From Rummana Campsite
Rummana Campsite:
Campsite Trail
(March 15 – October 31), guided or self-guided
Grade: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km
Time: 1 hour
Starting time: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm.
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Description: 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.
The Cave Trail
(March 15 – October 31), guided or self-guided
Grade: Easy to moderate
Distance: 1.5 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Starting time: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm.
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Requirements: No fear of heights
Description: 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.
Rummana Mountain Trail
(March 15 – October 31), guided or self-guided
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Rummana Campsite
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Description: This circular trail starts from the campsite and ascends to the top of Rummana Mountain, where the views of Wadi Araba are breathtaking. Highlights on the trail include magnificent sandstone and limestone formations, birds of prey, and beautiful views of the nature reserve.
White Dome Trail
(March 15 – October 31, except during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 8 km
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. from either the Rummana Campsite or the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Description: This trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. If desired, the trail can be done in reverse, from Dana Guesthouse to the Rummana campsite.
From Dana Guesthouse
Dana Village Tour
(Year-round), guided or self-guided
Grade: Easy
Distance: 2 km
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Description: Starting from the Dana Guesthouse, this trail winds above 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.
Nawatef Trail
(Year-round, except during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Easy to moderate
Distance: 2 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Requirements: Transportation from Dana Guesthouse to the starting/ending point in Qadissiya; reasonable level of fitness; no fear of heights.
Description: This circular trail begins from the Al-Barrah area and takes you to beautiful mountains, springs and ancient ruins in the Nawatef Area.
White Dome Trail
(March 15 – October 31, except during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 8 km
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Starting time: from either the Rummana Campsite or the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Description: This trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. If desired, the trail can be done in reverse, from Rummana campsite to the Dana Guesthouse.
Shaq al Reesh Trail
(Year-round, except during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 3 km
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m.
Group size: 6 - 20 people
Requirements: Transportation to and from al-Barra area; no fear of heights
Description: This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking Siq, and to Shaq al Reesh
Wadi Dana Trail
(Year-round), guided or self-guided
Grade: Intermediate
Distance: 14 km
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. from Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 10 - 20 people
Description: 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 sweet tea. Experience the four 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. Local drivers can transport your luggage to the lodge or the Guesthouse. There is an additional charge for transfers.
Wadi Dathneh Trail
(Not available in winter and during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Difficult
Distance: 19 km
Time: 8 - 10 hours
Starting time: 07:00 a.m.
Group size: 10 - 20 people
Requirements: Transportation to and from the Nawatef area; high level of fitness; no fear of heights
Description: 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.
Wadi Ghwair Trail
(Not available in winter and during Ramadan), guided only
Grade: Difficult
Distance: 18 km
Time: 7 - 8 hours
Starting time: 7:00 a.m.
Group size: 10 - 20 people
Requirements: Transportation to and from Al Mansoura near Shoubak area; no fear of heights
Description: Continue along the gravel riverbed 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 Eco lodge.
*This trail is closed in the case of rainfall in the surrounding mountains, due to the possibility of flash floods.
From Feynan Eco lodge
Sunrise hike
(Year-round), guided only
Grade: intermediate to advance (no children permitted for safety)
Distance: 2km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 10
Description: Start a great day in the wilderness with this challenging sunrise hike. Depart from the lodge at dawn with one of our local Bedouin guides to climb into the mountains just as Bedouin shepherds do with their goats each morning. This hike involves negotiating Bedouin shepherd trails atop the ridgelines of steep hills and cliffs that surround the lodge. There are two different trails, the more challenging Abu Khalil route (a local elder) ending by his winter and summer beits (‘homes’ in Arabic) and the Abu Mohammed route (another local elder), ending by his beit. At the summit of both routes, you will be able to gaze for kilometers over Bedouin villages, ancient ruins, and the desert of Wadi Araba. The colors over Feynan are fantastic as day breaks and the sun begins to shine over mountains, canyons and the surrounding desert surrounding.
