Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s first biosphere reserve, falling from a stone village on the plateau to the sands of Wadi Araba
Established1989 by the RSCN
UNESCOBiosphere reserve
LocationDana village
Wadi Dana trail14 km
Introduction
From oak woods to desert in a single day’s walk.
From the edge of the Jordanian plateau, Dana Biosphere Reserve falls more than 1,600 m through cliffs and canyons to the sandy plains of Wadi Araba. The Ottoman-period stone village of Dana sits on its eastern rim, about 200 km south-west of Amman, and Feynan Ecolodge at its western edge.
The RSCN founded the reserve in 1989, and in 1998 it became Jordan’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve. Walk one of its trails, look over the canyon from Dana village or Rummana, and stay at the Guest House or at Feynan.
Best timeMar–May · Sep–Nov
Time neededFull day
Ticket10 JOD
From Amman200 kmAbout 3 hr
Combine withSela · 30 min
Google rating4.5 · Reviews
Highlights · A biosphere reserve
Six things not to miss at Dana
A stone village, a great canyon and places to stay
Dana is big and wild. These are the places that make the visit.
01 / 0601 · Landscape
Wadi Dana
Wadi Dana
The great canyon falls more than 1,600 m from the plateau to Wadi Araba.
Look closely
The change from woodland to desert.
1 of 6
Explore the reserve
What to see
Five parts of the reserve: Dana village, Wadi Dana, Rummana, the Guest House and Feynan Ecolodge. Pick one to see what to look for.
1 / 501 · On the edge of the gorge
Walk through the village
The stone village of Dana, on the edge of the gorge, dates from the Ottoman period. Most families moved away from the 1960s to the 1980s, and the RSCN and local partners restored its cottages from the 1990s, most recently in 2011–14.
Wander its lanes, then look down Wadi Dana from the edge of the village.
Ottoman periodStone housesRestored
Look for
- Old stone houses and doorways
- The view down Wadi Dana
- Restored cottages
Dig deeperPeople and nature
The RSCN worked with the people of Dana to protect the reserve while creating jobs in guiding, crafts and the Guest House. In 1994 it drew up Jordan’s first integrated management plan, setting aside areas for grazing, protection and tourism.
1 / 1402 · The great canyon
Walk down Wadi Dana
The Wadi Dana trail runs about 14 km from the village down the canyon to Feynan Ecolodge, through cliffs of wind-carved sandstone to the desert. It takes 5–7 hours and can be walked with a guide or alone, but it closes in winter because of the risk of flash floods.
Arrange your transport back from Feynan before you set out.
14 km5–7 hrClosed in winter
Look for
- Wind-carved sandstone along the trail
- The change from woodland to desert
- The plains of Wadi Araba ahead
Dig deeperAncient copper
Copper was smelted in Wadi Faynan from the Chalcolithic period, more than 6,000 years ago. At Khirbat en-Nahas, slag heaps several metres deep record production in the 10th–9th centuries BC, and in the Roman period Phaino was a major mining centre.
1 / 403 · Above the canyon
Climb Rummana Mountain
The Rummana campsite sits high above Wadi Dana, and the Rummana Mountain trail climbs from it for wide views over the canyon and its cliffs. The campsite and its trails are open from mid-March to October.
At dawn and dusk the light on the sandstone is at its best.
Mid-March to OctoberViewsCampsite
Look for
- The view down Wadi Dana
- The cliffs across the canyon
- The hills of the plateau
Dig deeperWildlife of Dana
The RSCN has recorded more than 890 plant species, about 250 birds and 39 mammals, including Nubian ibex, sand cat, wolf and caracal. Dana holds the world’s largest breeding colony of the Syrian serin, a vulnerable finch.
1 / 404 · Stay in Dana
Stay at the Guest House
The RSCN’s Dana Guest House, opened in 1996, stands at the edge of the village, with terraces looking down the canyon. It is open all year.
Staying the night lets you start the trails early, before the heat.
Opened 1996Open all yearTerraces
Look for
- The terraces over the canyon
- The stone buildings among the trees
1 / 305 · At the bottom of the trail
Reach Feynan Ecolodge
Where the Wadi Dana trail ends, at the western edge of the reserve, Feynan Ecolodge was built by the RSCN in 2005 and has been run by EcoHotels since 2009. It runs on solar power, is lit by candles at night and is staffed by local Bedouin.
It can also be reached by road from Wadi Araba.
Solar-poweredCandle-litLocal Bedouin staff
Look for
- The lodge in the desert valley
- The candle-lit rooms
Nature & conservation
A reserve for people and nature
The RSCN founded Dana in 1989 and worked with its villagers to protect the reserve while creating jobs in tourism and crafts.
