Dana Nature Reserve
A cliff-edge Bedouin village above Jordan's greatest canyon, with four ecosystems, zero light pollution, and a silence that resets you.
1 day in Dana Nature Reserve
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Dana Nature Reserve in a single action-packed day.
Dana in One Day
Dana Village & Sunrise Over the Rift
Arrive at Dana Village, a 15th-century Bedouin settlement perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Wadi Dana gorge and the Rift Valley beyond. The sunrise view from the village edge is one of the most dramatic in Jordan: sandstone cliffs dropping away to a vast, empty valley stretching to the Dead Sea. Walk the village lanes past restored stone houses and meet the local families who still live here.
Wadi Dana Trail
Hike the Wadi Dana trail, the reserve's signature trek (14km, 5–6 hours, JOD 8 guide fee). The trail descends 1,000m from Dana Village through four eco-zones: sandstone cliffs, juniper woodland, Mediterranean scrub, and Saharan desert. The final stretch through Wadi Feynan is hot and flat. End at the award-winning Feynan Ecolodge (or arrange a pickup back to Dana Village if not staying).
Candlelit Feynan or Stargazing at Dana
If at Feynan Ecolodge: the lodge runs entirely on solar power and candles. Evening is a candlelit dinner of local Bedouin food, followed by stargazing on the roof terrace. If staying at Dana Village: the RSCN guesthouse has a terrace overlooking the gorge where the night sky, with zero light pollution, is extraordinary.
3 days in Dana Nature Reserve
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure.
Dana Village & Short Trails
Arrive & Village Exploration
Arrive at Dana Village, a 15th-century Bedouin settlement restored by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The village clings to a cliff edge overlooking a vast sandstone gorge dropping into the Rift Valley. Walk the winding lanes past stone houses, a mosque, and terraced gardens. Meet the families who still live here, some of whom run small guesthouses and sell handmade jewellery.
Rummana Mountain Trail
Hike the Rummana Mountain Trail (2.5km loop, 1.5 hours, JOD 8 with guide). The trail climbs through sandstone formations to a viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dana and the Rift Valley. The 360-degree panorama takes in four eco-zones, from green hilltops to desert floor. Ibex, hyrax, and raptors are commonly spotted.
Sunset & Village Dinner
Watch sunset from the village edge as the gorge turns gold, then crimson, then deep purple. The Dead Sea is sometimes visible as a silver line on the western horizon. Dinner at the guesthouse is traditional Bedouin food: zarb (underground barbecue), fattoush, and hummus. After dark, the stargazing from Dana is world-class.
Wadi Dana Trail to Feynan
Sunrise & Trail Start
Wake for sunrise over the gorge, which is unmissable. After breakfast, start the Wadi Dana trail (14km, 5–6 hours, guide required JOD 8). The descent begins steeply through sandstone cliffs and juniper woodland. The trail is well-marked but the guide adds invaluable botanical and geological knowledge.
The Descent Through Four Eco-Zones
As you descend 1,000m, the landscape transforms dramatically: sandstone cliffs → Mediterranean-type juniper and oak → arid scrubland → Saharan desert. Look for Nubian ibex on the cliff faces, Tristram's starling (a glossy black bird with orange wing flashes), and raptors circling the thermals. The final 4km through Wadi Feynan is flat, hot, and exposed.
Feynan Ecolodge
Arrive at Feynan Ecolodge, an award-winning solar-powered lodge in the desert floor. There is no electricity from outlets, and the entire building runs on candles after dark. Candlelit dinner of Bedouin food (included in stay, JOD 80–120/night full board). Rooftop stargazing with a Bedouin guide who knows the constellations and desert mythology.
Feynan Activities & Return
Copper Mine Trail & Bedouin Visit
Morning hike to the ancient copper mines near Feynan. This area has been mined for copper since 4,000 BC, making it one of the oldest industrial sites in the world. The green-stained rocks and ancient smelting furnaces are visible along the trail (2 hours round trip). Then visit a local Bedouin family, as the lodge arranges genuine cultural exchanges with tea, coffee, and bread-making.
Return to Dana or Onward
Arrange a 4x4 transfer back to Dana Village (JOD 35–45 per vehicle, 1 hour via dirt road) or continue onward to Petra (2.5 hours by car via the King's Highway). The drive from Feynan out through the desert passes Bedouin camps and copper-age archaeological sites.
Dana Farewell or Petra Preview
If returning to Dana Village, final sunset from the cliff edge. If continuing to Petra, arrive in Wadi Musa by evening, as the entrance to Petra is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The King's Highway route from Dana passes through stunning highland scenery.
7 days in Dana Nature Reserve
A full week to go deep: from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Arrive at Dana Village
Journey to Dana
Drive from Amman (3 hours via the King's Highway) or from Petra (2 hours north). The King's Highway route is one of the most scenic drives in the Middle East, with ancient castles, deep canyons, and highland villages.
