On our current journey to Jordan, we wished to go to not solely the good historic and spiritual websites the nation has to supply, but in addition the pure wonders.
Jordan’s model of the good open air is sort of intense, with harsh deserts, roaring rivers, towering mountains, and life-threatening canyons. All of this provides to the attraction, making Jordan an superior vacation spot for journey lovers.
To attach with nature and take a look at one of many nation’s high ecotourism locations, we determined to go to the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve.
The Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve
What’s the Wadi Mujib, Jordan?
Positioned a couple of two-hour drive south of Amman, the Wadi Mujib is a river that flows westward into the Useless Sea.
The Mujib Nature Reserve is stuffed with mountains, steppes, scorching springs, and canyons, making it an superior journey journey vacation spot. The Mujib Reserve is dramatic, with its sandstone rock terrain reaching as excessive as 900 meters (2950 toes) above sea stage and as little as 400 (1315 toes) meters beneath.
Mujib Nature Reserve, Jordan
Whereas Jordan could also be extra well-known for the Wadi Rum desert, the Wadi Mujib is much less crowded and extra various, making it a extra distinctive and thrilling place to go to in Jordan. It’s nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Jordan” for a superb purpose.
Better of all, the Wadi Mujib is among the most eco-friendly locations in Jordan, a rustic that has change into a true chief in sustainable tourism within the Center East.
The Mujib Nature Reserve was created by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in 1987 and continues to remain dedicated to the environmental safety of the world to at the present time. It’s particularly acknowledged for its Ibex breeding program and its safety of the almost 200 completely different chicken species within the reserve.
The Finest Technique to Go to the Wadi Mujib
To stand up shut and private with the very best components of the Mujib Nature Reserve, you’ll must journey on foot. Climbing via the deserts, mountains, and canyons is by far the very best (and most enjoyable) solution to expertise the world.
Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve from above. Picture courtesy of Nick Clorley through Flickr CC
Do be aware that you need to e-book your hikes as early within the day as you may as a result of solely 25 individuals are allowed on every path at a time as a way to preserve environmental impression to a minimal.
Wadi Mujib Siq Path: 1-2 hours
The Siq Path is the preferred and least difficult path via the Wadi Mujib Reserve. It’s good for individuals who have by no means gone canyoning earlier than or for individuals who don’t need something too strenuous. That is additionally the one path within the reserve that you would be able to discover by yourself with out a information!
You’ll begin out by climbing down into a large canyon and strolling alongside the slender banks and thru shallow water. As you proceed alongside the path, the water will get deeper and sooner, and the canyon will get narrower. You’ll scramble over slippery rocks, pull your self up with ropes, and swim via deeper and deeper water the farther you go.
The Wadi Mujib Siq Path ought to take you one or two hours to finish relying in your velocity.
This was the path we adopted throughout our time within the Wadi Mujib Reserve and we had an absolute blast doing it! The path was very easy to navigate (you merely comply with the river) and regardless of there being just a few spots with ladders and rocks, it was very easy and actually FUN!
We didn’t want a information alongside the path however did discover some employees positioned alongside the best way, which was good. They had been capable of assist us via the harder spots on the path, present us the place to carry on to in the course of the slippery crossings and easy methods to greatest maneuver within the deep components of the river.
The Ibex Path: 3-4 hours
This path includes a steep climb firstly to carry you excessive above the Useless Sea to the west. Alongside the best way, you’ll cross a fortress, a fabled statue, and the protected breeding space for herds of Nubian Ibex. The hike doesn’t contain swimming or wading and can take you about three or 4 hours to finish.
Wadi Mujib Ibex Path. Picture courtesy of Jeff Rozwadowski through Flickr CC
That is additionally the one path that’s appropriate for youngsters beneath 16 years of age.
The Malaqi Path: 4-9 hours
This hike will take you over some peaceable hills and deep into the canyon of the Mujib River. You’ll hike upstream to the Hidan River the place you may swim in deep swimming pools. Alongside the riverbanks, you’ll see inexperienced vegetation sticking up in every single place, and fish and frogs might be your companions on the journey.
