Dana Biosphere Reserve

Why Dana stands apart from Jordan’s other sights

Most visitors to Jordan rush south along the Desert Highway to Petra, missing one of the country’s most remarkable landscapes entirely. Dana Biosphere Reserve, managed by the RSCN since 1994, stretches from the red sandstone plateau above the ancient village of Dana (around 1 500 m) all the way down to the arid Wadi Araba desert floor near Feynan (around 100 m). That 1 600-metre drop in elevation spans four distinct bio-geographic zones — Mediterranean highlands, Irano-Turanian steppe, Saharo-Arabian desert, and Sudanian savanna — crammed into 320 square kilometres.

The result is biodiversity that surprises even naturalists: over 800 plant species, 190 bird species including the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli’s eagle, and mammals like the Nubian ibex, sand cat, striped hyena, and grey wolf. You will not see this kind of ecological compression anywhere else in Jordan.

Dana is also the gateway for the most iconic multi-day trek in the country — the Jordan Trail section from Dana to Petra, roughly 80 km in four to seven days through landscapes that shift from canyon to desert.

Getting to Dana Biosphere Reserve

Dana village sits roughly 230 km south of Amman and about 80 km north of Petra. The most direct route follows the Desert Highway to Qatrana, then cuts west toward Dana. Alternatively, the King’s Highway route through Karak and Tafila is slower but far more scenic, passing several crusader sites along the way.

There is no reliable public transport directly to Dana village. Your options are:

• Self-drive: The most flexible option. A normal car handles the road to Dana village fine. The descent toward Feynan Ecolodge requires a 4x4.
• Organised tour from Amman: Several operators run day and multi-day trips that combine Dana with other sites.
• Private taxi from Tafila or Karak: Budget around 25–35 JOD each way.

2-day Dana Biosphere Reserve tour with meals from Amman

If you are hiking the Jordan Trail south toward Petra, Dana is a natural entry point — most trekkers are dropped at the trailhead and collected from the Petra end.

The reserve’s four zones, briefly

Rummana area (highland plateau, ~1 300 m): The most accessible zone for casual visitors. An RSCN campsite sits here among juniper trees, and the Rummana Mountain Trail (2.1 km loop) gives sweeping views over the sandstone canyons without serious exertion. Nubian ibex are frequently spotted on the rocky slopes in the early morning.

Dana village and canyon trails: The Ottoman-era village of Dana clings to the canyon rim. A handful of families have returned to restore the stone houses, and the RSCN Dana Guest House sits at the village edge. Several marked trails descend from here, including the Wadi Dana Trail (14 km one-way down to Feynan) and the White Dome Trail (4 km loop).

Wadi Ghuweir: A hidden canyon with year-round water and dense vegetation — one of the most dramatic day hikes in Jordan. The route requires fording a stream multiple times and ends at an RSCN guide checkpoint. Not suitable after rain.

Feynan and Wadi Araba (lowland desert): At the bottom of the reserve, the climate shifts to true desert. Feynan Ecolodge — entirely solar-powered, meals cooked on wood fires — is the only accommodation here. Darkness is total at night; the lodge is a serious draw for stargazers.

Where to stay inside the reserve

Dana Guest House (Dana village, ~1 500 m altitude): Run by the RSCN, with simple rooms, home-cooked meals, and a terrace that surveys the entire canyon. Rates around 35–45 JOD per person including dinner and breakfast. Book ahead, especially April–May and October.

Rummana Campsite: Seasonal (roughly March–October), with basic facilities including toilets and a communal kitchen shelter. Tent rental available if you arrive without gear. Very cold nights above 1 300 m, even in May.

Feynan Ecolodge (lower reserve, Wadi Faynan): RSCN’s flagship property and one of the most distinctive stays in Jordan. No electricity, candlelit rooms, guided night walks, and extraordinarily dark skies. Rates from around 120 JOD/person full-board. A 4x4 transfer from Dana village (about 1h on gravel track) is required, or you hike down the Wadi Dana trail (full day). Pre-booking is essential.

See the guide to Feynan Ecolodge and the Wadi Faynan archaeology guide for more on the lower reserve.

The Dana-to-Petra trek

This four-to-seven-day route is the headline draw for serious hikers. It covers approximately 80 km of the Jordan Trail, moving from the sandstone highlands above Dana through Ras an-Naqab, along the edge of Wadi Araba, and arriving into the back of Petra via the Beidha/Little Petra route.

Key facts for planning:

• Difficulty: Challenging. Long daily distances (15–25 km), significant elevation change, remote sections.
• Best season: March–May and October–November. Summer is genuinely dangerous due to heat.
• Water: Scarce on many sections. Carry 3–4 litres and know your refill points.
• Guide: Strongly recommended; mandatory on some sections within the reserve (RSCN rules). An experienced local guide costs around 40–60 JOD/day.
• Permits: Required for parts of the route within Dana reserve. Purchase at the RSCN office in Dana village.
• End point: Most trekkers finish at Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and then enter Petra from the north via the Petra Back Door trail.

Organised multi-day trekking tours handle logistics, camping, guides, and meals. This is the easiest option for most visitors.