Dana Village Exploration
Walk the 15th-century village lanes. Stone houses, a small mosque, terraced gardens, and families who have lived here for generations. The RSCN visitor centre has maps and trail information. Register for guided hikes.
Sunset Over the Rift
First sunset from the cliff edge, where the gorge drops 1,000m to the Rift Valley floor. Dinner at your guesthouse is traditional Bedouin food. Stargazing with zero light pollution.
Rummana Trails
Rummana Mountain Trail
Hike the Rummana Mountain Trail (2.5km loop, 1.5 hours, JOD 8 with guide). Climbs through sandstone to a viewpoint over Wadi Dana. Look for ibex, hyrax, and raptors.
Rummana Campsite
Continue to Rummana Campsite (RSCN, JOD 35–55 full board), tent accommodation on a hillside with panoramic views. The campsite trail connects to the main Wadi Dana trail for different vantage points. Lunch at the campsite with valley views.
Campfire & Stars
Evening at Rummana means a campfire dinner cooked by Bedouin staff, tea brewed on the fire, and stargazing from the hillside. The isolation and silence are profound.
Wadi Dana Trail to Feynan
Start the Descent
Begin the Wadi Dana trail from Dana Village (14km, 5–6 hours, guide JOD 8). Steep descent through sandstone cliffs and juniper woodland. Carry 3+ litres of water.
Four Eco-Zones Descent
Pass through four eco-zones as you descend 1,000m: sandstone → juniper → scrubland → Saharan desert. Look for ibex, Tristram's starling, and raptors. The final 4km is flat and exposed.
Feynan Ecolodge
Arrive at Feynan: solar-powered, candlelit, and extraordinary. Candlelit dinner and rooftop stargazing with a Bedouin guide. Full board JOD 80–120/night.
Feynan & Copper Mines
Copper Mine Trail
Hike to ancient copper mines (4,000 BC), where green-stained rocks and smelting furnaces are visible on a 2-hour trail. One of the oldest industrial sites in the world.
Bedouin Family Visit
The lodge arranges visits to local Bedouin families. Genuine cultural exchange with tea, fresh-baked bread, and conversation about desert life. Many families have lived in the area for generations.
Sunset Walk & Candlelit Evening
Walk into the surrounding desert for sunset, where the flat terrain and clear air create extraordinary light. Return for candlelit dinner at Feynan. The silence of the desert night is profound.
Return to Dana & Village Life
Transfer Back to Dana
4x4 transfer from Feynan to Dana Village (JOD 35–45, 1 hour via dirt road). The drive through the desert passes Bedouin camps and ancient copper sites.
Dana Village Handicrafts
Visit the Dana Nature Shop for RSCN-supported crafts made by local women including silver jewellery, leather goods, and herbal products. The money directly supports village livelihoods. Walk to the old olive press and terraced gardens.
Zarb Dinner
Request a zarb dinner, the Bedouin underground barbecue. Meat and vegetables wrapped in foil, buried on hot coals, and slow-cooked for hours. The guesthouse digs it up at dinnertime in a theatrical unveiling. Needs 24 hours advance booking.
Shobak Castle & King's Highway
Shobak Castle
Drive 40 minutes south to Shobak Castle (Montreal, JOD 2 or free with Jordan Pass), a Crusader fortress built by Baldwin I in 1115. Perched on a hilltop in the middle of nowhere, it's less restored than Karak but more atmospheric. Explore the underground tunnels, the church, and the Islamic inscriptions added after Saladin's conquest.
King's Highway Villages
Drive the King's Highway north or south, one of the world's oldest trade routes. Stop at the highland villages for lunch. The landscape of rolling hills, olive groves, and ancient stone villages is beautiful. If heading south, Tafila has good local restaurants.
Return to Dana
Return to Dana for a final evening. Sunset from the cliff edge never gets old. The light changes every evening, and some nights the Rift Valley fills with mist, others are crystal-clear to the Dead Sea.
Departure
Final Sunrise
Last sunrise from the Dana cliff edge. Walk the village one more time and say goodbye to the families and shopkeepers. Pick up last-minute handicrafts from the nature shop.
Onward to Petra or Dead Sea
Continue south to Petra (2 hours) or northwest to the Dead Sea (2.5 hours). Both are natural next stops after Dana. The drive to Petra via the King's Highway is spectacular.
Next Destination
If heading to Petra, arrive in Wadi Musa by evening. The town has a range of accommodation from hostels (JOD 8–12) to luxury hotels. The Petra entrance is a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Budget tips
RSCN guesthouses
Dana Guesthouse (JOD 45–65 half board) and Rummana Camp (JOD 35–55) include dinner and breakfast. Proceeds fund conservation. Budget alternative: Dana Tower Hotel (JOD 25–35).
