mujib biosphere reserve The Lowest Reserve on Earth
Reserve and Trails Guide | Map
Mujib Biosphere Reserve Archaeologists have identified Wadi Mujib as a human habitation site since the Copper Age (4500-3200 BCE). During biblical times, the Mujib River served as a major geographical and political boundary between the kingdoms of Moab and Ammon. Once a busy commercial area for salt and oil, villagers now depend on farming for their livelihoods. Established in 1985, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 212km2 bordering the Dead Sea at lower than 416 meters below sea level, which makes it the lowest reserve on Earth. It serves as an internationally-recognized staging ground for migratory birds such as White Storks and Levant Sparrows. At least nine species of birds of prey are known to breed in the reserve, including the Little Owl and Long-legged Buzzard. The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is also the national home of the Nubian Ibex, a large mountain goat that was a symbol of the moon god during the reign of the Queen of Sheba. Once on the brink of extinction in the Kingdom, the Ibex captive breeding program was initiated by The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in 1989 and over 90 Ibex live in the Reserve today.
From a Nature to a Biosphere Reserve In 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the formerly-named Mujib Nature Reserve a biosphere reserve. In doing so, UNESCO recognized RSCN's efforts in
reconciling biodiversity conservation with sustainable use. The Mujib Biosphere Reserve will conserve landscapes and ecosystems, foster socio-economic development, and provide support for research and education.
Mujib Handicrafts from Nature Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Women in the local Fagu'a community use designs inspired by Jordan's nature to create one-of-a kind brooches, necklaces, and earrings.
Staying in Mujib Biosphere Reserve
Opened in April 2008, the Mujib Chalets consist of fifteen double rooms with some of the best Dead Sea views along the coast. Each chalet has an uninterrupted sea view, shaded sun terrace, comfortable hammocks, air conditioning and nearby showers and toilets. The Chalets are only a short distance from the Mujib Reserve Visitor Center, where all Mujib adventures begin.
Medicinal Herbs Herbs, harvested from the Mujib area, are dried and turned into herbal teas that are not only healthy but delicious, too!
A few meters away from the Chalets, there is an indoor restaurant that offers a range of traditional Arabic cuisine and provides full dining services. The restaurant is directly located on the shores of the Dead Sea, so you can enjoy your meal with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea. The Chalets are open all year round.
Sand-blasted Stone Local stones are blasted with Jordanian sand, creating unique designs that are reminiscent of the natural sites throughout all of Jordan's reserves. To buy Wild Jordan’s handmade products, visit our nature shops or call (+962 6) 4633 718
Trails
Water Trails Canyon Trail
(April 1st – October 31st, except during Ramadan) Guided only
Grade: Moderate to Difficult Time: 4 hours
Starting time: 8:30 a.m. Group size: 5-25 people
Siq Trail
(April 1st – October 31st)
With or without guide
Grade: Easy to Moderate, depending on the season Time: 2-3 hours
Starting times: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Group size: 1-80 people
Requirements Must be at least 18 years old, know how to swim, have a reasonable level of fitness.
Description The trail starts at the Visitor Center near the Mujib Bridge, where you will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. This is an ideal walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade, especially in the heat of the summer.
Requirements Visitors must be at least 18 years old, know how to swim, have a reasonable level of fitness, and no fear of heights.
Description Passing through white rock hills, this trail leads from the Visitor Center to the Mujib River. The trail follows the river downstream from the head of the Mujib Gorge. Shortly after entering the gorge, you will reach the top of a spectacular waterfall 20m high, which will be negotiated under the watchful eye of trained guides. After descending the waterfall, the hike continues along the gorge (with views of spectacular rock formations) and returns you to the Visitor Center.
Dry Trail Ibex Trail
(Year-round, except during Ramadan and according to weather conditions) Guided only
Grade: Moderate Time: 4 hours
Starting time: 8:30 a.m. Group size: 5-25 people
Malaqi Trail
(April 1st – October 31st, except during Ramadan) Guided only
Grade: Moderate to Difficult Time: 7 hours
Starting time: 8:00 a.m. Group Size: 5-25 people
Requirements Visitors must be at least 18 years old, know how to swim, have a reasonable level of fitness and no fear of heights. Description This water trail starts at the Visitor Center and leads quickly to white hills made of soft rock deposits. After passing through these hills, you descend to the Mujib River. The hike continues upstream to the confluence with the Hidan River. Here you eat a packed lunch and swim in the natural pools before moving on to a 20m high waterfall which will be negotiated under the watchful eye of trained guides. Continue along the river, arriving back at the Visitor Center.