4-day Dana-to-Petra trekking adventure from Amman

If you prefer a standalone guided hike without the full Jordan Trail commitment, a full-day nature hike covering the main canyon trails is available as an organised excursion.

Dana Nature Reserve full-day hiking adventure from Amman

Wildlife watching at Dana

The Nubian ibex is the reserve’s most visible large mammal — look for them on cliff faces and rocky slopes in Rummana at dawn. The reserve holds roughly 200 ibex, making sightings fairly reliable with patience.

Bird-watching is excellent year-round. Resident raptors include long-legged buzzard, griffon vulture, and Bonelli’s eagle. The Egyptian vulture (a summer visitor) is rare but present. Migratory routes in spring and autumn bring warblers, flycatchers, and raptors passing through from Africa.

The sand cat — one of the world’s most elusive felids — inhabits the lower desert zone but is almost never seen. Its presence is documented by camera trap. Same for the striped hyena, which is nocturnal and uncommon.

For a structured nature experience, the RSCN organises guided bird walks and wildlife spotting excursions from both Dana Guest House and Rummana Campsite.

Combining Dana with other stops on the King’s Highway

Dana works very naturally as part of a King’s Highway road trip heading south. A logical sequence from Amman:

1. Madaba (mosaics, St George Church) — see the Madaba destination guide
2. Mount Nebo (Panorama of the Holy Land) — Mount Nebo guide
3. Karak Castle (Crusader stronghold) — Karak guide
4. Dana Biosphere Reserve (overnight recommended)
5. Petra — Petra guide

The Dana-to-Karak combination makes an excellent day trip too, covering the main canyon trails and the Crusader castle on the same road.

Dana Nature Reserve and Karak Castle combined day tour

From Petra, Little Petra is 9 km north and an easy addition before heading toward Wadi Rum. See the Little Petra guide and the Wadi Rum guide for connections south.

Practical tips for your visit

When to visit: March to May brings wildflowers, green canyon walls, and mild temperatures (10–22°C at Dana village altitude). October and November are slightly drier, with golden light and fewer hikers. Summer (June–August) can exceed 35°C in the canyon floor and is not recommended for strenuous trails. Winter brings cold nights at altitude but can be beautiful and crowd-free.

What to bring: Layers for altitude (Dana village is cold at night even in May), sturdy trail shoes, a refillable water bottle (3+ litres minimum for full-day hikes), and sun protection. Mules can be arranged for heavy packs on the Dana-to-Petra route.

RSCN entry fees: Vary by trail. The Wadi Dana trail is around 8 JOD; the shorter Rummana trails are cheaper. All fees go toward conservation and community development. Check the RSCN website for current pricing before your visit.

Mobile signal: Absent in much of the reserve. Download offline maps before arriving.

Jordan Pass: Does not cover Dana reserve entry. The Jordan Pass covers Petra and certain RSCN sites, but Dana’s trail fees are separate — verify locally.

For broader planning including visa, transport, and budget, see the Jordan travel planning guide and the best time to visit Jordan guide.

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FAQ

How far is Dana Biosphere Reserve from Petra?

Dana is approximately 80 km north of Petra by road, a drive of about 1.5 hours via Shobak and Wadi Musa. If you are hiking the Jordan Trail from Dana south, the trek takes four to seven days depending on pace and route variant. Most visitors combine Dana with a King’s Highway itinerary and reach Petra on day two or three after Dana.

Can you visit Dana in one day from Amman?

Technically yes — 230 km takes about 2.5–3 hours — but it is a rushed day. You can walk one of the shorter trails (Rummana Mountain loop or the Dana village viewpoint trail) and return to Amman by evening, but you will miss the canyon descent and the atmosphere of the reserve at dawn and dusk. An overnight stay at Dana Guest House or Rummana Campsite transforms the visit.

Is the Dana-to-Petra trek suitable for beginners?

The full four-to-seven-day route is not. It requires reasonable fitness, experience with long hiking days (15–20 km with a pack), navigation skills, and the ability to manage heat and limited water. That said, shorter day sections — particularly the Wadi Ghuweir canyon section — are accessible with a guide for fit beginners. A guided organised tour handles logistics and removes most of the risk.

What wildlife will I actually see at Dana?

Nubian ibex are the most reliably spotted species, particularly at Rummana in the early morning. Rock hyrax (small mammal, looks like a large guinea pig) are common around Dana village. Bird-watching is excellent any time of year — raptors are the headline, with Egyptian vulture in summer. Mammals like the sand cat and striped hyena exist but are effectively nocturnal and rarely seen. Reptiles, including several snake species, are present in warmer months.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Yes, especially for Feynan Ecolodge (limited beds, high demand in peak season) and Dana Guest House in April–May and October. Rummana Campsite is slightly easier to book at short notice but can fill on weekends. All bookings go through the RSCN directly at rscn.org.jo.

Is Dana suitable for families with children?

Yes, with caveats. The short Rummana Mountain loop (2.1 km) and the paths around Dana village are manageable for older children (8+). The Wadi Dana canyon descent (14 km one-way) is too long and technically demanding for young children. Feynan Ecolodge, with its candle-lit rooms and night-sky experience, is genuinely magical for children who appreciate nature. Bring warm layers at altitude.