Jordan's Nature Reserves & Their Ecotourism Offerings

Far beyond the iconic sandstone canyons of Petra and the crimson sands of Wadi Rum, Jordan holds a remarkably diverse tapestry of protected ecosystems. Managed under the stewardship of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and its Wild Jordan ecotourism brand, the kingdom’s reserve network spans four distinct bio-geographical zones. From the lush, Mediterranean-style oak forests of the northern highlands to the freshwater wetlands of the Eastern Desert, the deep rift canyons of the Dead Sea, and the dramatic mountain plunging down to Feynan, Jordan is a premier sanctuary for sustainable nature travel.

Jordan's Protected Reserves & A Full Run Down

Mujib Biosphere Reserve (The Lowest Nature Reserve on Earth)

Plunging to 400 meters below sea level where its freshwater rivers empty into the Dead Sea, Mujib is Jordan's "Grand Canyon." Soaring, narrow sandstone walls enclose rushing rivers, deep pools, and hidden waterfalls.

B2B Focus: High-energy outdoor thrill-seekers, active group series, and adventure travelers.

Key Experiences: Exhilarating wet-canyoning through the main Siq Trail, wading, and swimming through pool-studded gorges.

Wildlife & Ecology: Protected breeding sanctuary for the mountain-dwelling Nubian ibex and migratory raptors.

Operational Note: Seasonal opening applies (typically April to October, subject to rainfall levels and water flow).

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Dana Biosphere Reserve & Feynan (The Crown Jewel of Ecotourism in Jordan)

Spanning 320 square kilometers, Dana is Jordan's largest nature reserve and a global model for sustainable tourism. Its terrain drops from sandstone peaks 1,500 meters high near 15th-century Dana Village down to the arid desert floor of Wadi Araba.

B2B Focus: Trekking groups, eco-conscious travelers, bird-watchers, and luxury wellness FITs.

Key Experiences: The iconic full-day descent trail from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge—a world-renowned, off-grid 26-room wilderness lodge lit entirely by candles at night and powered by solar energy.

Wildlife & Ecology: 4 distinct bio-geographical zones nurturing over 600 plant species, the Syrian wolf, desert caracal, and Lesser Kestrel.

Accommodation: Dana Guesthouse at the top of the vally and Wadi Feynan - Eco-lodge at the bottom of the reserve.

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Ajloun Forest Reserve & The Orjan Trail (The Northen Highlands)

A lush Mediterranean highland sanctuary sitting 1,200 meters above sea level, Ajloun is blanketed by dense forests of evergreen oak, wild pistachio, carob, and wild strawberry trees.

B2B Focus: Soft adventure, family groups, cultural travelers, and farm-to-table culinary hikes.

Key Experiences:
- The Orjan Trail: A scenic day hike along poplar-lined valley floors, past ancient stone water mills and hollowed walnut trees, culminating in a traditional home-cooked orchard feast prepared by local village families.
- Community Crafts: Visiting the Soap House, where local women produce organic olive oil soaps.

Accommodation: Wooden eco-cabins nestled in the pine-scented forest.

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Azraq Wetland Reserve (Eastern Oasis)

Azraq is located 100 kilometers east of Amman in the Eastern Desert, the Azraq Oasis is a vital ecological lifeline along the African-Eurasian migratory flyway.

B2B Focus: Bird-watching groups, photography tours, and historical desert circuits.

Key Experiences: Guided walks along wooden boardwalks and bird hides to spot hoopoes, warblers, and finches during sunrise and sunset.

Wildlife & Ecology: Home to migratory avian species, water buffalo, and the endemic Azraq killifish.

Shaumarie Wildlife Reserve

Established in 1975 by the RSCN as Jordan’s very first wildlife breeding center, Shaumari spans 22 square kilometers of desert plains near Azraq.

B2B Focus: Wildlife enthusiasts, family series, educational travel, and conservation-focused groups.

Key Experiences:
- Modern Visitor & Rehabilitation Center: Interactive conservation exhibits, falcon rehabilitation aviaries, and upcoming reintroduction programs for the Somali ostrich.
- 4x4 Open-Top Safaris: Guided open-jeep tours across golden desert plains to view free-roaming herds of the once-extinct Arabian Oryx, Persian Onager (wild ass), and Dorcas Gazelle.

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A Premier Ecotourism Experience

Recently, Shaumari has undergone a significant transformation, enhancing its infrastructure to offer visitors an immersive and educational eco-tourism experience. The newly revamped visitor center, with its strikingly modernist design, provides a wealth of interactive exhibits detailing the region’s ecosystems and the biology of its most celebrated inhabitants.

Before embarking on a safari, visitors can explore special enclosures that offer close-up views of Arabian oryx, Persian onagers, Dorcas gazelles, and houbara bustards, allowing for an in-depth appreciation of these rare species.

Safari Adventure in the Reserve

One of the highlights of visiting Shaumari is its guided wildlife safari, offering a chance to experience the reserve’s wildlife in a semi-natural setting. Guests ride in special safari jeeps equipped with raised seats for optimal viewing, and expert guides provide detailed insights into the flora and fauna of the region. The guides also assist in spotting the more elusive animals, such as the skittish Persian onager, which often requires binoculars to see from a distance.

Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs

The Arabian oryx breeding program at Shaumari has played a pivotal role in saving the species from extinction. A designated captive breeding area ensures the protection and growth of the oryx population, and visitors may even have the rare opportunity to see newborn oryx calves.

In addition, near the entrance of the reserve, a special aviary houses rescued falcons. These birds are confiscated by rangers from Gulf Arab hunters who attempt to capture them illegally. After a period of rehabilitation, the falcons are released back into the wild, reinforcing conservation efforts.

Future Reintroductions: The Return of the Ostrich

The RSCN is also developing plans to reintroduce ostriches to the reserve. Once native to the region, these birds were hunted to extinction, but conservationists hope to restore their presence as part of the area’s rich biodiversity. If successful, this reintroduction would further establish Shaumari as a model reserve for wildlife restoration in Jordan.

With its remarkable conservation achievements and engaging visitor experiences, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve stands as a testament to Jordan’s commitment to wildlife protection and offers nature enthusiasts a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of the desert’s natural beauty.

If visiting Shaumarie please read our visitor guidelines here.

Ecotourism Market Positioning

Soft Adventure & Cultural Series - Ajloun (Orjan Trail) + Dana Village + Dead Sea: 3 to 4-day integration. Includes eco-cabin stays, local home-cooked orchard lunches, guide fees, and private coach transport.

Hard Wilderness & Trekking - Dana-to-Feynan Trek + Mujib Canyon Trail: 2 to 3-day high-energy program. Includes wilderness guides, luggage portage, canyoning safety gear, and Feynan Ecolodge stays.

Specialist Wildlife & Birding. Azraq Wetlands + Shaumari Reserve + Dibbeen: 2-day Eastern Desert module. Includes 4x4 open-jeep safari permits, specialized ornithology guides, and bird-hide access.

Best Travel Seasons:

Northern Forests (Ajloun, Dibbeen): Spring (wildflowers) & Autumn.
Canyons (Mujib): April to October.
Deserts & South (Dana, Feynan, Shaumari): October to April.