Jordan Nature Is Very Different

Highlights and People of Mujib

The Lowest Reserve on Earth
Bordering the Dead Sea at 400 meters below sea level, the Mujib Nature Reserve surrounds Wadi Mujib, a deep and majestic canyon that cuts through rugged highlands and drains into the Dead Sea. Seasonal streams flow through many of the wadis, supporting luxurious aquatic plants in the river-beds. Visitors will be fascinated by Mujib's adventurous, solace, and serenity in a true wilderness environment. Click here for more information on Mujib's wildlife.

The old village of Faqua dates back over 3,000 years and has a history of Assyrian, Greek, Roman, Nabatean, and early Islamic occupation. Until 1864, the village of Faqua was called Rujem Al-Abed Fi Shihan when it was changed after a French traveller found a black basalt statue carved to represent a great Moabite leader known as Faqu. Both Faqua and Radas have historically been busy commercial areas, due to their close proximity to the Dead Sea which was a source of important commodities such as salt and oil. The villegers now depend for the livelihoods on farming, hunting and grazing.

Trails

Mujib Reserve offers four major trails to visitors, two river trails and two dry land trail. They offer some of the most dramatic hiking in the Kingdom. The river trails are for adventure seekers and you need to be fit and able to swim. For safety and environmental reasons, you must be accompanied by trained guides, whom you can pre-arrange their presence through Wild Jordan. The number and frequency of the river hikes is also controlled, so please check availability before your visit.

There are hiking trails that suite everybody:

Easy Trails

• The Ibex Trail: Hikers of this trail can enjoy the Ibex enclosures at the Mujib gorgeous mountains. 2 km from the Mujib Bridge starts this trail, then heading to the gorge. Visitors are guided to the Rayyashi Area where one can view some historical monuments. This 2-3 hours hike is ended at the Ibex enclosures where a full explanation about Ibex project is given. Maximum 25 persons & minimum 5 persons can enjoy hiking at this trail. In addition, only 6 groups are allowed to hike there a week. (This trail is open for visitors al year through).

• Siq Trail: easy trail of swimming in Mujib Reserve to a waterfall and back to Mujib Bridge. Please note that the water level is relatively high this year 2005 (not less than 2 m) and the swimming distance is relatively long (15 m sometimes) but we are having ropes fastened to the gorge wall for people to hold when they get tired. (Open from the 1st of April until the 31st of October)

Moderate Trails

• Makawer - Zara Trail: 6 Km (4 hours) tough descending hike starting from 54 l m above sea level to - 261m below sea level. It begins at Makawer Rest house, then the road leads to local's farms, the visitor continues the path descending until reaching Zara's hot spring. (not available this year).

Hard Trails

• Mujib Trail: Mujib Trail (7-8 hours of dry trail): a tough, exciting trail. The experience begins near the village of Fag'ua, on the eastern edge of the nature reserve. Fag'ua is reached from the famous King's Highway that leads out of Amman, through the town of Madaba (famous for its mosaics). Your guide will meet you at RSCN office in Fagua, from where you will be led to the ranger station to start the hike. The trail descends rapidly into the Reserve following a precipitous Wadi with spectacular scenery. The hike follows the Wadi to the Raddas Rangers Station at the Ibex enclosures taking 5-6 hours to complete (15 km). (Open all year through)

• Mujib Canyon Trail (Water Fall): this trail is like the Malaqi trail, offering the same route which goes all the way to the Hidan river (please see the description above), but as for this trail, it's only 4 hours. (The beginning of the hike is under the sun (1 hour) but it becomes cool when you reach the water). (Open from the 1st of April until the 31st of October)

• Malaqi Trail (9 hours water trail): This is an exciting trail, offering a chance to swim in the cool, clear waters of the Mujib and Hidan rivers. It starts at the reserve reception like the "Ibex Trail" and follows the same route into the nature reserve (see description). This trail leads quickly to a striking area of creamy-white hills made of soft lissan deposits, reminiscent of the American Badlands. After passing through these hills, you begin your descent to the river Mujib, crystal clear, fast flowing and teeming with life. Small fish are plentiful, as well as frogs. Bright kingfishers are often seen speeding along the river channel, as well as circling birds of prey. Dense vegetation lines the rivers sides, making a stark contrast to the arid, naked mountains that surround you. The hike continues upstream along the river edge, to its confluence with the Hidan River. There are deep pools here, ready made for swimming, where you can linger, eat a picnic and just enjoy this wild paradise. Then you can either go back the same way to the reserve's entrance or you can go through the Mujib gorge to descend a waterfall (20 m) and finish the trail at the Mujib Bridge. The hike takes 9 hours of hiking and swimming.

Please note that the water level is relatively high this year 2005 (not less than 2 m) and the swimming distance is relatively long (15 m sometimes) but we are having ropes fastened to the gorge wall for people to hold when they get tired. (Open from the 1st of April until the 31st of October)

Accommodation(capacity, prices, available facilities)

Mujib Campsite

Situated on the Madash peninsula, which penetrates the Dead Sea, the Mujib campsite offers stunning scenery and the chance to experience the unique sensation of floating in the saltiest sea on earth. There are 15 deluxe 3- person tents, insulated from extremes of temperature with direct access to the beach! They are naturally ventilated and equipped with simple beds over polished concrete floors and small terraces to enjoy the view. Toilets and showers are in a separate complex and there are additional freestanding showers on the shore to wash off the salt. Meals can be provided on request at the camp restaurant with its magnificent views. The camp is open all year round.

Wilderness Camping

Wilderness camping in restricted areas of the reserve can also be arranged by request, depending on group size and timing.

Visitor Centre

Located near the Mujib Bridge, the centre has an interpretation room that explains the reserve's significance and biodiversity, a nature shop, a drinks kiosk and a reservation and reception desk for camping and hiking.

Temperatures(C)

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