Trekking in Jordan
Jordan is a country that has great outdoor activities. Though most of the country is desert, it offers some of the most beautiful vistas of nature. The edge of the western plateau where the steep slope descends sharply and abruptly towards the Jordan Valley and the Wadi Araba are extremely beautiful. There is only one way to discover the natural beauty of Jordan – and that is through trekking.
The best way to discover Jordan, through its length and breadth, is by trekking. You can go and explore the ancient ruins, see the excavations, look at the ancient churches and cathedrals, and learn its history. Wherever you go, you will find beautiful views and exquisite landscapes and their beauty can only be seen when you explore them by foot.
Go to the Wadi Mujib which presents a fantastic outdoor experience. You will find here some of the best canyon-climbing and water-trekking experiences. Explore the Mujib Natural Reserve which consists of rugged, arid mountains and flowing rivers. As the sea level changes and because of the presence of many rivers flowing here, this region has different habitats which support a wide species of plants and animals. Many predators such as the caracal, hyena, and Syrian wolf are found in the area.
Explore the wilderness of the Dana Nature Reserve which is a system of Wadis and mountains. It stretches from the top of the Rift Valley to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The reserve encompasses two bio-geographical zones that contain a contrasting diversity of landscapes. While you see the wooded highlands and rocky slopes on the one side, you see the plains and sand dunes on the other. You will see a wide variety of wildlife and rare species of plants at the Dana Nature Reserve.
When you visit Petra, you are wonder struck by the sight of the sandstone mountains of Um al Biyara which extend to the north and the south. No trekker worth his salt would ever think of leaving the hills and valleys un-trekked and unexplored. The entire place is totally exciting and enthralling. There are a number of places to be explored and each place would take a day to trek and back.
Be sure to take a guide with you as the terrain is just like a labyrinth and you are bound to get lost. It is difficult to find your way through these winding pathways and rocks. The mountains of Wadi Rum are a paradise for the trekker and the climber. From the north to the south, this valley exits towards the south – in the direction of the desert, where you will come to a junction of several valleys. If you would like to climb the ‘Bedouin Roads’, do so in hiking boots, and do carry a rope. These routes are an enjoyable mixture of scrambling and climbing. Some of the routes may be a bit difficult and may require abseiling.
You could next visit the Ajloun Nature Reserve which covers an area of 13 square km and is located on the Ajloun Highlands. This place is amazingly beautiful and the landscape is full of different types of trees. The woodlands are inhabited by animals such as badgers, foxes, and wild boars and by birds such as great tits, gold finches, turtle doves, hooded crows and jays. In the spring season the whole area is completely colorful with wild flowers, such as the anemones and the wild roses. There are two trails here which are equally scenic and quite tough. While you are on a trek here, you could camp out at the Ajloun Forest Lodge which sits on the edge of a forest. The area is full of oak, pistachio and strawberry trees. Stay here for at least a day and enjoy being a part of nature.