Jordan Nature Is Very Different

Highlights and People of Dana

Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis and mountains which extends from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. Dana is truly a world of natural treasures. Visitors to Dana will experience the beauty of Rummana Mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feynan Eco-lodge, the timeless tranquility of Dana Village, and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. Click here fore more information on Dana's wildlife.

The Dana Village area, overlooking the scenic Wadi Dana, has been occupied since 4000 BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that Palaeolithic, Egyptian, Nabatean, and Roman civilisations have been drawn to the area by the fertile soil, water springs, and strategic location. Dana Village is inhabited mostly by tribes that settled in the area during the Ottoman period about four hundred years ago. The villagers abandoned it in search for better livelihood. Today, the village is coming back to life. The people have rebuilt many of their traditional stone houses and restored their beautiful terraced gardens.

Trails

The best way to experience Dana is on foot. Some areas, such as Dana Village and the Tower picnic area are reachable by car, but many of Dana's treasures remain hidden in wilderness zones of the reserve where vehicles are not permitted. Dana offers a selection of trails to key points of interest for both the casual and adventurous hiker. Four of the trails are clearly marked with intermittent piles of stones along the route, and can therefore be hiked independently or with an RSCN guide. The other two trails, which are longer and unmarked, must be hiked with a guide. Guided hikes offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a stimulating walk and learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of Dana in a natural "classroom". Guides are available at the Rummana campsite, Dana Village and Feynan Eco-lodge upon request.

Highking Trails:

Easy Trails

• Traditional Tribal Arts Tour: one hour visiting some spectacular viewpoints above Dana Village, exploring the terraced gardens, meeting some local farmers, visiting a traditional bakery, Dana's Jam Factory and soap and silver workshop. (available all year through)
  
   

• Campsite Trail: two hours circular walk around the campsite area, a good place to see birds, especially in the migration seasons. (Can be self guided, available between 1st of March and 31st of October)
  
   

• Wadi Dana Trail: Long hike lovers will enjoy this hiking experience for 14 Km (5-6 hours) of spectacular downhill walk from Dana to Feynan Eco-lodge. (Can be self guided, available all year through)

Moderate Trails

• Roman Lost Copper Mines Tour (Dana- Feynan Eco-lodge- copper mines): 16 Km trail taking 6 hours hiking from Dana to Feynan Eco-lodge visiting the copper mines (Guided, maximum 20 persons, available between 1st of March and 31st of October)
  
   

• Rummana Mountain Trail: 2.5 Km moderate trail to Rummana scenic peak for an excellent view of Wadi Araba and an ancient cistern. Here you enjoy 1-2 hours of circular walk. Visitors will pass some magnificent rock structures of sandstone and limestone, observe birds of prey, and view the beautiful nature of the area covered by Juniper trees, early Islamic ruins. (Can be self guided, available between 1st of March and 31st of October)
  
   

• Steppe Trail: 8 Km trail, taking 3 hours, contouring the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between Rummana Camp and Dana Village. It offers breath-taking views of the canyon-like Wadi and passes through the village terraced gardens before reaching the Dana Guesthouse and Visitor Center. (Compulsory guided, available between 1st of March and 31st of October)
  
   

• Feynan Eco-lodge Copper Mine Tour: Short trail, taking 1-2 hours, visiting ancient copper mines, Iron Age sites, a Roman Tower and the impressive tell of Khirbet Feynan Eco-lodge, with its Byzantine churches and Christian and Islamic graves. (Compulsory guided, available between 1st of March and 31st of October)
  
   

• Water drops area Tour: 2 Km trail, taking 2.5 hours, starting from al- Barra area to the beautiful springs and ancient ruins in Nawatef area going back to al- Barra area. (Compulsory guided, available all year through)

Hard Trails

• Palm Trees Wadi Tour: 16 Km, very suitable for adventure lovers since it takes 6-8 hours of hard hiking up the Wadi past an oasis with a warm spring beginning from al- Barra to Feynan Eco-lodge. (Compulsory guided, group number maximum 15, available all year through)
  
   

• Mysterious Nabatean Tomb Tour: Hard hike trail to a breath taking siq from al- Barra to Shaq al reesh then back to al- Barra for 2 km passing rock arena containing Nabatean tombs. (compulsory guided, group number maximum 10, available all year through)
   

Accommodation(capacity, prices, available facilities)

Rummana Campsite

Camping facilities are provided at the Rummana campsite. Camping is not permitted outside of this area. The campsite is open for overnight visitors from March to November. Visitors must check into the campsite before 8 p.m. Visitors should leave their cars at the Tower entrance. Transportation to and from the campsite is provided by a shuttle bus.

The campsite contains 20 large tents, bathrooms, and barbecue grills for the visitor's use. Each tent comes equipped with mattresses, sheets, covers and pillows. Drinking water is available and you can cook in barbeque trays if you bring your own charcoal. The staff can prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner if requested in advanced.

Dana Guest House

Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled building offers breathtaking views of the reserve, comfortable rooms, traditional Arabic food, and friendly service. It contains nine bedrooms, most with private terraces. Accommodation at the guest house can be booked through Wild Jordan, fax: (+962 6) 4616523,4633657,4616483

Feynan Eco-lodge

Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feynan Eco-lodge, on the western boarder of the Dana Nature Reserve, the Wilderness Lodge will provide a cool, atmospheric retreat for tourists wishing to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. The lodge will have a unique arabesque desert design and will use environment- friendly technologies, including solar and candle power. At night, most of the lodge will be lit by candles, making it a very romantic destination. (Opening summer 2005).

Visitor Centre

The visitors' centre is located at the edge of Dana Village and next to the Dana Guesthouse. The centre contains an interpretation room about Dana's nature as well as the nature shop that sells organically grown produce from the village terrace gardens, and silver jewellery created by the women of Dana village. The jewellery and natural food preserves are produced at workshops within the centre and may be visited. The centre also contains a reception area, meeting and training facilities.

Temperatures(C)

Map

The reserve lies 200 kilometres south of the capital Amman and 50 kilometres north of Petra, about 2.5 hours driving from Amman and Aqaba - Click Here for Map.

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