natural sirte

Home Page | Photo Page | jordan first document | the hashemite tree | the constitution | about jordan | jordan facts | jordan briefing | hestorical sites | natural sites | medical sites | holy sites | About  me

 

 

 

 



The coastal city of Aqaba communicates to the visitor both striking beauty and grace. Touching the Red Sea are a series of peaceful mountains and a riveting desert reflecting onto the clear blue waters. Stretching along the northern right part of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba measures a length of 180 KM and expands to a width of 25 KM with 27 KM of the shoreline belonging to Jordan. The rest of the shoreline is shared with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. A boat ride to the centre of the Gulf provides a visitor with an outstanding view of all four shoreline countries.


The Gulf of Aqaba is renowned worldwide as a tourist's paradise overflowing with wildlife and adventure. It hosts about 110 species of soft corals, 120 species of hard corals and over 1000 species of fish. The city of Aqaba itself is a natural haven for scuba diving, snorkelling or scientific exploration, and is bound to keep any visitor busy. Aqaba's average water temperature of 23 degrees Celsius allows the water-activity oriented tourist to enjoy the sea year round.  

Marine Life

T
he absence of stormy weather, along with the mild water currents contribute to clear waters, one of Aqaba's exceptional environmental conditions. Warm, clear waters provide a hospitable environment for the growth of corals, and favourable salinity levels provide an environment for myriad varieties of marine-life forms.




Spectacular Coral Reefs

C
ontrary to what many people think, corals are not plants but very delicate animals. Due to their slow rate of growth (About 1 cm/year), the corals that are seen today in the Gulf are centuries old.
Besides being a main tourist attraction, the coral reef plays an important role in supporting the survival of various life forms. Thousands of marine creatures coexist in a complex ecosystem ranging form almost invisible species to huge fish and mammals.
The warm waters of Aqaba provide a perfect habitat for an array of unique and dazzlingly coloured fish. Due to Aqaba's clear waters, this rainbow of colours can be experienced without even having to enter the water.
The shores of the Gulf are also frequented with friendly sea turtles that spend their time swimming amongst the swirling schools of fish. Whales, dolphins, and sea cows are also often spotted visiting the gulf.
Corals, coral fish, reptiles and mammals are only a few to be named of the countless marine creatures living in the waters of Aqaba. Nocturnal animals such as the crab, shrimp and lobster come alive in search of food in the dark hours of the night.


Preserve Aqaba

A
lthough the Gulf of Aqaba provides the perfect habitat for more than a thousand species, the existing marine ecosystems are fragile and in danger.
Over fishing, industrial activities, improper diving attitudes like stepping on coral and feeding fish, and careless anchoring create a sustainability of the reef's ecosystem. Concerned divers, tourists and even the everyday beach goer can chip in and do their bit in protecting this natural treasure created of centuries. By simply abiding to general common sense rules, they and you can help preserve the marine life of Aqaba for generations to come.




The Dead Sea eastern coast in Jordan is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the whole world. A series of new roads, hotels and archaeological discoveries are converging to make this region, the lowest spot on earth at 410 meters below sea level, as enticing to international visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders and prophets in antiquity.

The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the hot, soothing super-salty seawater, which is four times saltier than normal seawater. It is rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. This unusually salty, buoyant and mineral-rich water has attracted visitors since ancient times, all of whom have floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water’s healthy minerals along with the gently defused rays of the Jordanian sun.





The Dead Sea’s total attraction is due to its unique combination of several factors: the chemical composition of its water, the filtered sunrays and oxygen-rich air, the mineral-rich black mud along the shoreline, and the adjacent fresh water and thermal mineral springs.

The opening of the new 5-star Movenpick Hotel and Resort, combined with the existing 4-star Dead Sea Spa Hotel, allows visitors to stay in the valley while exploring its many attractions.





