round.
Feynan Ecolodge in Dana:
Feynan Ecolodge is a 26-room eco-friendly lodge located on the southwestern edge of Dana Biosphere Reserve, just off the Dead Sea Highway. It is one of the most unique accommodation experiences in Jordan, operating almost entirely off-grid. Most of its energy is generated by solar power, and at night the lodge is illuminated mainly by candles and starlight.
Guests can choose from three room categories—economy, standard, and deluxe—all with en-suite bathroom facilities. The lodge accommodates couples, families, small groups, and independent travelers, with rooms suitable for two to four guests. It is also an excellent venue for retreats, team-building events, training programs, yoga stays, and meditation getaways.
Open: All year round.
Rummana Campsite in Dana:
Rummana Campsite enjoys a rare and exceptionally scenic location within the core zone of Dana Biosphere Reserve. Historically, the site was used by Bedouin communities during the summer grazing season. Today, it offers a peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature.
The campsite includes 20 large tents and can accommodate up to 60 guests. Facilities include shared bathrooms, barbecue areas, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Traditional Arabic meals can also be arranged upon request, making it a rewarding option for guests seeking a closer connection with the natural environment.
Open: From March 15 to October 31.
Established in 1987, Ajloun Forest Reserve covers around 12 square kilometers in the Ajloun Highlands north of Amman. The reserve is known for its Mediterranean-like landscape of rolling hills, oak and pistachio woodlands, and winding valleys, with elevations ranging from approximately 600 to 1,100 meters above sea level.
Where to stay in Ajloun Forest Reserve:
Cabins at Ajloun Forest Reserve:
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) offers charming cabins within Ajloun Forest Reserve, giving guests the opportunity to stay close to nature in a peaceful woodland setting. These cabins provide comfort, privacy, and easy access to the reserve’s trails, scenery, and wildlife.
This is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a quiet nature escape while enjoying a comfortable and well-managed eco-tourism experience.
Azraq Wetland Reserve was established by the RSCN in 1978 to protect one of Jordan’s most precious and unique desert oases. Located in the heart of the eastern desert, between the limestone desert to the west and the basalt desert to the east, the reserve covers an area of approximately 74 square kilometers.
Azraq is known for its marshlands, natural water pools, and seasonal streams that create a striking contrast with the surrounding desert. Its name comes from the Arabic word for “blue,” reflecting the reserve’s historical importance as a wetland oasis.
Where to stay near Azraq Wetland Reserve:
Azraq Lodge:
Azraq Lodge is a beautifully restored former British military field hospital dating back to the 1940s. Located on the edge of the eastern desert and close to both Azraq Wetland Reserve and Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, it offers distinctive accommodation with a strong historical character and a modern touch.
The lodge features 16 fully equipped rooms styled in a 1940s theme, all air-conditioned and fitted with private bathrooms and terraces. The property can accommodate up to 60 guests at full capacity. It overlooks Azraq Village and the open sand flats of the Azraq Basin, providing a unique and atmospheric base for exploring Jordan’s eastern desert.
The staff come from local Bedouin, Chechen, and Druze communities, while the kitchen and restaurant are managed by a local family who prepare traditional home-cooked Chechen meals.
Open: All year round.
Established in 1987, Mujib Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 212 square kilometers. Bordering the Dead Sea at around 402 meters below sea level, it surrounds Wadi Mujib, a deep and dramatic canyon that cuts through the rugged mountains before draining into the Dead Sea.
The reserve is fed by both seasonal and permanent streams that support rich aquatic vegetation in the valley beds. These waterways help sustain a remarkable variety of wildlife in an otherwise arid landscape. Surveys have recorded more than 550 plant species, 8 species of carnivores, and numerous resident and migratory birds.
The lushest vegetation is found in the wadi beds, where visitors may see palm trees, wild fig trees, tamarisk, oleander shrubs, and reed beds along the river. The surrounding mountain slopes are home to several specially adapted mammals, including the rock hyrax, Eurasian badger, and the Nubian ibex, one of the reserve’s most important flagship species.
Mujib is also internationally recognized as an important migratory bird route. Large numbers of white storks pass through the reserve each year, in addition to black storks, buzzards, honey buzzards, Levant sparrowhawks, and many more. Several birds of prey also breed in the reserve, including Bonelli’s eagle, short-toed eagle, long-legged buzzard, and Barbary falcon.
Where to stay in Mujib Biosphere Reserve:
Mujib Chalets:
Opened in April 2008, the Mujib Chalets are located on the shores of the Madash Peninsula and offer some of the finest Dead Sea views along the coast. The chalet village includes 15 double rooms, each with uninterrupted sea views, a shaded private terrace, air conditioning, a private shower, and toilet facilities.
The chalets are located only a short distance from the Mujib Adventure Centre and the entrance to the spectacular Mujib canyon trails, making them an ideal base for exploring the unique landscapes of the reserve or enjoying the therapeutic atmosphere of the Dead Sea.
Open: All year round.
Please note: Accommodation availability in Jordan’s nature reserves may vary by season, weather conditions, reserve regulations, and operational updates. Advance booking is always recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods.
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