- AD 1989The RSCN establishes the reserve
- AD 1994Jordan’s first integrated reserve management plan
- AD 1996The Dana Guest House opens
- AD 1998Jordan’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve
- AD 2005Feynan Ecolodge is built
- AD 2007Placed on Jordan’s World Heritage Tentative List
ProfileDana Biosphere Reserve: the full storyThe history, the wildlife and the copper mines of Feynan.Read the profile →Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you go
Dana village is off the King’s Highway, about 200 km south-west of Amman, between Tafila and Shobak. Feynan Ecolodge, at the other end of the Wadi Dana trail, is reached from the Wadi Araba road.
Good to know: the trails are rough and steep in places, and Wadi Dana closes in winter because of flash floods.
Opening hoursArrange in advanceHours depend on the trail, season and accommodation · Rummana trails 15 March–31 October
Entry ticket10 JODResidents 5 JOD · guided trails include entrance
Time to visitFull dayA full day, or stay the night
From Amman200 kmAbout 2 hours 45 to 3 hours by road
LocationDana village30.6742° N, 35.6084° EGet directions
Opening hours and prices checked October 2026. Spotted a change? Let us know
Facilities by location
Within the reserve
Trails and viewpoints, with reserve accommodation and meals at Dana Guest House, Rummana campsite and Feynan Ecolodge. These are separate bases with different access routes.
Near the entrance
Reception, ticket / trail arrangements, toilets and designated parking are at the relevant visitor base. Arrange the correct starting point before travelling.
Designated parking
In the surrounding town
Dana village has accommodation, food and shops; these services are separate from the walking trails.
Access: Drive to the chosen visitor base, then walk the trails. Dana village and Feynan are reached from different roads; arrange onward transport for one-way walks.
When to go
Spring and autumn are best for walking. Wadi Dana closes in winter because of flash floods, and Rummana is open from mid-March to October.
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BestGood, cooler or warmVery hot
Tip: start the Wadi Dana trail early, and arrange your transport back from Feynan before you set out.
Before you go
Food and rooms are available at the Guest House in Dana village and at Feynan Ecolodge.
- Walking shoesRough, steep trails
- Plenty of waterLittle water on the trails
- A hat and a warm layerHot in the canyon, cool on the plateau
- Cash in Jordanian dinarsFor tickets and small purchases
Common questions
Quick answers before you set off.
Do I need a guide for the Wadi Dana trail?
No. The 14 km trail to Feynan can be walked with a guide or alone, in 5–7 hours. It closes in winter because of the risk of flash floods.
How much is the entrance?
10 JOD for visitors and 5 JOD for residents. Guided trail prices include the entrance.
Where can I stay?
At the RSCN Guest House in Dana village, open all year, at the Rummana campsite from mid-March to October, or at Feynan Ecolodge at the bottom of the canyon.
Can I visit Dana on the way to Petra?
Yes. Dana is on the King’s Highway, and our King’s Highway tour from Amman to Petra stops here.
Combine with
Dana lies on the King’s Highway between Tafila and Petra. Drive times are from Dana village.
Private tours
A private day tour that includes Dana Biosphere Reserve
The tour is just for you: your own vehicle and driver, hotel pickup in Amman and entry tickets included. The price depends on how many travellers there are, up to three.
Private: only your group
Your own vehicle & driver
Hotel pick-up in Amman
Entry tickets included
from$330per group (1–3) · 235 JOD
Tour 1 · Full day · Private
Best of King’s Highway from Amman to Petra
While Petra and Amman are among Jordan’s most famous destinations, the journey between them along the historic King’s Highway is filled with extraordinary landscapes, ancient monuments, and hidden archaeological treasures. This private one-way tour transforms a simple transfer into an unforgettable full-day exploration of Jordan’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Crusader castlesNabataean sitesOne way to Petra8 stops4x4
Duration12–13 hr
Pick-up8 AM
Group1–3, private
Included
- Private luxury transfer
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
- Coffee/tea (on request)
- WiFi, Phone charger
Not included
- Professional on-site (local) guide
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
CancellationFull refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. No refunds or changes within 24 hours.
Pick-upFrom your hotel lobby or home in Amman, 5 minutes before your chosen start time.
BringComfortable shoes, sun hat, sunblock and sunglasses. Tours run in English.
Explore this site
More from Dana Biosphere Reserve
Panoramas, walk-throughs, photos and stories about this site.
ProfileDana Biosphere Reserve: history & architecture
Photo albumDana Biosphere Reserve: From Village to Desert in Photos
360°360° panoramaRummana Trail in Dana Biosphere Reserve: 360 View
Travel articleExploring the Wadi Dana Trail in Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve
Travel articleExplore the Beauty of Dana’s Rummana Mountain TrailNearby