Wadi Mujib Malaqi Path. Picture courtesy of Climbing in Jordan Web site and Guidebook through Flickr CC
The quick model of this hike takes 4 hours and the lengthy model requires 9. The path is simply open from April to October.
The Canyon Path: 4 hours
This hike is taken into account essentially the most difficult of all of the Wadi Mujib hikes and can take you round 4 hours to finish. Together with mountaineering, swimming, and floating down the river, you’ll even have the possibility to repel down the aspect of waterfalls and do some cliff leaping.
How one can Put together in your Go to to the Wadi Mujib Reserve
How one can Get to Wadi Mujib Reserve
Public transportation is virtually non-existent within the Wadi Mujib. In an effort to get right here, you’ll have to both lease a automotive or rent a driver. We extremely advocate the previous since driving in Jordan will not be for the faint-hearted.
If you’re searching for a simple solution to go to Wadi Mujib from Amman, we advocate this Wadi Mujib Siq Path Climbing Expertise Tour. It features a ticket to the Siq Path together with transport from Amman. Nice choice in case you are touring in the course of the excessive season and wish to safe your self a spot on the Wadi Mujib’s hottest path!
What to Anticipate
Visiting Wadi Mujib Reserve may be as simple or as tough as you desire to. A few of the hikes that cross via difficult terrain with plenty of publicity to the weather, whereas different trails cross via the canyon and require you to get utterly moist within the course of.
Be certain that to test the temperatures earlier than your journey and pack and costume accordingly. For those who’re planning on mountaineering any of the moist trails, count on to get moist! Additionally, just remember to’re first rate swimming and that you just don’t have any fears of quick working water or heights. No matter your concern and bodily talents, accidents do occur whereas out in nature which is why we advocate you don’t go on this journey with out journey insurance coverage.
What to Pack
Whilst you don’t want a full wetsuit and mountain climbing gear in your Wadi Mujib hike, you will want to place a bit thought into packing. Be certain that to put on garments that dry shortly as you’ll undoubtedly get moist (besides on the Ibex Path) and also you received’t wish to be sitting in moist garments all day.
Put on sturdy footwear whereas mountaineering in Wadi Mujib. Picture courtesy of Raffaele Nicolussi through Flickr CC
Be certain that to put on sturdy footwear that received’t be slippery once they get moist. For those who don’t have footwear like this, you may lease them within the park.
If you wish to carry the rest with you, you’ll want a dry bag to guard your objects from injury. In addition to your garments and footwear, we advocate packing nothing greater than a bottle of water, a waterproof digital camera like a GoPro, and your sense of journey!
You do not want to pack a lifejacket (which can be required relying on what path you select to do.) Lifejackets, helmets, and abseiling tools may be rented on the park middle. You’ll even have the choice to lease a locker and go away some issues behind if you want.
The place to Keep
There aren’t quite a lot of lodging choices in or across the Wadi Mujib, so that you’ll wish to e-book your lodging nicely upfront to make sure you have a spot to remain.
Mujib Chalets
Overlooking the Useless Sea, the Mujib Chalets are an superior alternative of Wadi Mujib lodging. Constructed proper into the rocky and barren shores, the chalets supply personal, upscale rooms with pretty views. Entry to the Wadi Mujib Reserve from Mujib Chalets is very simple, taking just a few minutes by automotive.
Mujib Chalet overlooking the Useless Sea
Ma’in Scorching Springs
This five-star resort is situated about half-hour to the north of the Wadi Mujib reserve. It’s a stunning property with outside swimming pools, waterfalls, and scorching springs surrounded by mountains. The Ma’in Scorching Springs Resort is the right place to remain in order for you a style of luxurious after your rugged journey.
Room at Ma’in Scorching Springs. Picture through Ma’in Scorching Springs
Trajan Visitor Home
For those who’re on a finances, take into account staying at Trajan Visitor Home. You’ll spend time together with your native hosts and get to know your fellow vacationers within the shared lounge.
For those who’re an adventurer at coronary heart and wish to get again to nature, we couldn’t advocate the Wadi Mujib sufficient! Whereas it is probably not essentially the most accessible place on the planet, it’s nicely value a go to for its sparse deserts, cool canyons, and wild rivers.