Azraq Wetland Reserve | Azraq

Azraq Wetland Reserve is a protected oasis located in the eastern desert of Jordan, near the town of Azraq. It serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling between Africa and Europe within an otherwise hyper-arid landscape.

Visual Characteristics

The reserve features a mosaic of shallow freshwater pools, marshes, and silt-flats (qas). Vegetation is dominated by thickets of common reed (Phragmites australis) and salt-tolerant tamarisk trees. The terrain is flat, characterized by dark basaltic rocks on the periphery and muddy, light-colored sediment within the core wetland areas.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located approximately 115km east of Amman, accessed via Highway 40. Visitors can park at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) visitor center located just off the main road in South Azraq. While no direct public buses serve the gates, minibuses from Zarqa to Azraq drop passengers within a 2km walking distance of the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Formerly a massive oasis covering over 12 square kilometers, the wetland was significantly depleted in the late 20th century due to groundwater pumping for urban use. The RSCN established the reserve in 1978 and initiated a restoration project in 1994 to pump water back into the marshes. Geologically, it sits in a terminal basin where seasonal wadis drain into a large playa.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors utilize a 1.5km elevated wooden boardwalk that loops through the marsh and reed beds. A permanent bird hide (the Marsh Trail) allows for the observation of species such as the Desert Finch and various migratory waterfowl. Guided tours provide information on the local "Azraq Killifish" (Aphanius sirhani), the only vertebrate species endemic to Jordan.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a visitor center, an environmental museum, public restrooms, and a small gift shop. Shade is available within the bird hide and under a few designated shelters along the boardwalk. 4G cellular signal is stable; food and water are available at the RSCN Eco-lodge or local restaurants in Azraq town, located 3km away.

Best Time to Visit

Late autumn and spring (October to May) are the primary seasons for birdwatching during peak migration. Photography is most effective in the early morning (07:00 to 09:00) when wildlife is active and the water surface is calm. The reserve is open daily from 09:00 to 16:30.

Facts & Legends

The reserve is home to the world's only wild population of the Azraq Killifish, a species that nearly went extinct when the oasis dried up in the 1990s. A historical oddity is that the area once hosted a diverse range of large fauna, including cheetahs and ostriches, which were recorded by early 20th-century explorers before the habitat collapsed.

Nearby Landmarks

Qasr Azraq (5.0km North)

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve (10.0km Southwest)

Quseir Amra (28.0km West)

Azraq South Town Center (3.0km North)