Dana Biosphere Reserve | Karak

Information

Landmark: Dana Biosphere Reserve
City: Karak
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Dana Biosphere Reserve, Karak, Jordan, Asia

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, encompassing 292 square kilometers of rugged terrain along the face of the Great Rift Valley. It is located in the Tafilah Governorate, extending from the 1,500-meter peaks of the Sharah Mountains down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape features a dramatic elevation drop, resulting in four distinct bio-geographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian. The geology consists of towering sandstone and limestone cliffs, deep granite-walled canyons, and gravel plains. Vegetation varies from oak and juniper forests in the highlands to acacia and phoenix daphne in the valley floor. The rock formations exhibit a wide spectrum of colors, including deep ochre, white, and red.

Location & Access Logistics

The reserve is located approximately 190 kilometers south of Amman and 55 kilometers north of Petra. Access to the main trailhead and Dana Village is via the King’s Highway (Route 35). Public transport is limited to local minibuses from Tafilah or Ma'an, though most visitors arrive via private vehicle or pre-arranged tourist transport. Parking is available at the Dana Guesthouse and the Tower Center. The low-altitude Feynan area is accessed separately via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65).

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1989 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), the reserve protects a unique ecosystem containing over 800 plant species and 449 animal species. Historically, the area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Dana Village, perched on the cliff edge, dates back to the 15th century and was a significant agricultural community during the Ottoman period, utilizing the perennial springs for terraced farming.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity, with trails such as the 14-kilometer Wadi Dana Trail descending from the highlands to Feynan. Birdwatching is prominent, as the reserve is a bottleneck for migratory species. The village of Dana offers exploration of restored stone houses and traditional craft workshops. Mountain biking and canyoning are available in specific zones with guided permits.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure includes several eco-lodges, a guesthouse, and designated campsites. Restrooms and visitor centers are located at the Dana Guesthouse and the Feynan Ecolodge. Shade is primarily found within the deep canyons or beneath large trees in the highland forests. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is reliable in the village and highland areas but diminishes or disappears entirely within the deep wadis and the Wadi Araba desert.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for visiting are March to May for spring blooms and October to November for temperate hiking weather. Winter (December to February) can be extremely cold in the highlands, with occasional snow and freezing winds. Photography is optimal in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the western-facing sandstone cliffs, emphasizing the deep vertical textures of the canyons.

Facts & Legends

The reserve is home to several globally threatened species, including the Syrian Serin and the Nubian Ibex. A local historical oddity is the Rummana campsite, located in a natural basin that was traditionally used by local tribes for retreat and defense due to its hidden topography. A logistical tip: the descent from Dana Village to Feynan involves a 1,200-meter change in altitude; hikers should carry high-salt snacks and at least 3 liters of water to manage the rapid transition in temperature and pressure.