Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve — around 292 square kilometres tumbling from high, cool mountains down through a dramatic canyon to the desert floor. It sits on the old King's Highway, roughly between Amman and Petra, and it's where you go for hiking, silence and some of the country's richest wildlife.
The essentials
- Size
- ~292 km² — the largest reserve in Jordan
- Where
- On the King's Highway, north of Petra
- Best for
- Hiking, wildlife, canyon scenery
- Managed by
- The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
What you do here
Dana is about walking. Trails range from an easy stroll around the old stone village of Dana, perched on the canyon rim, to longer guided treks down Wadi Dana toward the desert. The reserve protects a remarkable span of habitats — from Mediterranean highlands to Saharan desert — so birdlife and wildflowers are a big draw, and the sunsets over the valley are among Jordan's best.
How it fits with Petra
Because Dana lies on the way south, it pairs naturally with Petra for travellers who want nature as well as ruins. Our 4-day tour builds Dana into the classic Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea loop; see all tours for more.
