HISTORIC SITES

Dhana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering some 320 square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley. From scorching sand dunes in the west to cool mountain tops in the east, the Dhana Biosphere Reserve is home to a great variety of wildlife. There are plants and animals’ characteristic of true desert, of Mediterranean forests and of the dry plains of Russia. In fact, Dhana is really a melting pot of species from three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. Such a combination of natural communities in a single area is unique in Jordan and many of Dhana’s animals and plants are very rare. So far, a total of 700 plant species, 190 bird species, 37 mammal species and 36 reptile species have been recorded in the Reserve, of which 25 are known to be endangered, including the Sand Cat, the Syrian Wolf, the Lesser Kestrel and the Spiny Tailed Lizard. Without special care, some of these could disappear from the Earth forever, which makes the Dana Biosphere Reserve a place of global importance.

Dhana Village area, overlooking the scenic Wadi Dhana, has been occupied since about 4000 BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that Paleolithic, Egyptian, Nabatean, and Roman civilizations have been drawn to the area by the fertile soil, water springs, and strategic location. Today, Dhana Village is inhabited mostly by clans of the “Al Ata’ata” tribe, which settled in the area during the Ottoman period, about four hundred years ago, and built the present village. Over the years, many of the families in Dhana Village have moved to the nearby village of Qadissiya, in search of better jobs, schools, and housing. The crumbling Dhana Village was nearly abandoned, but thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the Friends of Dhana, a dynamic women’s group in Amman, over 70 of the traditional stone housed have been restored, enabling some families to remain in the village.

Places to stay at Dhana Biosphere Reserve:

v Dhana Guesthouse

The Guesthouse is perched on the edge of Wadi Dhana, is a beautifully-styled building that offers breathtaking views of the Reserve, comfortable rooms, traditional Arabic food, and friendly service. It has 23 bedrooms, most with private terraces. Economy rooms share external toilets and showers separately for male and female, except the deluxe rooms which have a private bathroom, adding character and authenticity to the entire experience. Most rooms also come with private terraces that offer spectacular views of the surrounding Wadis and mountains.

The Guesthouse is also equipped with facilities for courses and conferences, making a perfect location for retreats and workshops. It has one restaurant only serves home-made traditional local meals. The Guesthouse is open all year round.

v Rummana Campsite

The Rummana Campsite occupies a rare and exceptionally beautiful location within the designated core zone of Dhana Biosphere Reserve. Originally, the location of the campsite was a favored Bedouin camping area, occupied every summer season for goat grazing. At present, the campsite contains 20 large tents that can house up to 60 people, bathrooms, and barbecue grills for visitor use. Each tent comes equipped with mattresses, blankets and pillows. Traditional Arabic meals are also provided upon request. The campsite is open from 15th of March to 31st of October.

v Feynan Eco-lodge

Isolated from paved roads and electricity supplies, the Feynan Eco-lodge is a totally new concept in environment-friendly accommodation. This solar-powered lodge is exclusively candle lit all through the calm nights of Wadi Araba and provides 26 uniquely designed rooms for visitors who wish to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. Enjoy a unique vegetarian menu at the lodge, with special recipes created from fresh local ingredients. Transportation arrangements to and from the lodge are needed prior the visit upon booking. Limited solar electricity is available in the bathrooms and at the reception area of Feynan is open all year.

Things to do at Dhana Biosphere Reserve:

v Exploring

Explore the nature reserve on foot, as many of Dhana’s treasures remain hidden in wilderness zones where vehicles are not permitted. The Reserve offers a wide range of trails in this region, ranging from easy to difficult and varying in lengths. Please note that some of the trails are weather dependent and therefore subject to changes. Also, make sure to visit Dhana Village where you can see the Old Ottoman Houses and traditional lifestyle of the villagers, and walk to the terraced Gardens where villagers cultivate fruit and herbs.

v Visitor’s Centre

Located next to Dhana Guesthouse, the visitor center contains an interpretation room depicting Dhana’s Diverse Wildlife.

v Bird Watching

Enjoy the breathtaking view from the Guesthouse terrace. It is a good place to watch birds, especially in the early morning. Binoculars can be provided upon request. In Rummana Campsite, take a short trip to the bird hide early in the morning to observe the large variety of birds visiting our small water pool each day.

v Nature Shops

Visit the Nature Shop and find truly original gifts and souvenirs. This shop contains nature crafts produced by the local people at the reserves. It is open for visitors daily from 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

v Handicraft Workshops At Dhana Village & Wad Feynan Nature Reserve

While in Dhana Village, visit the Dried Fruit Center where local women dry fruit grown in the centuries old terraced gardens to make jams, fruit leather, and dried herbs. Also, don’t miss the Silver Handicrafts workshop, where local women create beautifully crafted silver jewelry. A short stroll from Feynan Eco-lodge, you can find workshops for local women working with goat leather products.

v Conferences & Workshops

Hold small conferences, workshops, and retreats for a maximum of 40 persons in the conference room at the Anis Mouasher Center near Dhana Village. This room is equipped with slide and overhead projectors, flip charts, data show, computer, and video.

v Hiking Trails