Requirements Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
Description The trail begins at the Visitor Center and follows the Dead Sea Highway before ascending into the Reserve. Diverging to the south, the trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a startlingly blue backdrop for the entire hike. The hike then continues along a number of dry wadis to the Raddas Ranger Station, where you may see Nubian Ibex. It is also where the famous rock “statue” of Lot’s wife can be seen. After resting at the Station, the trail continues along a road for about one hour until reaching the Reserve entrance near the Visitor Center.
•Keep close to your group. •Do not bring any valuables on the trails. RSCN is not responsible for lost items. •Save Nature - Avoid damaging trees and shrubs and do not add graffiti. Do not collect specimens; (leave all rocks, plants, and animals as you found them).
Mujib Trails Safety Rules
•If you have a serious health problem, do not attempt abseiling or canyoning. •You must know how to swim. •All visitors must be at least 18 years old for Mujib trails. •All visitors must wear a life-vest, which is available at reception. Life-vests are mandatory; no exceptions. •Keep away from all dangerous areas which are marked by warning signs and/or closed by ropes. •Use the installed ropes to climb the small waterfalls, and abide by warning signs along the trails. •Only swim in the allowed areas.
The visitor enters the Reserve on his/her own personal responsibility, and The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature does NOT hold any liability or responsibility for any accident or injury inside the Reserve and/or caused by the usage of a facility and/or the trails.
Nearby SitesAttraction Points The Baptism Site
(50 km northwest) commemorates the baptism of Jesus by his cousin, John the Baptist. Archaeological evidence from the 1st century AD show that this site was inhabited and used during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist.
Mukawer
(15 km northeast) was the royal fortress of Herod the Great and the site where John the Baptist was beheaded.
Mount Nebo
(50 km north) is the site where Moses viewed the Holy Land of Canaan that he was not permitted to enter, instead, died nearby and is buried somewhere in the neighboring mountains. Also a small Byzantine Church was built there by early Christians. From Mount Nebo, you can see the Dead Sea, Jericho, and the distant hills of Jerusalem.
The Dead Sea Panoramic Complex
A short drive from the Mujib Biosphere Reserve Visitor Center, the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex consists of the Dead Sea Museum, scenic lookouts, restaurant, and conference facilities. Visitors can learn more about the ecology, archaeology, and general history of the Dead Sea while enjoying delicious local food and picturesque views. The Zara Cliff Walk is a short and easy trail that offers some of the best views of the Dead Sea landscape. For reservations, call: (+962 5) 3491 133
Dead Sea Panoramaic Complex Zarqa Ma’ean
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Activities Highlights
Dead Sea Panoramaic Complex Visitor Center
Siq Trail
Mujib Chalets
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Village
Cool down in Mujib's most famous water trail.
Road Siq Trail Canyon Trail Malagi Trail Ibex Trail Wadi Sea Mujib Biosphere Reserve Boundary
Canyon Trail Challenge yourself by descending a 20m high-waterfall.
Malaqi Trail Hike through white rock hills, swim in natural pools, and descend a waterfall.
Ibex Trail Try to catch a glimpse of the Nubian Ibex on this dry trail.
Mujib Chalets Enjoy the true taste of Arabic traditional food in an indoor restaurant near the Chalets with wonderful views of the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex Enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Kingdom.
Fag’ua
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The gathering point for all of the trails is Mujib Visitor Center. 3
1.5
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3
6
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Trails vary in difficulty from season to season, so please check with the guide before starting your adventure.
How to Get There 8th Circle
Karamah
Amman Shouneh Janoubiyeh Na’oor
40
25
Ramah
65
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Swaimeh
35
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Dead Sea
Queen Alia Airport
Madaba
Village Circle Main City
Makawer
Queen Alia Airport
Main Road
Secondary Road
National Border Sea Protected Area
Mujib Biosphere Reserve
5
2.5
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5
10 km
From Amman, the trip to Mujib Biosphere Reserve takes approximately 1.5 hours. Starting at 7th Circle, take the Desert Highway (Airport Road) south. Approximately 5 km from 7th Circle, take the exit on the right to the Dead Sea. 45 km from the exit, the highway will merge with the Dead Sea-Aqaba Highway. Follow the Dead Sea-Aqaba Highway until you reach the Mujib Bridge. As you approach the bridge, you will find the Visitor Center on your left and the Chalets on your right.
