Jordan Facts and Figures

Kindly follow this link for extesive information about Jordan

image

 

Major Natural Site

image

Petra Archaeological Park

The Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) covers a 264 dunum (264,00 square meter) area within Wadi Musa, which is considered a tourism and archaeological site and a World Heritage Site registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985. The area encompasses a breathtaking landscape of pink-hued rock mountains, the focus of which is the amazing ancient Nabataean city of Petra, which was carved into the rock more than 2,000 years ago. Petra is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Website : www.petrapark.com

Wadi Rum

The moonlike landscape of Wadi Rum is unique in the world. The desert of Rum is dotted with massive mountains, coloured in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Their hues spill over to colour the sand dunes around the desert and the horizon of its breathtaking panorama.

This is a place where you can become one with nature, where visitors are humbled by the towering mountains and overwhelmed by the serenity and quiet ambiance of this magnificent place.

The eco-system of Wadi Rum holds many rare and endemic plants. Spring reveals hundreds of species of wild flowers. About 120 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the Griffon Vulture, the Fan-Tailed Raven, Bonelli’s Eagle, and Hume’s Tawny Owl. Baseline surveys show the existence of the Grey Wolf, Blandford’s Fox, the Sand Cat, and Ibex within the area.

One activity which keeps attracting thrill-seekers to Wadi Rum is mountain climbing. Ascents can range from simple hikes to serious mountain climbing more than 900 metres up sheer granite and sandstone cliffs.

Dana Nature Reserve:

Dana Nature Reserve covers 308 square kilometres and is a world of natural treasures. It is composed of a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The visitor to this area will be awed by the beauty of the Rummana mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless serenity of Dana Village and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. The Reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes and from gravel plains to dunes of sand. Moreover, Dana supports diverse wildlife which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals; Dana is home to about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals and 190 species of birds.

Wadi Mujib Reserve

The Mujib Reserve is the lowest nature reserve in the world, with a spectacular array of scenery near the east coast of the Dead Sea. The reserve is located within the deep Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters the Dead Sea at 410 metres below sea level. The Reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains to the north and south, reaching 900 metres above sea level in some places. This 1,300 metre variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year- round water flow from seven tributaries, means that Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent bio-diversity that is still being explored and documented today. Over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds have been recorded. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, and thus offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats and other mountain animals. Mujib's sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats in the world, the horned Ibex.

Jordanian Dead Sea Rift Valley

The Dead Sea Rift is a depression running more than 1000 klm from Northern Syria to the Red Sea in the south. The Jordanian part is a dramatic desert landscape that includes the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. Along the eastern edge of the Jordanian Dead Sea Rift rises a mountain range that goes from 400 m below sea level to 1700 m above sea level. In this range run deep wadis cutting through the rock and sand. These wadis often have year-round streams, pools and waterfalls and lush vegetation of palm trees, maidenhair ferns and orchids on their steep sides.

Some of the better known wadis are: Wadi Mujib, Wadi Hidan, Wadi Hasa, Wadi Ibn Hammad, Wadi Numeira, Wadi Feid, and wadi Kerak to name a few.

Ajloun Nature Reserve

Ajloun Nature Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands (North of Amman), It consists of Mediterranean-like hill country, dominated by open woodlands of Oak and Pistachio trees. The Reserve was first established in 1988 when a captive-breeding programme for the Roe Deer was initiated. The reserve is located in an area named Eshtafeena. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has set up two hiking trails and provided a special area for camping. Ajloun's woodlands consist mostly of Oak trees, interspersed with Pistachio, Pine, Carob, and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and food.

Beyond the reserve are many possibilities for walks and climbs. To name a few:

  • Hike Wadi Taibah to the Jordan Valley
  • Hike Kufr Rakib to Pella via Wadi abu Salih
  • Hike Wadi Zubia
  • Hike Wadi Saleh

Major Tourist Sites

Jerash

The Roman city of Jerash is over 2000 years old and one of the best preserved cities in the world. It is an impressive site and one of the favorite destinations in Jordan. Jerash is a fine example of Roman urbanism and wealth displayed by the well preserved paved and colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and public plazas, towers and gates. Our visit includes the Castle, Elliptical Forum, the street of columns, the Temple of Artemis and the Roman theatres.

