Ajloun Forest Reserve | Ajloun

Information

Landmark: Ajloun Forest Reserve
City: Ajloun
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Ajloun Forest Reserve, Ajloun, Jordan, Asia

Ajloun Forest Reserve is a 13-square-kilometer protected area located in the Ajloun Highlands of northern Jordan. Established in 1988 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), it preserves one of the few remaining Mediterranean-style woodlands in the country.

Visual Characteristics

The reserve consists of rolling hills and winding valleys ranging from 600 to 1,100 meters in elevation. The landscape is dominated by open woodlands of evergreen oak, carob, wild pistachio, and strawberry trees. In spring, the forest floor is covered with wildflowers, including the black iris (Jordan's national flower), rock roses, and orchids. The soil is predominantly fertile terra rossa, and the climate is notably cooler and more humid than the surrounding desert regions.

Location & Access Logistics

The reserve is located approximately 76km north of Amman and 20km northwest of Irbid, near the village of Umm Al-Yanabi. Access is via the Ajloun-Jerash highway; the entrance is clearly marked and reachable by private vehicle or taxi. Public transport involves taking a minibus from Amman’s North Bus Station to Ajloun city, followed by a local taxi to the reserve headquarters. A paved parking area is available at the RSCN visitor center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The reserve was established to protect the Mediterranean bio-geographical region, which accounts for less than 1% of Jordan's total land area. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025. Historically, the region suffered from 200 years of deforestation and overgrazing, leading to the local extinction of several species. The RSCN initiated a captive breeding program in 1988 to reintroduce the roe deer, which had disappeared from the wild in Jordan.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity, with several marked trails: the Roe Deer Trail (2km), the Soap House Trail (7km) leading to the Eagle Viewpoint, and the longer Prophet's Trail (8.5km) heading to Tell Mar Elias. Visitors can participate in local socio-economic projects, including workshops at the Soap House, Calligraphy House, and Biscuit House in the nearby villages of Orjan and Rasun. Guided birdwatching is also common, as the area is a BirdLife International designated Important Bird Area.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The reserve features a central visitor center with a ticket office, a restaurant (The Sunflower Restaurant), and a gift shop selling RSCN nature products. Accommodation is available on-site in tented lodges and luxury wooden cabins, which operate from March to November. Public restrooms and 4G mobile signals are available at the main headquarters. Most trails are well-signposted but require a fee for access.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit is during the spring (March to May) when wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild. For photography, early morning provides the clearest views of the Jordan Valley and the West Bank. The reserve is open year-round, but winter (December to February) can bring heavy rainfall and occasional snow, making trails muddy.

Facts & Legends

The reserve is the site of a successful "extinction reversal" for the roe deer, which was brought back from specimens taken from Turkey. A local legend identifies the surrounding hills as the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah, specifically at the nearby ruins of Listib. A unique modern tip is the "Solar Viewpoint" on the Eagle Trail, which offers one of the few points in Jordan where you can see the Mediterranean Sea on exceptionally clear days.