Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Jordan’s first nature reserve, founded in 1975 to bring the Arabian oryx back from extinction in the wild
Established1975 by the RSCN
Famous forArabian oryx
Location20 km S of Azraq
Oryx safariAbout 1 hr
Introduction
The reserve that brought the Arabian oryx back to Jordan.
Shaumari lies in the flint desert about 20 km south of Azraq and about 120 km east of Amman. Founded by the RSCN in 1975, it was Jordan’s first nature reserve, created to breed the Arabian oryx, which had vanished from the wild.
Today the fenced reserve covers 22 km² and keeps herds of oryx, Persian onagers and Arabian sand gazelles, as well as ostriches. Start at the visitor centre, then join the oryx safari to drive out among the animals.
Best timeMar–Apr · mornings
Time needed20 min + 1 hr safari
Ticket8 JOD
From Amman120 km · 1 hr 45 min
Combine withAzraq Wetland Reserve · 25 min
Google rating4.5 · Reviews
Highlights · A desert reserve
Five things not to miss at Shaumari
Oryx, a safari and the story of a rescue
Shaumari is small and quiet. These are the moments that make the visit.
01 / 0501 · Wildlife
The Arabian oryx
Oryx safari
The white antelope that Shaumari brought back from extinction in the wild.
Look closely
The long straight horns.
1 of 5
Explore the reserve
What to see
Three parts of the visit: the visitor centre, the exhibition and the oryx safari. Pick one to see what to look for.
1 / 401 · At the gate
Start at the visitor centre
The road from Azraq ends at the gate and the visitor centre, inaugurated in 2018. Check in here for the safari or another RSCN tour. Entry is 8 JOD for visitors and 6 JOD for residents.
Allow about 20 minutes for the visitor centre and its exhibition.
Opened 2018TicketsAbout 20 min
Look for
- The entrance gate
- The modern visitor centre
- A traditional tent near the entrance
1 / 602 · The story of the reserve
See the exhibition
The exhibition tells the story of the reserve and of the animals it brought back, with displays on the wildlife of the desert and archaeological finds from the area.
Read the story of the oryx before you go out on the safari.
WildlifeArchaeologyThe oryx rescue
Look for
- The story of the oryx rescue
- Skulls and horns of desert animals
- Display cases of finds
1 / 703 · Out among the animals
Join the oryx safari
On the RSCN Oryx Safari, a guide takes you by jeep, and partly on foot, across the fenced reserve to find the oryx herd. The tour lasts about an hour and should be booked at least 24 hours ahead. The RSCN also offers a bike trail and a birdwatching walk.
The white oryx stand out against the dark flint desert. Onagers and gazelles are shyer and harder to see.
About 1 hrBook 24 hours aheadJeep and on foot
Look for
- The oryx herd
- Onagers and gazelles at a distance
- Larks and birds of prey over the plain
Dig deeperSaving the Arabian oryx
In 1978 eleven oryx arrived, eight from the San Diego Wild Animal Park and three from Qatar. In October 1983 King Hussein released 31 of their descendants into the reserve, and from 2002 oryx from Shaumari were moved to Wadi Rum.
Nature & conservation
Bringing back the oryx
The Arabian oryx vanished from Jordan in the mid-20th century, and the last wild oryx anywhere was taken in 1972. Shaumari was founded to bring it back.
- AD 1975The RSCN founds Jordan’s first nature reserve
- AD 1978Eleven oryx arrive from San Diego and Qatar
- AD 1983King Hussein releases 31 oryx into the reserve
- AD 2002–2006Sixty oryx are moved to Wadi Rum
- AD 2017The reserve reopens after a long closure
- AD 2018The new visitor centre opens
- AD 2022Twenty oryx arrive from Abu Dhabi
ProfileShaumari Wildlife Reserve: the full storyThe founding, the oryx rescue and the wildlife of the reserve.Read the profile →Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you go
The reserve is about 20 km (25 minutes) south of Azraq, off the road towards the Saudi border, and about 120 km east of Amman. Follow the signs to the gate.
Good to know: book the safari and other tours with the RSCN at least 24 hours ahead, and bring your passport or ID.
Opening hoursOpen dailyListed as 09:00–17:00 · book ahead and confirm your safari departure
Entry ticket8 JODResidents 6 JOD · RSCN tours arranged at reception
Time to visit20 min + 1 hr safariAbout 20 minutes, plus 1 hour for the safari
From Amman120 kmAbout 1 hour 45 min by road
Location20 km S of Azraq31.7448° N, 36.7819° EGet directions
Opening hours and prices checked October 2026. Spotted a change? Let us know
On site
What you’ll find at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
- Visitor centre
- Ticket office
- Toilets
- Free parking
- Museum
- Guide available
- Food & drinks
- Hotels
Not on site: market / shop
Access: no 4x4 needed
Activities
With the RSCN at Shaumari
Oryx safariShort trail 1 hour, long trail 2 hours
Birdwatching and animal trailGuided walk, 1–2 hours
Oryx biking trail7 km or 14 km
Overnight stayChalets in the reserve
Book with the RSCN at least 24 hours ahead. Prices and availability are on the RSCN site.
All activities and pricesWhen to go
Spring is best, and the animals are most active in the morning. Summer days are very hot in the open desert.
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BestGood, cooler or warmVery hot
Tip: book the oryx safari with the RSCN at least 24 hours ahead.
Before you go
Azraq, about 20 km away, has shops and restaurants.
- A hat and sunglassesNo shade in the open desert
- WaterIt is hot and dry
- Passport or IDNeeded for RSCN tours
- Cash in Jordanian dinarsFor tickets and tours
Common questions
Quick answers before you set off.
How much is the entrance ticket?
Entry to Shaumari Wildlife Reserve costs 8 JOD for visitors and 6 JOD for residents. The Oryx Safari and other RSCN tours are arranged with the RSCN, at least 24 hours ahead.
How do I book the oryx safari?
Book with the RSCN at least 24 hours ahead. The safari lasts about an hour, by jeep and partly on foot.
Will I see the oryx?
The oryx live inside the fenced reserve, and the safari goes out to find them. As with all wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I combine Shaumari with the Azraq Wetland Reserve?
Yes. The wetland is about 20 km away, about 25 minutes by road.
Combine with
Shaumari is close to the Azraq oasis and the desert castles. Drive times are from the reserve.
Explore this site
More from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Panoramas, walk-throughs, photos and stories about this site.
ProfileShaumari Wildlife Reserve: history & architecture
Photo albumShaumari Wildlife Reserve: Home of the Arabian Oryx in Photos
360°360° panoramaShaumari Wildlife Reserve – 360° panoramaNearby
Also around Azraq
From guide to visit
Explore the eastern desert with a private guide
Tell us when you’d like to go, and we’ll plan a private day that includes the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, with door-to-door transport from Amman.
