Dana Nature Reserve
Dana Nature Reserve
4.5
About
Established in 1989, Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest biosphere reserve, covering 292 km2 of rugged and beautiful landscape along the face of the Great Rift Valley. It sweeps down in a series of mountain ridges, from the 1500m high plateau near Quadesiyya to the desert plains of Wadi Araba. The mountains are cut by many steep-sided wadis, often lined with a lush growth of trees and shrubs. Its geology is as varied as its landscape, switching from limestone to sandstone to granite.
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4.5
299 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
72
Average
14
Poor
9
Terrible
8
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Christopher H
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe57 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
The gorge is spectacular, and the relative lack of the bird and wildlife was due to the time of the year. But a very unprofessional guide, provided by the Dana Guesthouse, left a sour impression of the experience. He made it very clear at the end that he expected a bigger tip than the average one of US$10 that I gave him in addition to his fee. But a generous tip depends on three reasonable expectations. First of all, he should not have loud conversations, shouting into his cell phone regularly. After 12 conversations like this, I gave up counting, but they destroyed the tranquility of the place. Second, he should have at least basic English for conversation. Third, he should be able to talk knowledgeably in English about the birds, trees and plants. He pointed birds out, for example by saying “Two blue birds!” It was only when I got back that I was able to identify them as Arabian green bee-eaters. I am sure the problem is inadequate English, and lack of training. But to reward poor service like this with a huge tip simply increases the problem. His angry contempt at my tip showed that he does not understand basic requirements of good guiding, and tips are his biggest motivation, instead of giving a memorable experience to his clients.
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfeirown
53 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Before I say anything else about it I should warn you that here there be mosquitoes. The hotel had those helpful plugins but you really need mosquito repellent. The mosquitoes seem to be night, and perhaps dawn, biting as they didn’t bother us at all during the hike or our evening meal eaten outdoors.
True confession: I have a problem with heights. There are several paths here that triggered that anxiety. But there were many that do not.
We took the path past the spring that starts behind the mosque. It starts out trashy as hell as you go through the most worn part of the path. As it becomes less well trodden it becomes that much more beautiful. Our 3yo was able to handle it with few issues though we did carry her part of the time.
We were able to take a short hike but I wish we’d gotten up earlier and taken more time. If yours is a family of hikers definitely take at least two nights here to get a full day in. It’s worth it.
True confession: I have a problem with heights. There are several paths here that triggered that anxiety. But there were many that do not.
We took the path past the spring that starts behind the mosque. It starts out trashy as hell as you go through the most worn part of the path. As it becomes less well trodden it becomes that much more beautiful. Our 3yo was able to handle it with few issues though we did carry her part of the time.
We were able to take a short hike but I wish we’d gotten up earlier and taken more time. If yours is a family of hikers definitely take at least two nights here to get a full day in. It’s worth it.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
172pennyjones
Harpenden, UK10 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
My husband and I have recently returned from an amazing trek from Feynan to Little Petra which we organised independently. Our guide Suleiman was outstanding and having lived in the area all his life, he was very knowledgeable about the landscape. Suleiman's family and friends set up camp for us each night and cooked amazing food. The landscape is breathtaking and there is something unique about walking through this ancient landscape with a Bedouin guide and donkey for company. Suleiman speaks excellent English and is great company. His number is +962780754372
Written 1 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michaël
Liege, Belgium3,006 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
From our great hotel Dana Guest House which overlooks the valley, we made the descent with our guide. You need to bring good shoes because it's very steep and slippery at the beginning, bring something to protect yourself from the sun as well as enough water and your snacks because you're going on several hours of trail running. The best part remains the beginning in my opinion, that's where we take the most beautiful photos, for the rest it's ok but it doesn't break a duck's 3 legs.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M2018K
Pilsen, Czech Republic1,012 contributions
May 2023
We didn't have time to properly visit this nature reserve and due to the weather we didn't even plan a big hike here, but since we were driving "around", we at least stopped at the Dana Tower viewpoint and got an idea of what there is to see.
The Dana Tower with the visitor center is a small, beautiful vantage point for the surrounding nature. There is a parking lot from where it is possible to go to the reservation for a hike. Since it is a rather rocky area, therefore without a bit of shade, it is definitely better to visit this place early in the morning or in the cooler season. We were here before noon and in May, when the temperatures were quite high, so we didn't even go anywhere in nature.
Hopefully it will come out next time...
The Dana Tower with the visitor center is a small, beautiful vantage point for the surrounding nature. There is a parking lot from where it is possible to go to the reservation for a hike. Since it is a rather rocky area, therefore without a bit of shade, it is definitely better to visit this place early in the morning or in the cooler season. We were here before noon and in May, when the temperatures were quite high, so we didn't even go anywhere in nature.
Hopefully it will come out next time...
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clayof
bayonne27 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Fabulous discovery of the Dana reserve with a warm Guide, perfectly aware of the place and able to adapt to hikers.
Ahmed was a great accompanist as well as a very good cook
Thank you Ahmed!! 🤩
Ahmed was a great accompanist as well as a very good cook
Thank you Ahmed!! 🤩
Automatically translated
Written 9 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taqqie
Utrecht, The Netherlands3,454 contributions
Oct 2019
Did 2 hikes here while staying in the Dana Eco resort. Fabulous area, also quite famous for bird watchers I learnt afterwards. Can become hot, but no one will be surprised by that. I would always take a local guide. Awesome views wherever you are!
Written 10 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichielCR
Beveren, Belgium180 contributions
Sept 2021
Beautiful area.
Lovely place for hiking. Dana trail, wadi Ghuweir...
But stay away from the entrance of the visitor center of Dana Nature reserve.
They ask 8 JOD entrance fee. I would have spend it if this wasn't a garbage belt. There is a picnic area and it's embarrassing, the whole area is full of waste. Shameless!
Lovely place for hiking. Dana trail, wadi Ghuweir...
But stay away from the entrance of the visitor center of Dana Nature reserve.
They ask 8 JOD entrance fee. I would have spend it if this wasn't a garbage belt. There is a picnic area and it's embarrassing, the whole area is full of waste. Shameless!
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan F
17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
the hiking tour with tea on a mountain was amazing! The rooms are really ok, the dining room is a lot of fun! Everyone sit there in the evening and talk! There are a lot of different travelers! The Jeeptour to the resort was funny! The food is good!the View over the mountains is great!
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martola_ste
Milan, Italy394 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful area, incredible landscapes. We had little time and chose to hike for a few hours in the afternoon, but I think it's worth spending a little more time here.
There are different routes, we took advice from the manager of the guest house where we stayed.
There are different routes, we took advice from the manager of the guest house where we stayed.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. My daughter and I are planning to arrive in Dana in the evening, sleep and do the hike the Wadi Ghuweir hike the day after, to then move to Petra.
Any suggestion on accommodation for the night before (ideally close to the start of the trail) and then transport to Petra afterwards. We have no car :) Thanks a lot!!!
Written 13 March 2024
Hi we are walking from Dana to Petra with intrepid. What specific shoes do you recommend buying? Under £50-70?
Written 22 March 2022
Ciao, metà febbraio come è la temperatura a Dana? È fattibile arrivare in auto?
Written 8 January 2020
Ciao a tutti! Ho letto che il Wadi Dana Trail è lungo circa 14 km (5-7 ore di cammino). Ma una volta arrivati a Feynan come si torna indietro? Bisogna rifare i 14 km a piedi? Grazie
Written 21 January 2019
Bongiorno Alice; you either have to sleep in the Feynan guesthouse, and walk back the second day; or you book a guided tour, and have a puck up with a car, the way back by car takes about 1,5 hour.
Have a Nice trip!
Written 7 February 2019
Ciao, ma è vero che per fare un tour nella Riserva bisogna prenotare in anticipo? O basta andare al centro visitatori per riuscire a organizzare un percorso?
Grazie!
Written 22 October 2018
Ciao , il tour in Giordania l'abbiamo prenotato dall'Italia tramite il tour operator NBTS ( che ha fornito un servizio ottimo ed estremamente professionale ) in cui era incluso il tour nella riserva di DANA . Il tour parte dal guesthouse della riserva e arriva al Feynan ecolodge : sono circa 6 ore di camminata in discesa però portatevi scarponi e racchette .
buon cammino
PS: a Petra evitate il "Petra by night " : soo soldi buttati ! Invece vi consiglierei il trekking "Petra via segreta AL DEIR" circa 6 ore sulle montagne attorno a Petra con vista della valle dall'alto.
Written 24 October 2018
Hy, I would like to know if it is possible to reach the reserve from Amman with public transportation.
Written 6 September 2018
Hi Cecilia,
I don't think so, but I'm not 100% certain. I'd post this question to the larger community on the Jordan forum.
I am going via the King's Highway, and taking that road with a driver. If you want his info, I'm happy to share it. I've been communicating with him via What's App; he's absolutely wonderful.
When will you be in Jordan, or are you there now?
Written 6 September 2018
Hi there,
I'm visiting Jordan the very end of September, planning to stay one night and two days in Amman (visit Jerash and areas around Jerash for a day, one day in the city), then I want to head to Dana Reserve late the second day, arrive before the sun sets.
I'm wondering how I can get to the Reserve without a car, and without taking a bus. Is there someone who could pick me up in Amman to take me there?!
Thank you! Brianne (woman, traveling solo).
Written 6 August 2018
Hi Brianne! A friend and I recently visited Jordan and we met this kind and respectful driver who took us to the Dead Sea and to Dana the next day. He even gave us a wonderful price, it was half of our what our hotel was offering us. He brought us safe to Dana and he was friendly enough to stop us to some of the most scenic views along the way. His name is Hassan and his whatsapp number is 00962795552302.
Written 7 August 2018
Hello, we are going to Dana in August and want to stay in Rummana camp. Do we need to book a tent in advance? How can we get from there to Petra? Are there any busus? or only taxi? Thank you for your reply.
Written 10 July 2018
Surely are busów but probably not direct .meet check when on petra .August not hot season so no booking its ok .but sometimes online yoi xan get better price .
Written 4 August 2018
Hello,I'd like to know if theare are public transports from Amman to Dana reserve, roughly the price and if it is necessary the guide to do the trail to Petra.
Thanks for your help:)
Written 19 June 2018
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