Perched pleasantly on a hillside, the village of Dana boasts Jordan's most significant nature reserve. Here's everything you need to know.

A nature escape in central-western Jordan

Escape the tourist whirlwind of Jordan by heading to Dana, a village of stone from the 16th century. Dana may not impress at first glance, if you overlook its mosque and Heritage Museum. But it enjoys an enviable position on a rocky outcrop, beneath which lies a valley bristling with cliffs. Welcome to Dana Nature Reserve, the jewel of Jordanian ecotourism! Since the Early Cretaceous, volcanic eruptions accompanied by sedimentation have created strange rock formations that sometimes possess an unparalleled character. The mineral world isn't the only major attraction. As you venture through forests of cypress and evergreen oak, you may encounter one of the 212 bird species and 300 mammal species. Dana is a secret garden of the desert, an ideal refuge for hikers seeking to discover a different side of Jordan beyond its Crusader castles and Nabataean ruins.

A storied past

It was in the 16th century, during Ottoman rule, that the A t'Alaat Bedouins settled on the Dana hilltop. Archaeological surveys report that the site has been inhabited for six thousand years. It was once the kingdom of the Edomites. Subsequently, the Seleucids, Egyptians, Romans and Byzantines successively controlled Dana. The mountainous terrain, arable land and presence of a water spring encouraged the development of urban communities.

The village of Dana as we know it today was founded by the A t'Alaat tribe. Generous nature became harsh due to drought and advancing deserts. While Dana lost economically, it gained in beauty. The geological landscape of the valley is among the most impressive in Jordan.

Aware of the tourism potential it represented, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) took the site under its wing. It implemented a ecotourism development plan integrating Dana's Bedouin families. Shepherds received training to run guesthouses, lead guided tours and offer cultural activities.

Today

Dana is a must-visit itinerary for those planning an adventure-filled trip to Jordan. The forest reserve below the village is a masterpiece of nature. It has earned the designation of biosphere reserve. Visitors will be welcomed with the warm and authentic hospitality of the Bedouins.

What to see and do

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Mother Nature outdid herself in shaping a true cathedral of rock around the Dana Valley. It marries vibrant red sandstone, pink granite and brown basalt. Descending into the canyon offers opportunities for fascinating encounters. Don't expect to stumble upon lions, jaguars or other creatures typically seen in zoos. Instead, you may observe species adapted to the extreme conditions of the desert. Wolves, caracals, wildcats, mountain gazelles and red foxes roam freely. Of the 45 mammal species living in the reserve, 25 species are endangered, including the ibex, saved from extinction thanks to a regeneration programme implemented by the RSCN. The plant kingdom is equally impressive. Along the escarpments flourish woody species of all kinds, typical of the Mediterranean south, such as cypress, citrus and juniper, and of the Sahara, such as date palms.

Feynan Heritage Museum

A stay in Dana wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Heritage Museum. The exhibition will enrich your knowledge of indigenous tribes, their traditions, their cultures and the connections they forge with the natural environment.

Practical information

When to visit

Spring is undoubtedly the best season to visit Dana Nature Reserve. Trees bloom again in early May, making walks feel magical. Autumn is marked by falling leaves. The forest opens up, and animals are easy to photograph. During the height of winter, temperatures remain cool in the lower part of the reserve, near the Fehnan region and the wadi. In short, except for summer, Dana Reserve can be visited year-round.

Entrance fees

Entrance to the reserve costs 2.5 JOD for residents and 8 JOD for foreigners.