Tucked 27km south of Tafileh and 24km north of Shobak, the cliff-hugging village of Dana offers more than just stunning views – it’s the gateway to Jordan’s crown jewel of conservation. Perched where the King’s Highway dramatically descends toward Wadi Araba, this rustic settlement marks the eastern entrance to Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest protected wilderness spanning 320 square kilometers of jaw-dropping landscapes.
What makes Dana truly special isn’t just its panoramic vistas – it’s an inspiring success story of community revival through eco-tourism. As you wind down the steep road into this cliffside hamlet, you’ll discover a place where Jordan’s natural beauty meets human resilience, offering hiking adventures and soul-stirring tranquility that lingers long after you leave.
Dana Biosphere Reserve: Where Ecosystems Collide
Peering over V-shaped Wadi Dana from the village, you’re looking at one of Jordan’s most biodiverse landscapes. This reserve plunges from 1500m mountain peaks to below sea level near Feynan, creating an extraordinary natural mosaic where four distinct biogeographical zones converge.
The diversity here will take your breath away: limestone cliffs shift to sandstone canyons and granite outcrops while oak woodlands gradually melt into arid badlands. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot golden eagles circling above, Nubian ibex picking across cliffs, caracals prowling at dusk, and even freshwater crabs scurrying through streams. Botanists have catalogued over 700 plant species here – including three previously unknown to science.
Planning Your Reserve Visit
Start your adventure at the RSCN Guesthouse terrace – the binoculars here offer stunning valley views perfect for spotting migratory birds. Friendly ecotourism experts can help plan your exploration, but remember to arrange guided hikes in advance through the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN). While self-guided trails exist, local guides in Dana village can introduce you to equally spectacular routes just beyond reserve boundaries.
Unforgettable Hikes from Dana Village
Wadi Dana Trail (14km, 5-6 hours) winds from Dana’s lush gardens through ever-changing landscapes to Feynan’s desert wilderness. Suitable for independent hikers, this gradual descent reveals the reserve’s full ecological spectrum.
White Dome Trail (8km, 3 hours) offers a breathtaking contour hike (March-Oct only) beneath towering cliffs. Wander through spring-fed orchards before reaching the dramatic escarpment near Rummana Camp.
Feathers Canyon Trail (3km, 3 hours) begins at Al-Barra south of the village. You’ll scramble through narrow gorges to reach Shaq ar-Reesh’s ancient Nabatean water systems, surrounded by wildflower meadows bursting with color.
For experienced hikers, Wadi Dathneh Trail (16km, 8 hours) challenges adventurers with cliffside paths leading to the oasis of Hammam Adethni before following Wadi Ghweir’s flowing streams to Feynan.
Hiking from Rummana Campsite
Northwest of the village, Rummana’s campsite offers alternative routes with magnificent views across Wadi Dana’s limestone cliffs. Wake to birdsong as dawn lights up the canyon walls before embarking on trails showcasing the reserve’s wildlife-rich woodlands.
Discover the magic of Jordan’s hidden gem with unforgettable trails in the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve. Whether you’re an avid hiker or weekend explorer, Dana’s diverse paths promise adventure around every corner. Let’s lace up those boots and dive into the wonders awaiting you!
Guided Adventures in Dana
For those seeking expert insights, Dana offers two spectacular guided treks. The stunning White Dome Trail (3 hours, 8km) from Feynan to Dana treats hikers to ever-changing landscapes – though most travelers experience this journey in reverse from Dana Village (detailed in our “Walks from Dana Village” section). If you crave a more rugged challenge, try the Dana Village Trail (4 hours, 5km) navigating a wilder path through this ancient landscape.
