Dana Biosphere Reserve

Great nature area with zero other people in early December. With lots of options but little time, we chose the Wadi Dana Trail (Red Trail) as recommended by our excellent host, Ghaleb, at Wild Dana Eco Lodge. We started at the lodge, so that added some time and kilometers to our trek.

Once we reached Dana Village and got on the paved road going down into the valley, it was a very steep 1.5k to the valley floor. The entire trail is 14k and you need a ride back, so we opted to walk awhile and return. We ended up doing a total of 15k in about 6 hours. The scenery is beautiful and we recorded 11 different species of birds.

Nestled within the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve, this natural gem unfolds a serene tapestry of beauty that transcends time. The sculptured Rocky Mountains, shaped by millions of years of wind and the remnants of ancient seas, stand as majestic sentinels, echoing the resilience of nature. The Dana reserve is a living canvas, where the rugged landscape seamlessly blends with delicate ecosystems.

Walking through this reserve is like stepping back in time, encountering scorpions and other unique creatures that have adapted to this pristine environment. The wildlife, thriving amidst the rocky contours, adds an element of discovery to the journey.

As the day draws to a close, the Dana reserve unveils its most enchanting spectacle—the sunset. From the elevated perch of the Dana resting point, the sun paints the sky in hues of warmth, casting a golden glow over the vast expanse. The accompanying cafeteria and the 16 immaculate rooms managed by the RFCN offer a retreat into comfort, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the reserve while enjoying modern amenities.

Dana Reserve, with its geological wonders, diverse fauna, and the embrace of a mesmerizing sunset, provides an unforgettable retreat, inviting all to connect with nature's grandeur.

We asked information from the visitor center (at Dana Guesthouse) where we were kindly encouraged to go on a hike on our own (we also didn’t pay any entrance fee). We chose a gorgeous Wadi Dana trail (the red trail) which is a one way 14km, but we chose to hike for some time and then return. The beginning of the trail is a bit tricky to find - because you don’t expect it to be what it is. It starts from behind the Dana Tower Hotel, really in the end of the village, a paved road down the hill. There are no signs, but if you find the starting point (locals are helpful) then the rest is really easy, because you really see the road in front of you the whole time and there are not really chance to get lost. First 1,6km and app 45min is really steep way down, but as it is basically by a road wide as a driveway, it’s easily doable. We ended up doing a 7,5km and app 3hrs hike back and forth in the gorge. We absolutely loved the scenery and the views. We really recommend the hike and it’s really not that complicated.

Dana Reserve provides a habitat for many important organisms, including endemic trees and diverse desert flora. The reserve is also an important passage for migratory birds during the spring and autumn, as it receives waterfowl and migratory birds along the eastern African route.

Dana Reserve offers wonderful opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature and watch wildlife. Visitors can take scenic walks and explore oases and mountainous areas. Mountain trekking, camel riding and camping trips can also be practiced

Absolutly beautiful!!! We stayed in Dana and started out trek through the valley around 10am. By 4pm we crossed the canyon. It is an amazing walk in Dana, lots of plants, birds and even fresh water. One of the most beautiful treks I have done for sure. We had a guide, however I think this is not absolutely necessary.

Off the typical Jordan tourist trails, beautiful landscapes and treks available

This is somewhere I've always wanted to visit but a disability will prevent me from doing so. Does the reserve allow people to pick up fallen seed pods from the ground (aka ethically foraged)? If so I'd love for visitors to send me whatever they spot. They may go in my seed bank or out in Skid Row where I live. Insta - @ziggywalksinla

It is a beautiful place to spend a weekend. Try not to miss it if you are in Jordan , the terrain is completely different from that of Amman . There are many camps that offer hiking trips & the camps there have friendly & hospitable stuff .The hikes & trek are reasonable and be sure not to miss the sunrise or sunset .

Dana was for me the nicest place in Jordan (probably cause i like nature). We werr there in January so only one guide-free trail was open. It started in Dana village and its the nicest trail in the valley i have ever been. It's nice quiet and you can meet there shepherds with their goats drinking a tea and singing to the valley. If you have a time in Jordan spend there at least one day. It's different than dessert.

The best experience in nature! The reserve is wonderful! The RSCN Staff are very welcomed, educated, and experienced with the reserve! The mountains of dana are breathtaking! The sounds of birds give you the best relaxing vibes! The Biodiversity in Dana is inspirational!

Dana Reserved Area 21-8-2020 ( Nature Album )
Hike Trail : Shaq Alreash + Mazare3
Length : 8km + 12km
Date : 21 Aug, 2020
Photographed : @Firas.Sayyed
Group : @Walking Jordan

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One of the most beautiful natural reserve in Jordan highly recommend

We did a 2h guided walk where we saw fabulous views of the biosphere. The guide was very knowledgable about the area.

Tip: Bring sport shoes and make sure that you don't mind if they get very dusty

One of the amazing places I’ve ever been.
The views are very special!

One of the nicest places in jordan. A lot of hiking options as well as climbing. The locals there are friendly and there is plenty of hotels to foreigners. Locals area mostly nice to foreigners because they encounter many on a daily basis from all around the world. You need to be careful from snakes while exploring dana, I personally had a snake crawling next to my legs while climbing, could be poisonous could be not, just be careful where you walk, sit, and rest. No matter how hot it is during the day at night the temperature drops at least 7 to 10 degrees. Also one of the nicest spots to spend the day with the family there's many spots with nice views where you could make some bbq and enjoy the amazing sunset dana has to offer. I'd rate dana one of the nicest 5 spots in amman to hike, climb, chill, explore and many other activities.

very nice nature place , you can visit in the way from Amman to Petra or from Petra to Amman , very nice views and good for relax

Worth to visit. Definitely. We were in Jordan in January. There were no tourists here and the temperature was more then perfect for hiking. Around 20 degrees of Celsius. It is unbelievable what nature can create. Don't miss this place.

Beautiful place, amazing scenery and valley views, rivalling the grand canyon

Variety of terrain is amazing. Did a short hike into Wadi Dana with a local guide who cooked chicken and tea. Did a group hike to Wadi Ghuweir, amazing trek. 1 hour transfer drive from Dana village, 2 hours return from bottom of the hike, well worth it!

An absolut MUST during your stay in Jordan