Dana Reserve Jordan


Dana is with 320 square kms Jordan's largest nature reserve, located in south-central Jordan. The reserve consisting of wadi and mountains is featured by varied geology and wildlife. The Dana Reserve, founded in 1989, is composed of a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. Landmarks are the Rummana Mountain, the ancient archaeological ruins of Feynan, and the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. The reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes and from gravel plains to sand dunes. Moreover, Dana supports diverse wildlife which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals; Dana is home to about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals and 190 species of birds. 25 are known to be endangered, including the Sand Cat and the Syrian Wolf.

Dana Village has been occupied since about 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. Since 400 years the area is inhabited from the people of the Ata'ta tribe. You can explore the beauty of the area via several hiking trails:

The 2.5 km long Rummana Trail (2 hrs) leads from the Rummana campsite to the scenic summit of Rummana Mountain. You will pass rockstructures with mysterious mushroom-shaped formations and you may see birds-of-prey. On your way down from the summit, you see remnants of a military site dating from the Hellenistic period and an old Roman well. The hike down to the campsite continues through a Juniper forest. The Village Tour (2 hrs) takes you to some points with spectacular views, while exploring the terraced gardens and local community craftshops.

A guide is mandatory for the hard Dana Village Trail (4 hrs), connecting the Rummana Campsite with the Dana Village. You have to scramble over some rocks, walk along Wadi Shagg al Kelbe (Wadi of the Dog) and round steep slopes of Wadi Dana. The same distance you have to trek on the White Dome Trail (4 hrs) which offers great views and passes through terraced gardens. If you prefer a long hike choose the 14 km trail from Dana to Wadi Feynan (5-6 hrs), passing different vegetation zones like Mediterranean forest to the desert of Feynan.

From September till June it is possible to visit on a 3-4 hours hike the ancient copper mines in Wadi Feynan and Khirbet Feynan with Byzantine churches and graves. And the Wadi Ghweir Trail (3-4 hrs) passes via Khirbet Feynan to Wadi Feynan. It continues along the gravel river bed, alongside a stream to the entrance of Wadi Ghweir. If time permits you can make a small excursion into the Ghweir canyon. 

Dana-Nature-Scenery

Dana-Overview

Dana-Nature-Reserve

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