- Touristic Sites
- About Jordan
- Diving Center
- Book Hotels
- Eco Jordan
- Forum
- Blogs
- Store
- contact us
Hiking Trails
Dry Trails
Canyoning
Dry Trails
Ibex Trail
The trail begins at the visitor center by the Mujib Bridge on the Dead Sea highway, from where a guide will escort you south for a short distance (3 Km) along the highway before turning onto a steeply ascending trail into the nature reserve.
After the first steep climb, it diverges to the south, following a wide track running parallel to the Dead Sea. The Sea provides a startlingly blue backdrop throughout the hike.
About one third of the distance along the trail, there is an optional detour up the mountainside to Qasr Riyashi, a ruined fortification of uncertain date. Villagers say that it is one of four castles in the area, occupied by a powerful Bedouin sheikh known as Riyashi.
Each one of his sons reputedly occupied a castle, until a fight erupted over grazing rights and all of them were killed. The climb to the castle is arduous but offers very beautiful views over the Dead Sea.
Returning to main track, the hike continues towards the Raddas Ranger Station, dipping up and down across a number of dry wadis. There are an amazing variety of rock colors and formations along the route and as you near the ranger station, the famous rock “statue” of Lot's wife can be seen on the seaward edge of the reserve.
It is said that while fleeing the villages of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife ignored the warning not to look back and was turned into a pillar of salt. It takes 3 hours to get to the rangers station (4 km). Around the ranger station, you may be lucky enough to see Nubian Ibex, the magnificent wild goat with large curved horns. This animal was once common in the region but has been decimated by hunting. Mujib is one of the few safe havens for Ibex. After a rest at the station, visitors hike along a road for about one hour to reach the reserve entrance near the visitor center.
A tough and exciting trail, which begins near the village of Fag’ua, on the eastern edge of the nature reserve. Fag’ua is reached from the famous King’s Highway that leads out of Amman, through the town of Madaba (famous for its mosaics). Your guide will meet you at the RSCN office in Fag'ua, from where you will be led to the ranger station to start the hike. The trail descends rapidly into the reserve, following a precipitous descending route with spectacular scenery. The hike finishes at the Raddas Rangers Station
Canyoning
The trails listed below are all water trails. Most of them are difficult, yet a lot of fun. You need to have the ability to swim and have no fear of water and heights. They are tough, exciting and offer a chance to swim and bathe in the cool, clear waters of the rivers. Hikers should expect to climb rocks against the water flow and jump into pools of water.
Please note that the water trail routes may vary according to seasons and river conditions. They are open between April and October. Minimum age for water trails is 18.
This is an easy hike into the main gorge of the Mujib River (the Siq). It starts at the visitor center near the Mujib Bridge, from where you 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. It's an ideal walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade, especially in the heat of the summer. Despite being relatively easy, it does have hidden risks. The river bed changes after each winter flood and this can create deep pools and strong currents. Always take care along the walk, avoid pools and rapids and respect any rope barriers.
Malaqi Trail
This is an exciting water trail. It starts at the visitor center and follows the same route into the nature reserve as the Ibex trail (see description). It leads quickly to a striking area of creamy-white hills made of soft rock deposits. After passing through these hills, you begin your descent to the river Mujib; crystal clear, fast flowing and teeming with life.
Small fish are plentiful, as well as frogs. Bright kingfishers are often seen speeding along the river channel, as well as circling birds of prey. Dense vegetation lines the river sides, making a stark contrast to the arid, naked mountains that surround you.
The hike continues upstream along in the river to its confluence with the Hidan River (Malaqi area). Here you can linger, eat a picnic and just enjoy this wild paradise.
You can also enjoy swimming in the natural pools. You then move on through the Mujib gorge to descend a waterfall, 20 meters in height, using ropes. From here you continue along the rest of the river, back to the visitor center. If you have a fear of heights or any worries about descending on ropes, please avoid this hike.
This trail follows the route of the Malaqi Trail from the visitor centre (see above), until it reaches the Mujib River. From here, the route 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 20 meters in height, which will be negotiated by ropes under the watchful tuition of trained guides.
After descending the waterfall, the hike continues along the gorge, with spectacular rock formations, and returns you to the visitor centre. The trails listed below are all water trails. Most of them are difficult, yet a lot of fun. You need to have the ability to swim and have no fear of water and heights. They are tough, exciting and offer a chance to swim and bathe in the cool, clear waters of the rivers. Hikers should expect to climb rocks against the water flow and jump into pools of water.
Please note: