Dana Nature Reserve 3-day itinerary

Arrive at Dana Village — a 15th-century Bedouin settlement restored by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The village clings to a cliff edge overlooking a vast sandstone gorge dropping into the Rift Valley. Walk the winding lanes past stone houses, a mosque, and terraced gardens. Meet the families who still live here — some run small guesthouses and sell handmade jewellery.

Hike the Rummana Mountain Trail (2.5km loop, 1.5 hours, JOD 8 with guide). The trail climbs through sandstone formations to a viewpoint overlooking Wadi Dana and the Rift Valley. The 360-degree panorama takes in four eco-zones — from green hilltops to desert floor. Ibex, hyrax, and raptors are commonly spotted.

Watch sunset from the village edge — the gorge turns gold, then crimson, then deep purple. The Dead Sea is sometimes visible as a silver line on the western horizon. Dinner at the guesthouse: traditional Bedouin food — zarb (underground barbecue), fattoush, and hummus. After dark, the stargazing from Dana is world-class.

Wake for sunrise over the gorge — unmissable. After breakfast, start the Wadi Dana trail (14km, 5–6 hours, guide required JOD 8). The descent begins steeply through sandstone cliffs and juniper woodland. The trail is well-marked but the guide adds invaluable botanical and geological knowledge.

As you descend 1,000m, the landscape transforms dramatically: sandstone cliffs → Mediterranean-type juniper and oak → arid scrubland → Saharan desert. Look for Nubian ibex on the cliff faces, Tristram's starling (a glossy black bird with orange wing flashes), and raptors circling the thermals. The final 4km through Wadi Feynan is flat, hot, and exposed.

Arrive at Feynan Ecolodge — an award-winning solar-powered lodge in the desert floor. No electricity from outlets — the entire building runs on candles after dark. Candlelit dinner of Bedouin food (included in stay, JOD 80–120/night full board). Rooftop stargazing with a Bedouin guide who knows the constellations and desert mythology.

Morning hike to the ancient copper mines near Feynan — this area has been mined for copper since 4,000 BC, making it one of the oldest industrial sites in the world. The green-stained rocks and ancient smelting furnaces are visible along the trail (2 hours round trip). Then visit a local Bedouin family — the lodge arranges genuine cultural exchanges with tea, coffee, and bread-making.

Arrange a 4x4 transfer back to Dana Village (JOD 35–45 per vehicle, 1 hour via dirt road) or continue onward to Petra (2.5 hours by car via the King's Highway). The drive from Feynan out through the desert passes Bedouin camps and copper-age archaeological sites.

If returning to Dana Village, final sunset from the cliff edge. If continuing to Petra, arrive in Wadi Musa by evening — the entrance to Petra is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The King's Highway route from Dana passes through stunning highland scenery.