Иордания

If you are an adventurous hiker, bird watcher, nature lover, biker, or camper, if you enjoy an archeological sites, interested in abseiling and swimming, or simply looking for a healthy change and enjoy the tranquility of nature – Jordan for us!!!

I.                    WADI RUM.

«Rum the magnificent… vast echoing and Godlike… a professional way greater than imagination… the crimson sunset burned on its stupendous cliffs and slanted ladders of hazy fire down its walled avenue…„

                                                    T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

A journey to Wadi Rum is a journey to another world. A vast, silent place, timeless and starkly beautiful, Wadi Rum lies at a three-hour drive south of Amman, a little over an hour`s drive south-east of Petra and some 70 km north-east of Aqaba.

The uniquely shaped massive mountains rise out of the rose-red desert sand in this magnificent desert scenery of strange beauty, with towering cliffs of weathered stone.

All around, there is emptiness and silence. In this immense space, man is dwarfed to insignificance.

If you want to experience first-hand the feelings of merchants centuries ago, when they used to carry spices and silks from the eastern Indian regions to the Mediterranean ports or to Aqaba, you can book a camel-ride at the Wadi Rum Cooperative Society, or at the rest house.

At a small but well-equipped campsite, just behind the rest-house, all the equipment you might require for an unforgettable night under the starry sky can be rented at reasonable prices. The rest house offers typical Arabic meals, and bathroom facilities with showers. Drinking water can be obtained from springs and is available in the village. There are two small shops servicing the area, and a grocery store can be found in Quwerah on the main high-way, about 30 km away. As in any desert, keep an aye out for scorpions and the occasional snake.

The travel in Wadi Rum a four-wheel drive car is necessary. It can be rented at the rest house. A guide, also available at the Wadi Rum CS, should accompany you: do not challenge the desert alone, as getting lost there could become a dramatically serious matter.

Various excursions for the adventurous at heart can be embarked upon. Whether by car or camel, these routes offer excitement and an unforgettable experience. A trip to Um Fruth Rock Bridge is аpprox.25 km, or 3,5 hours by car, 6 hours by camel. Burdah Rock Bridge is 36 km, 5 hours by car and 2 day by camel trip. There are plenty of other routes.

Desert trekking by foot and free climbing are also very popular ways to explore the mountainous terrain. The rock is sandstone and at first sight appears friable and soft, but on close acquaintance it will be found that excellent climbs are possible equaling and often exceeding the quality and length of those areas such as the Italian Dolomites or the Hoggar of the Algerian Sahara. Some of the climbs are over 1,500 meters in length and pass through rock architecture – a type are not found elsewhere in the world. The numerous canyons or «siqs», although known to the Bedouins, are not yet fully explored, but offer excellent opportunities for unusual treks into mountains. Their walls are decorated with ancient Thamudic inscriptions and drawings, and Nabatean steps can be found leading into hidden upper recesses.

The natural bridge at Burdah is the highest and most striking of Rum. Other  excursions include the valleys north of Disi. The desert is full of mistery and surprises, enjoy.

The following, are prices for accommodation.

«Jabal Rum» Camp: prices in US Dollars per room per night (untill 31.12.10)

«Hillawi « Camp:

«Bait Ali» Camp:

II.                  Red sea. Аqabа.

Surrounded by rugged purplish mountains, Aqaba enjoys formidable weather throughout the year. In the winter, while Amman shivers at 5 degrees, the temperature hovers steadily around 20 degrees. And while spring and fall are the best times to visit Aqaba, fresh and cool breeze coming in from the sea alleviates the summer`s temperatures, which can reach a high of 40 degrees.

Aqaba`s climate makes it a refreshing location for year-round diving. The water temperature averages 22.5 in winter and over 28 in summer. The prevailing northern winds from Wadi Araba keep the water surface shimmering clean, and the flows within the gulf ensure transparent waters.

The tranquil waters of this pore resort make water sports enjoyable. Scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing and fishing are just some of the popular activities in Aqaba.

The gulf of Aqaba is a world known diving area. Aqaba itself offers eager divers the chance to experience virgin coral reefs, rare marine life forms, and encounters with friendly sea animals like turtles and dolphins.