Explore At Your Own Pace
Want to wander freely? These self-guided trails invite independent discovery. The Campsite Trail offers an easy 2km loop around Rummana with panoramic views and prime birdwatching perches perfect for snapping photos. Up for a moderate climb? The Rummana Trail (2.5km) winds through fragrant juniper forests to Jabal Rummana’s summit – translator’s note: that’s “Pomegranate Mountain!” From this eagle’s nest viewpoint, Wadi Araba unfolds beneath you while raptors soar overhead. Dawn hikers might spot nimble ibex navigating the cliffs.
Nearby, the adventurous Cave Trail (1km) leads to mysterious cliffside caverns in Shaq al-Kalb (Dog Canyon). Local wildlife like hyenas, wildcats, and wolves call this area home – bring your camera but keep a respectful distance!
Don’t Miss These Special Spots
Just steps from Rummana campsite lies a secret wildlife paradise. Tuck yourself into the bird hide at dawn to witness thirsty ibex and colorful birds visiting the tranquil pool. Prefer stretching your legs? The hour-long walk from the campsite back to Rummana’s main Tower access point lets you savor the reserve at your rhythm.
Dana Village: Jordan’s Crown Jewel of Ecotourism
Perched dramatically on a cliffside, Dana village looks straight from a storybook with its charming stone cottages. This revitalized community has transformed from abandoned ruins to Jordan’s model of sustainable tourism – thanks to passionate conservation efforts and USAID support. As you wander rebuilt streets, you’ll witness rebirth in action: restored homes becoming cozy guesthouses, new ecological systems taking shape, and the careful balance between modern comforts and traditional character.
Village Experiences
Start your visit at the RSCN office (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature) for current trail info and village updates. Their recommended 2km Village Tour introduces Dana’s highlights: terraced gardens fed by natural springs, workshops where artisans craft silver jewelry, and aromatic drying rooms filled with local fruits. Don’t miss the Nature Shop’s treasures – organic herbs, handmade textiles, and unique souvenirs supporting Jordanian communities.
The Phoenix of Southern Jordan
Dana’s comeback story inspires. Once thriving as a farming community, modernization led villagers to abandon their homes by the 1980s. Enter the “Friends of Dana” – twelve visionary women who sparked Dana’s revolution in the 1990s. Partnering with the RSCN, they initiated groundbreaking changes:
• Restored 65 cottages with eco-friendly utilities
• Created Jordan’s first nature reserve protection program
• Developed innovative village industries like organic preserves and olive oil soap
• Revived traditional crafts like pottery-making
• Built acclaimed eco-lodges at Rummana and Feynan
Today, Dana welcomes over 100,000 annual visitors while maintaining its ecological integrity – proving that tourism can empower communities when done thoughtfully. From researchers studying rare species to artisans passing ancient skills to new generations, Dana pulses with new life while honoring its past.
Whether you spend hours hiking canyon trails or sipping tea in a restored cottage, Dana captures Jordan’s spirit of resilience. This living laboratory of sustainable tourism doesn’t just preserve history – it writes an exciting new chapter you’ll want to experience firsthand.
🌟 The Travaloca Travel Editors Community is a dynamic collective of individuals united by their passion for travel and their dedication to high-quality content creation. This community serves as the driving force behind Travaloca's informative and engaging travel resources. ✨ Core Identity: This group consists primarily of passionate travel enthusiasts who have turned their love for exploration into a commitment to writing and content curation. Members are recognized for their: Extensive Travel Experience: Possessing valuable firsthand knowledge from their journeys worldwide. Aptitude for Writing and Editing: Demonstrating a keen interest and skill in crafting, reviewing, and perfecting travel narratives, guides, tips, and reviews. Dedication to Storytelling: Transforming personal experiences and destination knowledge into accessible, inspiring, and reliable information for a global audience. 📝 Community Focus: The community’s primary role is to contribute, edit, and maintain the diverse range of content on Travaloca's platform. They ensure the information provided is accurate, engaging, and reflective of current travel trends. In essence, the Travaloca Travel Editors Community is where travel passion meets editorial excellence, enriching the user experience and solidifying Travaloca’s standing as a trusted travel resource.
