Dead Sea Highway - Jordan - page 257

The Good Bits
» »'Petra with water' is how the reserve ranger described the Siq Trail, and the comparison is a fair one
» »Beautiful pockets of lime-green reeds harbour toads and the occasional snake
» »The wadi is decorated with outrageously banded rock, scooped out and smoothed by the water
» »Being pushed by the water from one rock pool to the next has its moments
» »The adrenalin rush as the water thunders past a precarious foothold is exhilarating
» »Relief on surfacing easily from the bubbling cauldrons of water is almost worth the fear on leaping in
» »You'll be happy the pictures came out even though the camera didn't make it
So is it worthwhile? Without doubt! If you're fit but not a great water-goer you'll be surprised by how benignly ex-
citing it is to be alone in a raging torrent, bounced down small waterfalls and flipped into gorgeous pools of sunlight
in what must be one of the region's most accessible little adventures.
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex
Walk among the cacti to this lookout (admission per person JD2; 8am-10pm) , high
above the Dead Sea, watch the raptors wheel in the wadis below and you will have to
pinch yourself to think that you are standing at sea level. This wonderful museum and res-
taurant complex offers some breathtaking views, especially on a crisp day in winter when
the Judaea Mountains across the water seem as if they are an arm's stretch away.
For an excellent introduction to the geology, history and environment of the Dead Sea,
spare an hour for the Dead Sea Museum ( 9am-4pm) and lay hands on a set of touch-
able stones. Drive the roads in the area ( Click here ) and you'll notice the rich pattern, tex-
ture and hue of the exposed rocks alongside the road. This is particularly the case on the
Dead Sea Parkway, which extends above the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex to
Hammamat Ma'in and Madaba, or below to the Dead Sea Highway. Along the cut of the
steepest section of road, rich layers of sedimentary rock create natural murals that add to
the beauty of the journey. In the museum, you can identify and touch specimens of this
geological treasure.
A short hiking trail called the Zara Cliff Walk (1.4km; easy) follows the edge of the
wadi and highlights local flora and fauna. You will hear the Tristram's Grackles before
you see these birds as they screech across the wadi. Hyrax can also be spotted here.
To recharge, try at least one mezze in the Panorama Restaurant ( 3245500; mains
JD10-18; noon-10pm; ) , which more than lives up to its name. The excellent
cuisine makes it a popular venue for weekend lunch and dinner. Try the ground-walnut