Hiking Tips Hit trails early for the best chance of seeing wildlife and to avoid being exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day. Stay on trails to avoid injury. To get through a heavy day’s hike, rest at regular intervals and enjoy the views. Don’t overdo it! Weather The area receives an average of 330 days of sunshine per year with rainfall (less than 100 millimeters) occurring only during winter months. Summer temperatures average between 32°C and 39°C (90°F and 102°F) while winter temperatures range between 20°C and 23°C (68°F and 73°F). What to Bring Cap, sunscreen, bathing suit, comfortable shoes and clothes, drinking water, snacks, backpack, flashlight, extra clothes, binoculars, ID, wildlife guides and first aid kit. Please note that you are going to go through either water or dry trails, for the water hikes sensitive items are not recommended to be carried unless you have a waterproof bag. The Reserve is not responsible for the loss of any valuable belongings.
Wildlife The Mujib Biosphere Reserve serves as an extremely important habitat for resident and migratory species. The graceful Nubian Ibex, the agile Caracal, and the scavenging Striped Hyenas all call the area home. The Reserve is also home to dozens of birds, some of these species are year-round residents, many others use the area as a winter breeding ground or as a stopover during migrations like the Sand Partridge, Lesser Kestrel, and Arabian Babbler.
Useful Arabic Words English Word Hi
Arabic Pronunciation
Arabic Translation
Marhaba
îòăĎŃ
Ahlan wa Sahlan
Ōē ō Ŝ ŋã Ŝ
Good morning
Sabah al Khayr Sabah al Noor
ĎŔĈĿí āîòě čŎňĿí āîòě
Good evening Response
Masa' al Khayr Masa' al Noor
ĎŔĈĿí àîĔŃ čŎňĿí àîĔŃ
(male) Shu Ismak?
ĺńēí Ŏė
Shu Ismik?
ĺńēí Ŏė
Welcome Response
What is your name? (female) My name is...
Ismi...
Œńēí
I am... fine
Ana... kwies(eh)
ĺĿîă IJŔĻ ĺ Ŀîă IJŔĻ îŇí (ó ĒœŎĻ
Please
Low Samaht
öĄńē ŎĿ
How are you? (male)
Keef Halak?
(female)
Keef Halik?
Thank you
Shukran
Response
You're welcome
Goodbye
Masalama
No I'm sorry No Problem Yes
La Asif(eh) Mafi Mushkila Aywa
íĎļė íŎĴī
ôŃŜĔĿí ĪŃ ś (ó IJēá ôŀļĘŃ Œij îŃ ʼnŎœí ĖœĊķ
How much?
Gdaish or Adaish
I need help
Bidi musaadah
óĊīîĔŃ őĊŔñ
I don't understand
Mish fahem(eh)
(ó łŋîij ĖŃ
(To describe a female, add an 'eh' at the end)
Rules and Regulations • Stay on the trails with the guide and do not wander alone in the Reserve; camp and climb only in official sites. • Protect all nature; no hunting or collecting of plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, or firewood. Leave things as you find them. • Avoid damaging trees and shrubs; do not add graffiti anywhere within the reserve. • Respect nature; keep noise to a minimum, be kind to living creatures. • Respect the lifestyle of the local people and ask before taking pictures. • Keep the area clean and deposit your litter in the appropriate place. • Leave your vehicles in the parking area.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and Wild Jordan Created in 1966 under the patronage of His Majesty the late King Hussein, The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural environment. Wild Jordan is the socio-economic development and eco-tourism division of RSCN that is dedicated to developing viable naturebased businesses for those living in and around RSCN’s protected areas while generating support for nature conservation throughout Jordan.
RSCN Membership
Becoming an RSCN Member is great for both you and nature! For information, contact (+962 6) 4633 684 member@rscn.org.jo
Contact us
For booking and infomration contact The Tourism Unit at Wild Jordan Tel: (+962 6) 4616 523 email:tourism@rscn.org.jo or contact Mujib reserve directly at Tel: (+962 7) 9 7203 888 (+962 7)9 9074 960
www.rscn.org.jo
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