Mukawir

The ruins of Mukawer are what remain of the fortified hilltop palace of Herodus. It was at this fortress where Salome danced for King Herod who then ordered John the Baptist beheaded. From the top are beautiful, panoramic views of the Dead Sea valley.

Madeba

Madeba is a Christian village – known as the City of Mosaics. It holds the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We also visit some of Madeba’s other priceless treasures including the remains of the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary, the well preserved Roman Road remains, and the Hippolytus Hall which also displays a magnificent mosaic depicting the four seasons.

Mount Nebo

Then on to Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land and latter died and was buried. The site offers sweeping views of the Jordan Valley, Jericho and the Judean hills beyond. There are also the remains of a Byzantine church which also contains an impressive mosaic.

Wadi Ibn Hammad

Today’s walk is beautiful and dramatic. We start at the hot spring of Ibn Hammad and enter a narrow sandstone siq or gorge. Many springs feed into the gorge resulting in a sparkling river and abundant vegetation and hanging gardens.

Dana

The tiny village of Dana has been part of a social experiment by the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature. It was an integral part of the Dana Nature Reserve with the aim of rejuvenating the local community. The village is perched on a cliff overlooking Wadi Dana. From the village we will take walks at the edge of the nature reserve.

Shobak

Shobak Castle was one of the most important Crusader strongholds and outposts. This Castle offers a fantastic example of the detailed architectural and strategic military planning during the Crusader period. Perched high on a hill top, one can see for miles.

Petra

Petra is home to the Nabataen legacy. The Nabataens were an industrious people who settled in the area more than 2000 years ago. Today we can admire their ingenious architecture of the “Red Rose City.” You enter the spectacular site through a narrow "siq" or canyon and continue to one of the most famous monuments, the Treasury. There are endless areas to explore including the Roman theatre, the Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb to the Roman road. After a one hour hike to the Monastery you will be rewarded with one of the best sites in Petra which overlooks the Araba Valley. We return to the entrance siq by the way of the High Place of Sacrifice.

Jebel Haroun

Jebel Haroun or Aaron’s Mountain is marked by a modest white shrine commemorating the death of Aaron, brother of Moses. This shrine also has significance for Muslims who believe this to be the site where Mohammed became a prophet. The hike via the Snake Monument takes seven hours with an ascent of about 500 m. We visit the shrine at the top and enjoy the panoramic views before taking our return route.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum covers hundreds of square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness. This protected area is lined with sandstone and granite mountains which dramatically emerge from sandy valleys. Many mountains contain ancient rock drawing left by people millions of years ago. There are many narrow canyons and windy passageways to discover and numerous sand dunes to climb. We will hike in Wadi Rum through the reddish colored sand, admire the spectacular natural environment, and enjoy the boundless empty spaces.

Dead Sea

We will travel 420m below sea level where you will have the opportunity to sunbath and float in the gentle lapping waters of the Dead Sea. The mineral rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties and many take advantage of the Dead Sea Mud and other Dead Sea products to treat various health conditions.

Karak

The city of Karak lies on the ancient caravan routes used many years ago to travel from Eqypt to Syria. Strategically placed between Shobak and Jerusalem, Karak became the capital of the Crusader district. The old city is dominated by the large Crusader castle.

Ajloun

The Ajloun Castle was built by Salah ad Din and is a good example of Islamic military architecture. The castle top views reach far into the Jordan Valley and the wadis below.

image

Links and recommended Books:

Useful websites

Books

  • Jordan-Walks Treks Caves Climbs and Canyons (Cicerone Guide) by Di Taylor and Tony Howard
  • Treks & Climbs in Wadi Rum Jordan (Cicerone Guide) by Di Taylor and Tony Howard
  • Trekking and Canyoning in the Jordanian Dead Sea Rift by Itai Haviv (Paperback - Sep 2000)
  • The Rough Guide to Jordan (Rough Guide Jordan) by Matthew Teller and Rough Guides