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass (from JOD 70) includes visa, Petra, and 40+ sites. Dana reserve entry and guided hikes are separate (JOD 8/hike), but the pass saves money on every other Jordanian site.
Self-guided trails
Some shorter trails near Dana Village are free to hike independently. The Rummana and Wadi Dana trails require a guide (JOD 8), so split the cost with other hikers.
Pack lunch
Bring bread, hummus, and fruit from the supermarket in Tafila (30 minutes away). The guesthouses will pack a trail lunch if asked in advance.
Feynan splurge
Feynan Ecolodge (JOD 80–120) is a splurge but includes all meals, guided activities, and the candlelit/stargazing experience. If you can afford one night, it's worth it.
Transport sharing
The 4x4 from Feynan to Dana costs JOD 35–45 per vehicle. Share with 3–4 hikers to split the cost. Ask at the lodge or post on travel forums in advance.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in Jordanian Dinar. Dana ranges from budget-friendly village guesthouses to the splurge-worthy Feynan Ecolodge.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Dana Tower Hotel → RSCN Guesthouse → Feynan Ecolodge | JOD 15–25 | JOD 45–65 | JOD 80–120 |
| Food Packed lunch + guesthouse dinner → half board → Feynan full board | JOD 5–8 | JOD 10–15 | JOD 20+ |
| Transport Shared transport → rental car → private driver | JOD 3–8 | JOD 10–20 | JOD 30+ |
| Activities Self-guided trails → guided hikes → guided + Bedouin experience | JOD 0–8 | JOD 8–15 | JOD 20+ |
| Daily Total $32–69 → $103–162 → $211+ | JOD 23–49 | JOD 73–115 | JOD 150+ |
Practical info
Getting There
- Dana is 3 hours south of Amman via the King's Highway, or 2 hours north of Petra. There is no public transport to Dana Village, so you need a car or arranged transfer
- The turn-off from the King's Highway to Dana Village is steep and winding (3km), manageable in a standard car but 4x4 is more comfortable
- Feynan Ecolodge requires 4x4 access from the Dead Sea road side, or hiking in from Dana Village
The Reserve
- Jordan's largest nature reserve, 320 sq km spanning from 1,500m hilltops to 50m below sea level in the Rift Valley
- 800+ plant species, 215 bird species, and rare mammals including Nubian ibex, sand cats, and wolves
- Managed by RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature). All fees support conservation and local communities
Hiking
- Wadi Dana trail (14km, 5–6 hours) is the signature hike, and a guide is required (JOD 8). Start early, carry 3+ litres of water
- Rummana Mountain Trail (2.5km, 1.5 hours) is gentler. Several shorter trails near Dana Village are self-guided
- Sturdy hiking boots essential. Walking poles helpful for the Wadi Dana descent. Sun protection critical, as there is limited shade
Weather
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov: perfect hiking weather (15–25°C). Wildflowers in spring. Clear skies in autumn
- Jun–Sep: very hot in lower elevations (35°C+). Dana Village at 1,200m is bearable but Wadi Feynan is scorching
- Dec–Feb: cold at Dana Village (5–10°C, possible frost/snow). Feynan is mild. Carry warm gear for highland camping
Money
- No ATMs at Dana. Withdraw cash in Tafila (30 min away) or Amman before arriving
- Guesthouses accept cards for accommodation. Guides, transport, and village shops are cash only
- Feynan Ecolodge accepts cards for bookings made online. On-site purchases are limited
Connectivity
- Mobile signal is patchy at Dana Village and non-existent at Feynan Ecolodge
- RSCN Guesthouse has basic WiFi. Feynan intentionally has none, so embrace the digital detox
- Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before hiking. No mountain rescue service exists
Cultural tips
Dana is Bedouin country. Come with respect, accept the hospitality, and leave with a deeper understanding of Jordan's people and landscapes.
Bedouin Culture
Dana's families are Bedouin and deeply hospitable. If invited for tea, accept. Remove shoes before entering tents or homes. Eat and greet with the right hand. The warmth is genuine and the cultural exchange goes both ways.
Dress Code
Conservative dress in the village, covering shoulders and knees. On the trail, hiking gear is fine but cover up when passing through or near Bedouin camps. Women don't need to cover their hair.
Leave No Trace
Dana is a protected reserve. Pack out all rubbish, stay on marked trails, don't pick plants or disturb wildlife. The ecosystem is fragile and the reserve depends on responsible visitors.
Photography
Ask before photographing village families, especially women and children. Landscape and wildlife photography is encouraged. The RSCN promotes nature photography in the reserve.
Feynan Etiquette
Feynan is intentionally off-grid. Embrace the candles and silence. Don't complain about the lack of WiFi, because it's the point. The staff are local Bedouin and the lodge is a model of community tourism.
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