Sunset hike
(Year-round), guided only
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 1.5 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 90 minutes before sunset time. Check schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: no limit
Description: Every evening, guests are invited to join the lodge’s guides on a 20-minute stroll to the top of a gentle outcrop to watch a sunset like no other. Against the dramatic backdrop of rugged, multi-colored mountains, the sun descends, spreading vivid ambers, violets and reds across the canvas of the evening sky. Take this rare opportunity to witness the end of the day in the Bedouin camps below; with children wandering home from play, women tending the evening fires and men rounding up their herds in a peaceful dance as the sun falls to the haunting sounds of the call to prayer. Feel the gentle breeze ushering in nightfall as stars dot the sky and guides brew fresh mint tea over the warm fire. The whole activity takes 2 hours, including 40-45 minutes of walking.
Feynan Plants Hike
(Year-round), guided only
Grade: Intermediate
Distance: 3 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: Discover the hidden uses of the plants of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Our guides will explain how the Bedouin use different plants as soap, herbs, medicines and treatments for their animals. This circular hike is also a great route to spot some of the birdlife that call the Dana Reserve home and see the varied geology of the Great Rift Valley unfurl before your eyes.
Copper mines
(Year-round), guided only
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 6-7 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: Learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed at Feynan by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago and what an important supply center Feynan was for the Roman Empire. Come explore deep, long forgotten mine shafts and visit nearby sites to see how the copper was transported and refined, leaving vast slag formations from the smelting process that are still visible today.
Archaeological treasures
(Year-round), guided or self-guided
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 5-6 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 20
Description: Uncover the remarkable history of Feynan through the many archaeological treasures that dot the landscape surrounding the lodge. Well-preserved Roman ruins include an aqueduct and mill. Remnants of an early Byzantine monastery and church still stand atop a nearby hill and the remains of Neolithic settlements attest to the shift from a nomadic way of life to that of permanent dwellings and agriculture.
Wadi Dana sampler
(Year-round), guided or self-guided
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 6-7 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 20
Description: This half-day hike explores the lower end of Wadi Dana. Starting from the lodge and the open desert-like zone of Dana Biosphere Reserve, the trail gradually becomes greener as the hike moves more and more into the valley of Wadi Dana, with tall peaks that line either side of the valley. Highlights of the hike include passing through groups of Bedouin families in traditional goat-tent homes, seeing natural springs, and catching a glimpse of some of the birds that call Dana Biosphere Reserve home. This hike returns to the lodge along the same route.
Wadi Ghwayr sampler
(Not available in winter), guided or self-guided
Grade: Easy to intermediate
Distance: 7-8 km
Time: 4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: This scenic trail begins from the lodge and passes by Khirbet Feynan, where many Byzantine and Roman ruins are preserved passing onwards into the Wadi Ghwayr basin (Wadi means valley or canyon). Following the gravel riverbed, the trail proceeds onwards past a Neolithic settlement estimated to be over 11,000 years old. The trail then follows the riverbed past pink oleander, reeds and other plant life. A regular stream of water keeps the gorge green and alive. Our guides enrich the experience by explaining the local uses of the plants as medicines, soap and shampoo. Before returning, our guides will prepare for you a cup of tea to enjoy along the scenic path. The route returns the same way back to the lodge. Be prepared for your feet and ankles to get wet.
*This trail is closed in the case of rainfall in the surrounding mountains, due to the possibility of flash floods.
Wadi Dana to Wadi Ghwayr
(Not available mid-September to mid-October), guided only
Grade: Difficult
Distance: 14-15 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 10
Description: This hike is ideal for those wishing to take in the full spectrum of landscapes and terrains Feynan has to offer. Beginning from the lodge, set out towards Wadi Dana, with mountainous peaks to either side of the Wadi. Here, you might chance upon some of the beautiful birds that call Dana home or some of the beautiful plants and flowers lining the gorge. Further, on you will have a chance to explore the lower end of Wadi Ghwayr, another bountiful Wadi that receives seasonal flows from rainfall in the mountains to the east of Feynan. Here you can explore some of the Neolithic, Roman and Byzantine ruins that demonstrate the historical importance of the area on your return leg back to the lodge.
*Rates and further information available here: https://www.rscn.org.jo/reserve/1
