Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are almost 100 archaeological sites in Dana reserve, most still being excavated by British teams. The ruins
of
Khirbet Feynan
, at the mouth of Wadi Feynan and Wadi Ghuweir, are particularly interesting: the 6000-year-old
copper mines here were once the largest metal-smelting operations in the Near East and are mentioned in the Bible.
The Romans later worked the mines using Christian slaves.
You can explore the slag heaps of the main mines of Umm al-Amad, together with the ruins of three churches and
a Roman tower, on a fascinating 13km hike in the hills from Feynan Ecolodge or on the shorter
Feynan Ecolodge
Copper Mine Tour
(1-2hr, guide required; closed Jul & Aug)
which includes Iron Age sites. The tour is very
hot for much of the year so carrying water and wearing a hat is essential.
The hills of Dana still contain copper, but despite lobbying from mining companies, the Jordanian government
has agreed not to allow mining in the reserve. A growing cement factory which quarries along the rim of the reserve
is the nearest incursion permitted in this wildlife haven.
Activities
Hiking
The reserve begs to be explored on foot. It's only by getting out in the thick of it that you
feel the special beauty of the terrain and invite the chance encounter with Dana's diverse
wildlife.
The visitor centre can give information on a range of
hikes
, most of which are guided.
The trails from Al-Barra require a short drive to get to the trailhead (RSCN charges
JD11.600 for a shuttle). The major trails include the following:
EASY TRAILS
Rummana Campground Trail
(1-2hr, self-guided; 15 Mar-31 Oct)
This spectacular walk traces the fluted edge of
Wadi Dana's canyons, circling through the trees and rock formations around the camp-
ground, and giving plenty of opportunities for a quiet sit among untroubled wildlife. Look
out for griffon vultures wheeling above the stone turrets of Wadi Dana, brilliant turquoise
agamas (a type of lizard) basking on rocks, jewel beetles and, if you get really lucky, an
early-morning ibex in the creases and folds of neighbouring canyons.
HIKING
Wadi Dana Trail
(16km, 6hr, self-guided; year-round)
Although this is the most popular trail, you are
still likely to have this long hike through majestic Wadi Dana to yourself. The trail is easy
to follow, partially along a disused road, and latterly via Bedouin grazing paths. Although
HIKING
