Everything about the beautiful Dana Nature Reserve
Dana in Jordan is a small village perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the beautiful Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve. This is the largest nature reserve in Jordan. This hidden gem is a paradise for hikers, who can enjoy various routes through a breathtaking desert landscape of mountains and valleys. Dana is also a place to relax, get to know the local culture and spend the night in amazing accommodations.
How to get to Dana
Dana is located about halfway between Amman and Aqaba, on the King’s Highway, a historic route that connects several sights in Jordan. By rental car it takes about five hours from Amman. You can also get to Dana by public transport, but that is less convenient and flexible. Buses run from Amman, Aqaba and Petra to Qadisiyyeh, a town on the King’s Highway, where you can transfer to a taxi or minibus to Dana. The drive from Qadisiyyeh to Dana takes about 20 minutes. The most relaxing option is to book a ride with a local bus organization. This is the fastest and most reliable. You can find all routes and prices here.
Best time to visit Dana
The period from April to November is ideal to visit Dana. In winter you cannot do some hiking trails, such as the Wadi Ghuweir Trail, because of the risk of flooding and it can also be very cold. Spring is the most beautiful time because nature is in full bloom and the temperatures are pleasant for walking.
Take one of the available walks
Hiking is the best way to explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which covers more than 300 square kilometers and has several ecosystems. There are hiking trails for all levels, from short circular walks to multi-day treks. Some walks you can do yourself, others are better done with a guide or as part of the Jordan Trail (see below).
Wadi Dana Trail
Distance: 14 kilometers
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Guide needed: No
This is a classic walk that starts in Dana Village and ends at Feynan Ecolodge. You can also do the walk in the opposite direction, but then you have to climb quite a bit. The walk descends through the Wadi Dana, a beautiful valley with rock formations, green terraces and wildlife. Make sure you are well prepared when you go on the hike, because you will be walking in full sun almost the entire time. It is therefore wise to leave early and take plenty of water with you. You do not need a guide for the Wadi Dana Trail, but we recommend using the maps.me app to check whether you are still on the right track. Along the way you can enjoy beautiful views and wild nature. Not unimportant, arrange in advance with your accommodation how you will return. You end up in a different place than where you start and the ride back goes around the mountain and can take up to 2.5 hours.
Wadi Ghuweir Trail
Distance: 17 kilometers
Time: 5 to 7 hours
Guide needed: Yes
This is an adventurous walk that starts near the village of Al Mansoura and ends at Feynan Ecolodge. As far as we are concerned, this is the most beautiful walk that Dana has to offer and is highly recommended. The walk follows the course of the Wadi Ghuweir, a river that flows through a narrow gorge. Along the way you will pass water flowing from the walls, palm trees, ferns and beautiful red-pink rocks. You sometimes have to wade through the water or clamber over rocks, so suitable (waterproof) walking shoes and clothing are highly recommended. It is possible to do this walk without a guide, but we do not recommend this. The guide knows exactly the route and is familiar with the places where it can be difficult to walk. Arrange your guide and how to get back in advance at your accommodation. Just like the Wadi Dana Trail, you end up in a different place than where you start and the ride back goes around the mountain and can take up to 2.5 hours.
Rummana Mountain Trail
Distance: 2.5 to 3 kilometers
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Guide needed: No
The Rummana Mountain Trail starts and ends at the Rummana campsite in the Dana Nature Reserve. You can reach the campsite by car or taxi from Dana village. This challenging hike takes you to the top of Rummana Mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Along the way you will pass forests, meadows, caves and viewpoints. You can also spot wildflowers, butterflies and birds. Also for this trail, especially if you do not have a rental car, it is a good idea to arrange transport in advance at your accommodation.
Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is an epic hiking trail that runs across Jordan, from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. The entire route is more than 600 kilometers long and takes approximately 40 days. You can also do parts of the Jordan Trail. One of the most beautiful sections is the walk from Dana to Petra, which is approximately 70 kilometers long and takes four days.
Tips for Dana
- Bring enough cash. In Dana you cannot pay by card anywhere and you pay everything in cash. You need cash for overnight stays, but also for hikes (transport, guide, lunch and tip) and for the supermarket. We recommend bringing at least 300 Jordanian dinars.
- Prepare to get your feet wet during the Wadi Ghuweir Trail. Wear good (waterproof) walking shoes and bring dry socks for after the hike.
- Drink enough water! You need a lot of water, especially during the Wadi Dana Trail in the sun. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water (more is always better!) and enough food per person. You cannot buy anything anywhere during the hikes. Only at the end at Feynan Ecolodge can you get food and drinks.
- If you can, try sharing the cost for the Wadi Ghuweir Trail and transportation with others. That saves a lot of money.
- We recommend staying two nights in Dana. If the timing works out, you have the option to do two hikes and sleep another night in your accommodation. This means there is no need to travel to your next destination when night falls.
Where can you stay in Dana
Dana has a number of nice options to stay overnight, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxurious eco-lodges. We are happy to list our favorites for you.
- Dana Tower Hotel: This is a budget-friendly hotel run by a local family. The hotel has simple but clean rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The hotel also has a roof terrace with a great view over the reserve. Dana Tower hotel also offers delicious home-cooked meals and organizes walking tours of the reserve.
- Wadi Dana Eco Camp: The Eco Camp is located in a beautiful location and runs entirely on solar energy and local water sources. It is run by local farmers and supports the community. There are 4 rooms and 9 traditional tents. Each room or tent offers a beautiful view of Wadi Dana. Traditional lunches and dinners are available, and hiking tours are also organized from the camp. (see photo below)
- Al-Nawatef Eco Camp: This affordable and eco-friendly camp is located just five kilometers from Dana and offers you the chance to spend the night in a traditional tent. There are various walking tours that the camp can arrange for you.
Dana is a great destination for those who love walking, nature and culture. Dana has something for everyone and is a perfect addition to your tour of Jordan.
