Dana Nature Reserve contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes that range from wooded highlands to rocky slopes and from gravel plains to dunes of sand. Moreover, Dana supports diverse wildlife which includes a variety of rare species of plants and animals; Dana is home to about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals, and 190 species of birds.
Dana Nature Reserve (308 square km) is a world of natural treasures. It is composed of a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The visitor to this area will be awed by the beauty of the Rummana mountain, the mystery of the ancient archaeological ruins of Feinan, the timeless serenity of Dana Village, and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana.
People with Charm & History
The Dana Village area, which overlooks the scenic Wadi Dana, has witnessed human settlement since about 4000 BC. Evidence unveiled by archaeological exploration shows that Paleolithic, Egyptian, Nabataean and Roman civilizations were drawn to the area by the fertility of the soil, the water springs and the strategic location.
The people who inhabit Dana Village today are the "Al Ata'ata" tribe. They settled and built the village during Ottoman times about 400 years ago.
Services for Visitors
Visitors will find a range of services available at the reserve, including a Guest House at the Dana Village, interpretation information at the Tower Entrance, a campsite at Rummana and Feinan areas, an assortment of hiking trails, a Nature Shop, and a Visitor's Center at the Dana Village. Rangers offer a variety of guided hikes to key locations in the reserve.
Dana Guest House
Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, the Guest House offers a breathtaking view of the reserve. It contains nine comfortably furnished bedrooms with private terraces, and good facilities for meetings and conferences.
Nature Shop
The Dana Nature Shop sells organically grown produce from the village terrace gardens, in addition to silver jewelry and pottery crafted by the women of Dana Village.
Facilities for Camping
1) Rummana Campsite:
The Rummana Campsite can accommodate 60 persons per day and 75 persons for a daily visit. It is open for overnight visitors from March 1st to October 31st.
The campsite contains 20 large tents, bathrooms and barbecue grills for visitor use. Each tent comes equipped with mattresses and pillows. Drinking water is available, gas cookers may be rented and catering services can be provided for groups of six or more.
2) Feinan Campsite:
This campsite is simpler by comparison to the Rummana camp. The capacity of this camp is 40 visitors per night. The campsite, which is open year round, contains a kitchen, 10 tents, and bathrooms. Each tent is equipped with mattresses, blankets and pillows. Drinking water is also available.