
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Ar Ruşayfah, Az Zarqā’, Jordan
1. Dana Biosphere Reserve
A diverse habitat offering hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and scenic beauty in the Jordan Rift Valley.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to over 800 plant species and numerous animal species including hyenas, mountain goats, and rare birds.
- Historical Significance: Features archaeological sites dating back to the Byzantine, Roman, and Nabatean periods.
- Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Offers guided tours, camping, and educational programs focused on conservation and sustainability.
2. Azraq Wetland Reserve
A crucial oasis for migratory birds in the Jordanian desert with a historic castle nearby.
- Birdwatching Paradise: Over 200 bird species found, including falcons, cranes, and storks.
- Historical Site Nearby: The Azraq Castle, a significant archaeological site dating back to the early Islamic period.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: Includes a wildlife rehabilitation centre for injured animals and educational programs.
3. Shobak Crusader Castle and Wadi Feynan
Explore the historic Shobak Crusader Castle and immerse in the wildlife of Wadi Feynan, a remote valley.
- Historic Castle: Well-preserved 12th-century castle offering tours, exhibits, and stunning views.
- Desert Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see desert foxes, hyraxes, and rare bird species in the rugged Wadi Feynan landscape.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.
4. Wadi Rum Protected Area
Experience the red desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, known for its unique rock formations and Bedouin culture.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Famous for its dark skies, offering exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
- Off-Road Adventures: Jeep tours, camel rides, and hiking trips through breathtaking desert landscapes.
- Bedouin Culture Encounters: Meet local Bedouin people, learn about their customs, and enjoy traditional meals.
5. Ajloun Forest Reserve
Explore the forested mountains of Ajloun, home to wildlife like wolves and wild boars.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails, from easy to challenging.
- Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see wildlife like wolves, wild boars, and many bird species.
- Ajloun Castle Visit: Visit the Ajloun Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress.
6. Mujib Biosphere Reserve
Explore the canyons, valleys, and wetlands of Mujib Biosphere Reserve, one of Jordan's most stunning natural attractions.
- Adventure Activities: Offers adventure activities such as canyoning, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Rare Flora and Fauna: Home to many rare plant and animal species adapted to desert environments.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation of Jordan's unique ecosystems and wildlife.
7. Ras Al-Ain Nature Reserve
Visit Ras Al-Ain Nature Reserve to observe the large colony of caracals and other wildlife in a beautiful desert setting.
- Caracal Observation: A great opportunity to observe the unique caracal species up close.
- Desert Landscape Beauty: Beautiful desert landscapes with rock formations and sand dunes.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the local ecosystem and wildlife conservation.
8. Tafilah Desert Wildlife Reserve
Discover the Tafilah Desert Wildlife Reserve, a remote desert area home to rare wildlife like sand cats and Syrian wolves.
- Rare Wildlife Sightings: Chances to see rare species like sand cats and Syrian wolves.
- Desert Landscape Exploration: Explore the unique desert landscapes, including rocky plateaus and sand dunes.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.
9. Wadi Al-Hasa Nature Reserve
Explore the oasis and desert landscapes of Wadi Al-Hasa, a protected area rich in wildlife.
- Oasis Experience: Experience an authentic oasis, complete with palm trees and freshwater springs.
- Wildlife Sightings: Chances to see wildlife like oryx, gazelles, and many bird species.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the local ecosystem and wildlife conservation.
10. Karak Castle and Surrounding Desert
Visit Karak Castle and explore the surrounding desert for wildlife sightings and scenic beauty.
- Historic Castle Visit: Explore the well-preserved medieval Karak Castle.
- Desert Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see wildlife like foxes, jackals, and many bird species in the desert landscapes.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.
11. Aqaba Marine Park
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Aqaba Marine Park, home to diverse marine life and coral reefs.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Offers world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.
- Marine Life Observation: Chances to observe diverse marine life, including coral reef fish, turtles, and dolphins.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation of Jordan's marine ecosystems and wildlife.
12. Wadi Araba Wildlife Reserve
Explore the desert landscapes and rock formations of Wadi Araba Wildlife Reserve, home to rare wildlife like sand foxes.
- Desert Landscape Exploration: Explore the unique desert landscapes, including rocky plateaus and sand dunes.
- Rare Wildlife Sightings: Chances to see rare species like sand foxes and Syrian wolves.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.
13. Mukawir ( Machaerus ) Castle and Surrounding Desert
Visit Mukawir Castle and explore the surrounding desert for wildlife sightings and scenic beauty.
- Historic Castle Visit: Explore the well-preserved Machaerus castle.
- Desert Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see wildlife like foxes, jackals, and many bird species in the desert landscapes.
- Community-Based Tourism: Supports local communities through community-based tourism initiatives.
14. Wadi Rum Desert Park and Bedouin Culture
Experience the red desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, known for its unique rock formations, while immersing in Bedouin culture.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Famous for its dark skies, offering exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
- Off-Road Adventures: Jeep tours, camel rides, and hiking trips through breathtaking desert landscapes.
- Bedouin Culture Encounters: Meet local Bedouin people, learn about their customs, and enjoy traditional meals.
15. Wadi Feynan Protected Area and Eco-Lodge
Discover Wadi Feynan's stunning desert landscapes, geological formations, and rare wildlife while staying at an eco-lodge.
- Geological Formations Exploration: Explore unique geological formations like sandstone domes and rock bridges.
- Rare Wildlife Sightings: Chances to see rare species like desert foxes, hyraxes, and many bird species.
- Sustainable Eco-Tourism: The eco-lodge operates in an environmentally friendly manner, promoting conservation efforts.