Over 230 species of coral and at least 1 000 species of fish and invertebrates have been identified in Aqaba, creating a colourful kaleidoscope. This, combined with the gulf`s depth and its isolation of sea currents, which minimize turbulence and improve visibility, make it one of the most rewarding scuba diving and snorkeling spots in the world.

Some of Aqaba`s hotels are located downtown. Others offer a sea front location. A campsite on the south beach is available for the moor casual vacationers.

The Aqaba`s airport, located nearby, creates an additional advantage for this area.  

III.                  «Danа biosphere Reserve «.

Dana is a series of spectacular mountains and wadis that extend from the top of the Jordan rift valley to the desert lowlands  of Wadi Araba. The reserve is famed for its bird watching, archeological sites, and marvelous scenery.

Explore Dana`s trails, offering stunning vistas of the Jordan valley, enjoy the sunset from the private balconies of the Dana Guesthouse, or absorb the stillness of the Rummana Campsite.

«Dana Guesthouse» (190 km trip from Amman, 2 hours).

Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled building offers breathtaking views of the reserve, comfortable rooms, traditional Arabic food and friendly service. It contains 9 bedrooms, most with private terraces; all the rooms share external toilets & showers, except for one suite with private bathroom. Open all year round.

«Rummana Campsite «.

Situated on a small plateau, the dramatic escarpment of the Jordan rift valley, the campsite has 20 large tents with a total capacity of 60 persons, two Bedouin tents, an outdoor dining area, a kitchen and communal showers/toilets. Each tent comes fully equipped with mattresses, pillows and blankets. Open from March 15th to October 31^st.

Dining – traditional Arabic meals are provided upon request.

IV.               «Feynan Eco-Lodge» (approx.3.5 hours from Amman).

Situated deep in Wadi Araba`s revote landscape, the Feynan Eco-Lodge forms the western gateway of the Dana  Biosphere Reserve, and provides an unparalleled experience in desert accommodation.

In terms of archeological sites in southern Jordan, the Feynan area is regarded by many experts to be second after Petra in importance. The area shows evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years.

Visitors are able to explore the area on foot using several hiking trails. Long distance links are also being created to join Feynan with Shobak and Petra.

Guided and self-guided mountain biking trails are also available for visitors wishing to explore this unique area in a different way. Seven adult mountain bikes and two child mountain bikes are available for hire onsite.

Feynan Eco-Lodge – isolated from paved roads and electricity supply, totally new concept in environment-friendly accommodation. This solar – powered Eco-Lodge is exclusively candle-lit, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that is further enhanced by the various star lit terraces and balconies. Provides 26 uniquely designed rooms for visitors who wish to explore this undiscovered and archeologically rich area of Jordan. Normally closed in July and August, but can be currently open by special arrangement.

Food – the unique vegetarian menu with special recipes created from fresh local ingredients.

V.                 «Mujib Nature Reserve» (1,5 hours from Amman).

At 410 meters below sea level, the Mujib Nature Reserve is the lowest nature reserve on earth. Its rugged and spectacular mountains border the Dead sea coast and are dissected by several river- filled canyons that offer some of the best river and adventure hikes in Jordan. Mujib`s complex river system and all-year water flow enable it to support a rich biodiversity. To date, over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded. Some of the mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach and offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats (ibex), and other mountain animals.

The breathtaking scenery and the challenge of negotiating Mujib`s fast-flowing rivers make the reserve one of Jordan`s most popular natural attractions. Visitors need to have the ability to swim and have no fear of water and heights. Trails are tough, exciting and offer a chance to swim and bathe in the cool and clear waters of the rivers. Hikers should expect to climb rocks against the water flow and jump into natural pools. Canyons trails include abseiling. Water trails are open April-October, while dry trails are open all year round (except period of Ramadan). Minimum age foe water trails is 16.

Chalet village on the shores of the Madash peninsula provides 15 double rooms with some of the best Dead sea views, along the coast. Each chalet has an uninterrupted sea view, shaded sun terrace, air conditioning and nearby shared showers and toilets. The chalet are only a short distance from the Mujib Reserve Visitor Center to the stunning Mujib canyon and river hike.  Open all year round.

