Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | JOD 15–25 | JOD 45–65 |
| Food | JOD 5–8 | JOD 10–15 |
| Transport | JOD 3–8 | JOD 10–20 |
| Activities | JOD 0–8 | JOD 8–15 |
| Daily Total | JOD 23–49 | JOD 73–115 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Dana is 3 hours south of Amman via the King's Highway, or 2 hours north of Petra. No public transport to Dana Village — you need a car or arranged transfer
- The turn-off from the King's Highway to Dana Village is steep and winding (3km) — manageable in a standard car but 4x4 is more comfortable
- Feynan Ecolodge requires 4x4 access from the Dead Sea road side, or hiking in from Dana Village
The Reserve
- Jordan's largest nature reserve — 320 sq km spanning from 1,500m hilltops to 50m below sea level in the Rift Valley
- 800+ plant species, 215 bird species, and rare mammals including Nubian ibex, sand cats, and wolves
- Managed by RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature). All fees support conservation and local communities
Hiking
- Wadi Dana trail (14km, 5–6 hours) is the signature hike — guide required (JOD 8). Start early, carry 3+ litres of water
- Rummana Mountain Trail (2.5km, 1.5 hours) is gentler. Several shorter trails near Dana Village are self-guided
- Sturdy hiking boots essential. Walking poles helpful for the Wadi Dana descent. Sun protection critical — limited shade
Weather
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov: perfect hiking weather (15–25°C). Wildflowers in spring. Clear skies in autumn
- Jun–Sep: very hot in lower elevations (35°C+). Dana Village at 1,200m is bearable but Wadi Feynan is scorching
- Dec–Feb: cold at Dana Village (5–10°C, possible frost/snow). Feynan is mild. Carry warm gear for highland camping
Money
- No ATMs at Dana. Withdraw cash in Tafila (30 min away) or Amman before arriving
- Guesthouses accept cards for accommodation. Guides, transport, and village shops are cash only
- Feynan Ecolodge accepts cards for bookings made online. On-site purchases are limited
Connectivity
- Mobile signal is patchy at Dana Village and non-existent at Feynan Ecolodge
- RSCN Guesthouse has basic WiFi. Feynan intentionally has none — embrace the digital detox
- Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before hiking. No mountain rescue service exists
Cultural tips
Bedouin Culture
Dana's families are Bedouin — deeply hospitable. If invited for tea, accept. Remove shoes before entering tents or homes. Eat and greet with the right hand. The warmth is genuine and the cultural exchange goes both ways.
Dress Code
Conservative dress in the village — cover shoulders and knees. On the trail, hiking gear is fine but cover up when passing through or near Bedouin camps. Women don't need to cover their hair.
Leave No Trace
Dana is a protected reserve. Pack out all rubbish, stay on marked trails, don't pick plants or disturb wildlife. The ecosystem is fragile and the reserve depends on responsible visitors.
Photography
Ask before photographing village families, especially women and children. Landscape and wildlife photography is encouraged. The RSCN promotes nature photography in the reserve.
Feynan Etiquette
Feynan is intentionally off-grid. Embrace the candles and silence. Don't complain about the lack of WiFi — it's the point. The staff are local Bedouin and the lodge is a model of community tourism.
