Dana Nature Reserve: Day Trips and Tours from Amman

Covering more than 300 square kilometers, Dana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Founded in 1989, the park is now one of the country’s most popular attractions among nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, with its roots that stretch back 6,000 years.

Day trips to Dana Nature Reserve from Amman enable you to see another side of Jordan, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Here's all you need to know about the Dana Nature Reserve, one of the most exciting day trips from Amman.

How to get to Dana Nature Reserve from Amman?

Dana Nature Reserve is located in the western stretch of Jordan, close to the border of Israel. It is just under 210 kilometers south of the country’s capital, Amman.

From Amman to Dana Nature Reserve by car

The journey to Dana Nature Reserve by car takes just over 2.5 hours and begins by heading south of Amman, and joining Route 35, which you’ll follow until joining the Desert Highway — also known as Route 15. Toward the end of the journey, you’ll rejoin Route 35, which leads you to the park.

Guided tour to Dana Nature Reserve from Amman

Public transportation between the two destinations is limited, which is why the best option for those without access to a car to make the jaunt to Dana Nature Reserve from Amman is via an organized day trip. These are great for anyone wanting to leave the transportation details to someone else and can be prearranged easily. Guided Dana Nature Reserve excursions come with complimentary roundtrip transfers from your hotel and last anywhere between 11 hours and 3 days.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of Dana Nature Reserve day tours differ, however, all excursions share some similarities. After being collected from your hotel, you’ll journey out of Amman toward your main destination.

In most cases, Dana Nature Reserve will be your first stop, passing by several unmissable sites, such as Mount Nebo, on the way. You may participate in a guided tour of the park’s most popular trails or alternatively, you can see where your feet lead you by discovering these lands alone.

Next up on your Dana Nature Reserve day trip itinerary, is the Dead Sea — located en route back to Amman. On multi-day tours, you can expect to stay in a comfortable hotel or camp in a scenic valley, and you’ll typically spend the next day exploring Petra. And, on 3 day excursions from Amman, you’ll also get to visit Wadi Rum.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Dana Nature Reserve?

Private tour to Dana Nature Reserve plus Dead Sea from Amman

Those with a limited itinerary can take a day trip to Dana Nature Reserve that also includes the Dead Sea. After a scenic drive from Amman, you’ll arrive in Dana Nature Reserve where you’ll don your hiking boots and participate in a 3-hour trek through some of the park’s 320-square-kilometer stretch, during which you’ll learn about its village that has been inhabited for approximately 6,000 years.

You’ll also discover the reserve’s wealth of fauna, which includes 25 endangered species, such as the Syrian Wolf. From there, you’ll continue to the Dead Sea, one of the most mesmerizing natural phenomena in the world, and bathe in its salty waters. This mineral-rich lake is celebrated for its healing properties, including improvements in rheumatic diseases and skin conditions.

2-Day tour to Dana Nature Reserve plus Petra and Little Petra from Amman

If you’re seeking a more thorough introduction to Jordan, you should consider booking this multi-day tour to Dana Nature Reserve that includes one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Petra. You’ll be transported between destinations by a friendly driver, however, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and freedom of a self-guided tour at each spot.

You’ll see Mount Nebo, which was mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses gained a view of the Promised Land before his death, and amble the rock formations of Dana Nature Reserve at your leisure. You’ll also discover the 12th-century fortification that is Shobak Castle, as well as Little Petra, so named for its similarity to the UNESCO World Heritage Center.

After a comfortable night’s rest, you’ll spend an entire day marveling at the ancient sandstone carved monuments that form the historic city of Petra, of which only 15% has been recovered by archaeologists so far.

3-Day trip to Dana Nature Reserve plus Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea from Amman

With a little more flexibility in your Jordan vacation, you can book a 3-day trip to Dana Nature Reserve that includes a host of the Middle East’s most spectacular attractions, such as Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

You’ll spend the first day wandering the trails of Dana Nature Reserve, discovering the roots of Shobak Castle and exploring the little-known Nabataean site of Little Petra. Day 2 is reserved for hopping between Petra’s main attractions, which include the Triclinium and the Royal Tombs, followed by an overnight stay in Wadi Rum — a UNESCO-listed sandstone valley.

On the final day of your Dana Nature Reserve excursion, you’ll get your adrenaline racing as you experience a jeep tour of Wadi Rum before floating in the Dead Sea.

How much does a day trip to Dana Nature Reserve from Amman cost?

A Dana Nature Reserve day trip that includes the Dead Sea is a private affair for groups of up to 5 and cost US$400 for solo travelers, or just over US$140 each in a full party. This includes round-trip transportation, as well as the services of a professional guide and a local lunch in Dana Village.

A 2-day tour to Dana Nature reserve costs between US$480 and US$490 as a solo traveler, with accommodation at a three-star hotel. The cost drops to just over US$130 each when booking as a group of seven. To upgrade to a four-star hotel, you’ll pay US$330 to US$900 per person, depending on group size. There are also options to include a tour guide for an additional fee.

For a 3-day trip to Dana Nature Reserve that only includes transportation, the price is US$650 for solo travelers and around US$150 each for parties of seven guests. In some cases, you upgrade to include all accommodation.

What will you see and do?

Dana Nature Reserve is home to a fascinating array of flora and fauna, which includes 700 plant species, making it the most diverse spot in Jordan. These species include Phoenician juniper, evergreen oak, acacia, and rocky sudanian, and is the most southern point in the world where the Mediterranean cypress grows.

Living among this spectacular array of greenery are over 35 species of mammals, including the sand cat, as well as almost 40 species of reptiles. If you look to the skies overhead, you’ll find them teeming with 190 different bird species, including the sooty falcon and Syrian serin, both of which are threatened.

Those on a day tour of Dana Nature Reserve have the opportunity to explore the park’s diversity, as well as its 15th-century mountain village, which features Ottoman architecture and houses the Ata’ta tribe.

When is the best time to visit Dana Nature Reserve?

The best time to visit the Dana Nature Reserve is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are moderate, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Spring brings blossoms and migratory birds, while autumn offers a cool breeze and changing foliage colors. Summer can be very hot, while winters are chilly, especially at higher altitudes.

Travel tips

• Carry water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes if you plan to walk or hike.
• Dana is a protected area. Always stay on marked trails, don't litter, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• There are limited dining options in Dana itself. Consider packing a picnic or eating in nearby villages.