                                             
 
Mujib Nature Reserve 



Established in 1987. Located at the Dead Sea area (400m) below sea level and extents to Kerak and Madaba Mountain (900m) above sea level. According to the variations in the elevation which is a bout 1300-m, and permanent water flow all the year of seven Wadis this creates a magnificent bio-diversity which represent typical habitat for the endemic species of plants and animals. The sand stone cliffs represents the most typical habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats is the Ibex, which their numbers declined in the nature because of illegal hunting. In order to save this animal from extinction the RSCN established a captive-breeding programme for Ibex in the reserve. Many carnivores inhabit the various vegetation zones in Mujib. The Caracal, a medium sized cat with black and white ear-tufts, lives in rocky Wadis. It is a powerful and agile hunter with great jumping power, known to catch flying birds in its paws.

Hiking Trails and Tours:

There are hiking trails suitable everybody:

Easy Trails: 

  1. Go! Below Sea Level Trail:
    This trail is open in numbers, it starts from the Mujib Gorge at the Mujib Bridge, hiking and swimming for about 1 - 3 hours. The hike continues till reaching the big waterfall where the visitors will be heading back to the starting point. The reserve's guide escorts this hike when needed.
  2. 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.



Moderate Trails:
** The Eagle Nest Trail:
 We only allow 6 groups a week, maximum 25 persons per group. The trail starts from the Mujib Bridge area by the Dead Sea, then inside the reserve through the Wadi system until reaching the Mujib Gorge. After that, hiking in the Mujib River up to the Malaqi Area where visitors will enjoy swimming in the natural swimming pools then back to Mujib Bridge. The Reserve's guide always accompanies this hike. It takes around 5 - 6 hours. Also we can provide anyone who can't swim with a live jacket.



Hard Trails:
** The Lost Trail to the Dead Sea:
 Like the circuit trail, we only allow 6 groups a week to visit this trail, maximum 25 & minimum 5 persons per group. It begins from the upper part of the area at Faqu'a (a small village at the Kings' Highway), and then one goes through the fascinating Wadi system until reaching the Malaqi Area of the swimming pools. The voyage continues then in  the Mujib Gorge to the Mujib Bridge. This hard hike usually takes 8-9 hours of exciting hard hike. It might include swimming. (Up to 35 years old) 

 Mujib campsite

Nature talk around eco- friendly wilderness campsite fire sitting under stars and near the marvellous Dead Sea - the saltiest lowest point on earth.
Camping is not permitted outside of this area. The carrying capacity of the camp is 12 persons per day. Visitors will walk up to the camping area and our car will carry their luggage.
The campsite contains 3 large tents, a bathroom, and barbecue grills for visitor use. Visitors are asked to bring their own sleeping bags and drinking water. Mujib is a rough, hot area and the walk is called adventure walk because it contains swimming and hiking for long hours we ask our visitors to be ready for such a trip.

 

 Ajloun Nature Reserve 

13 square km. located in the Ajloun Highlands, consists of Mediterranean hill country, dominated by open woodlands of Oak and Pistachio. It represents the last remains of evergreen Oak forests in Jordan and supports wide range of plants and animals biodiversity. Bird life International declared it as an important bird area. In fact, the site supports wide range of globally and regionally important species. A captive-breeding program for the Roe Deer was initiated.
The rich greenery of Ajloun has made it a popular spot for picnickers and hikers.
 Hiking Trails:

  • Easy Trails:
    Scenic Viewpoint Trail: this 1-2 hours, 2 km short trail leads from the campsite to the summit of a nearby hill overlooking the reserve. The area surrounding the trail is rich in wildflowers in the springtime. The summit is covered with many rocks, and you can scramble around to find the best view. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic. Not far from the campsite you will find an old stone wine press. The return trip goes through an oak forest, past a gate, down a dirt path, and back up to the visitor’s centre .
  • Moderate Trails:
    Village Overlook Trail: this 4-5 hours, 8 km trail passes through thick oak woodlands, forming a round trip loop from the campsite. It leads away from the campsite along the rim of a scenic wadi Orjan to large three clearings with scattered rocks. From these clearings, you can see the villages of Sinar, Ras Muneef, Ajloun Castle, Mar Elias area, and Eshtafeena). Follow this trail along a scenic ridge, and you will soon gain a view of the village of Rassoon below. The trail continues around to the other side of the hill and back up to the visitor’s centre .


 Dana Nature Reserve 

Dana Nature Reserve is a system of Wadis and mountains that extend 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 can experience the beauty of Rummana mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless tranquillity of Dana Village, and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana.

Dana is a large reserve (310 square km.), established as a protected area in 1989. It contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes to gravel plains and sand dunes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, including many rare species of plants and animals.

Dana Village:


The Dana village area, over looking the scenic Wadi Dana, has been occupied since about 4000 BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that the fertile soil, water springs and the strategic location of the village have drawn big civilization to control it.



Even though this village was nearly abandoned by its families to the nearby village of Qadissiya, in search of better jobs, schools and housing. Today, the village is coming back to life with colour and vitality, the people of Dana have rebuilt many of their traditional stone houses with the help of the (friends of Dana). This group of women from Amman raised enough money to restore 65 homes and built a new mosque for the village.

Through RSCN Wadi Dana project, the villagers have also restored their beautiful terrace gardens and are producing traditional handcrafts and jewelry for sale.

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 accommodating 23 persons on beds, most with private terraces, as well as facilities for courses and conferences

Feinan Lodge in Dana:

Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feinan, on the border of Dana Nature Reserve, the eco- friendly Feinan lodge will provide a cool atmospheric retreat for eco-tourists wishing to explore this under discovered, archaeological rich area of Jordan.

Rummana Campsite in Dana:

Camping is not permitted outside of this area. The carrying capacity of the camp is 60 persons per day and 75 persons for a daily visit. The campsite is open for visitors from March 15th to November 15th. Visitors should leave their cars at the Tower Entrance. A shuttle bus will provide transportation to and from the campsite at one-hour intervals.

The campsite contains 20 large tents, bathrooms, and barbecue grills for visitor use. Each tent comes fully equipped. Drinking water is available; gas cookers may be rented and catering services can be provided.



 


Stunning in its natural beauty, Wadi Rum epitomizes the romance of the desert. With its "moonscape" of ancient valleys and towering sandstone mountains rising out of the sand, Wadi Rum is also home to several Bedouin tribes who live in scattered camps throughout the area. Climbers are especially attracted to Wadi Rum because of its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, while hikers enjoy its vast empty spaces. Wadi Rum is probably best known because of its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Much of David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum.

The main route to Wadi Rum, and the small village of Rum, branches east off the Desert Highway about five kilometres south of Quweira and 25 kilometres north of Aqaba. From there the road extends about 35 kilometres through the desert to end at Rum. It is best to take your own vehicle to Rum, as public transportation to the village is very difficult. The village consists mainly of several hundred Bedouin inhabitants with their goat-hair tents and concrete houses, a school, a few shops and the headquarters of the famous Desert Patrol.

There are several options available for exploring Wadi Rum. At the Government Rest House, located just inside the village, you can rent out a four-wheel-drive jeep with a Bedouin driver for short or longer day tours of the area. Also available are camels, which you can hire for short excursions or for the desert trip to Aqaba. The only accommodations in Rum are in the Government Rest House, where tents are available.


For those with a bit more time and/or sense of adventure, the best way to see Wadi Rum is by hiking and camping in it. Indeed, the vast silence and grandeur of the landscape is best experienced on foot. All you need for hiking in Wadi Rum is plenty of water (at least 2-3 litres per day), some food, good shoes and a sleeping bag. Those with a four-wheel drive, a map and plenty of fuel can see more of the landscape, while saving their energy for spectacular hikes such as the Rock Bridge of Burdah, one of Wadi Rum’s most popular attractions.

True adventurers can test their skills and endurance by climbing Jordan's highest mountain, Jabal Rum. The climb is a gruelling and treacherous challenge which should only be attempted by those of stout heart and indomitable will. A guide is recommended for the ten-hour round trip to the summit, and arrangements should be made the previous day at the Government Rest House.

Offroaders should exercise care in staying on the tracks to avoid plowing over desert vegetation. Don’t venture too far away from Rum, and remember to bring plenty of water. Highly recommended for adventure-seekers are Tony Howard's detailed Treks and Climbs in the Mountains of Wadi Rum & Petra or the less extensive Walks & Scrambles in Rum.