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Azraq wetland Reserve

The Wadi Mujib Reserve in a nutshell Azraq wetland Reserve (In a Nutshell)

Azraq is a unique wetland, located in the heart of the arid Eastern Desert, which takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘blue’. A migratory stopover for birds from three continents, Azraq is becoming increasingly popular for bird-watching. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species.

The Azraq area also has a rich cultural history due to its strategic location and water resources. It was used as a station for pilgrims and camel trains and Lawrence of Arabia was stationed in Azraq Castle during the Arab Revolt. The local people are also unusually diverse, coming from three different ethnic origins, Bedouin, Chechen and Druze; each of which has distinctive beliefs and traditions. Bedouins have lived a nomadic life style in the area for generations, whereas the Chechens are descendents of settlers from the Caucasus and the Druze stem from Arab tribes in Syria and Lebanon.

Many interesting archaeological sites lie within easy reach of Azraq Lodge, including the famous but misnamed ‘desert castles’: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharana and Azraq Castle. Qasr Amra is one of the best preserved Umayyad bath houses in the world and a World Heritage Site. Its interior walls are covered in lively frescos dating back to the 700 AD.

There are also many dramatic desert landscapes to discover, including moon-like plains of black basalt and white valleys of chalk.

Getting There

By private car from Amman to the Azraq Wetland Reserve      

  • Start at the 7th circle
  • Take the desert highway (Airport road) south
  • 7 km from the 7th circle, you will find the Na'ur /King Hussein Bridge / Amman east exit
  • Take the exit from Amman east, continue 2 km
  • Turn right at the 1st traffic light
  • Continue straight until you reach a roundabout
  • Go straight for another 150 meters then take your right
  • Go straight again after the traffic light and take Sahab exit
  • Continue straight (you will pass Sahab and Muwaqqar industrial district on the way) and keep going without stopping for 90 km to reach Azarq & Shaumari
  • Follow the signs

        
By public transportation from Amman to the Azraq Wetland Reserve
    
Depart by bus from the North complex in Tabarbour / Amman and then taking Zarqa bus.  From Zarqa station you take another bus to The “Old Complex” then taking Azraq bus.

DO's & Don'ts;

By minimizing your impact on wildlife, you will help us to protect and preserve the sanctity of these reserves for future generations.

Please remember:

  • Stay on trail with the guide and do not wander alone in the reserve unless you are in a free access area
  • Protect all nature: no hunting or collecting of plants, animals, rocks, artifacts or fire wood; leave things as they are where you find them
  • Do not approach, threaten, or feed wildlife
  • Do not damage trees
  • Do not add graffiti on any surface within the reserve
  • Water is a scarce resource in Jordan, please conserve and keep water sources clean
  • Fire making is strictly prohibited in all reserves, except in designated barbecue pits
  • Respect nature: keep noise to minimum, be kind to living creatures.
  • Keep the area clean and take your litter away
  • Stick to designated roads while driving. Off-road motoring is both risky and damaging to the environment
  • Leave your vehicles outside the reserve
  • Smoking is allowed in smoking areas only
  • We discourage drinking alcohol in the reserves for cultural reasons and thank you for your understanding
  • Pets are not allowed inside the reserve under any circumstances