Food – at the Mujib Chalets restaurant.

VI.               «Ajloun Forest reserve» (1, 15 hours from Amman).

Dominated by open woodlands of Evergreen oak, pine, carob, wild pistachio and wild strawberry trees, this area has a long history of human settlement, due to its mild climate, dense forests and fertile soil. Once situated amongst the network cities of the roman Decapolis, the forest is now central to the ruins of Jerash, Um Qais and Pella. This reach history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages.

Visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided trails ranging from 1-10 hours in length and easy to difficult in grade. Visits can also be arranged to surrounding villages, farms, the Orjan soap house and Ajloun Castle.

Ajloun Cabins – 5 beautifully designed four-person cabins provide the perfect way to experience nature with some added luxury. Each cabin has comfort and style and is equipped with a private bathroom and a small terrace. Open all year round.

Ajloun bungalows – 10 three-person tented bungalows, with nearby showers and toilets. Open from April till October.

Food – at the reserve`s restaurant with winning local flavors.

VII.             «Dibeen forest Reserve» (1 hour from Amman).

With rolling hills and deep wadis covered by mixed pine oak forests, Dibeen is representative of the «wild woods» that once covered a large part of north-western Jordan. The reserve represents the most ancient and ecologically  rich part of this landscape and extents over an area of 8 square km, providing  an important habitat for many locally and globally endangered species. The reserve is the south-western geographical limit for the indigenous Aleppo pine, as well as the driest area in which these trees grow naturally. Home to the Persian squirrel and the best remaining Jordanian habitat  for the stone marten, the reserve supports at least 17 endangered species of mammals, reptiles, birds, plants, including several rare orchids.

Short woodlands trails are available, as well as parking areas and picnic sites with barbecue pits. Restrooms are also available for visitors.

Very popular with local Jordanians on Fridays and Saturdays between early may and mid-September. If you do not like crowds, its better avoid these days.

VIII.           «Azraq Wetland Reserve «.

The Azraq Wetland Reserve, with the nearby Shaumari  Wildlife Reserve, is a gateway to the Eastern Desert. Your perfect choice for bird watching, Reserve, a restored desert oasis, contains several pools, a seasonally flooded marshland and a large mudflat, is an important stop for migratory birds. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species. The area is also rich in cultural history and has unique landscapes from a former British Field Hospital, and a gateway to the hidden Eastern Desert.

The nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is the first nature reserve in Jordan and is home to RSCN`s breeding herd of magnificent Arabian Oryx.

Explore the wetlands on the board walk trail, stroll past tall reeds and open pools, observe visiting birds, or catch a glimpse of water buffalos wallowing in the shallow water.

The Lodge offers 16 fully equipped 1940`s style rooms overlooking Azraq Village and the extensive mudflats of the Azraq Basin. Open all year round.

The «Azraq Lodge» is a converted 1940`s British military field hospital, located at the edge of the Eastern desert, only a short distance from the Azraq and Shaumari nature reserves. It has an authentic period atmosphere, combined with a modern twist, and comfortable accommodation from which to explore the Eastern desert.

A range of activities are available at the lodge, such as bird watching in nearby reserve, cycling or bus tours through the desert, late night movie showings, and Druze dancing for an evening of cultural entertainment.

A short ride from the lodge are Jordan`s desert castles that are beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, and stand testament to a fascinating era in the country`s rich history. These sites have been occupied by many different civilizations throughout history, including Umayyad, Ayyubids and Ottomans.

There are 16 fully equipped 1940`s style rooms, air conditioned with private bathrooms and terraces, overlooking the village and mudflats of the Basin. The rooms can accommodate up to 40 people at full capacity. All the staff members are from local Bedouin, Chechen, and Druze communities and the kitchen and restaurant are under the management of a local family, who provide home-cooked Chechen food. Open all year round.

Enjoy authentic local cuisine at the Azraq Lodge`s Chechen kitchen. Eating at the lodge is a special experience as the kitchen is run by a local Chechen family who that prepares tasty home-made recipes.