Wadi Mujib- Nature Reserve Wadi al-Mujib is the lowest nature reserve in the world, reaching the highest level in 900 meters, the lowest in 400 meters below sea level. It is Jordan’s most spectacular river canyon. That enjoys a magnificent biodiversity that is still being explored and documented until today. The area about 220 square km offers a variety in nature and wildlife and is a hotspot for eco- and adventure tourism. Wadi Mujib, the biblical Arnone River, is also called the Grand Canyon of Jordan. Over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds have been recorded. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, and thus offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats and other mountain animals. Mujib’s sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats in the world, the horned Ibex, also for the caracal, a medium sized cat.
Wadi Mujib is a good place for adventures that like hiking and canyons. Visitors have to consider the most trails are not accessible the year around, mostly limited from the 1st of April until the 31st of October. The water trails require the ability to swim and to have no fear of water and heights. Minimum age is 18 years. Groups have to consist out of 5 to 25 pax. This easy Siq Trail, open from April till end of October, leads you into the main gorge of the Mujib River (the Siq). It starts at the visitor center near the Mujib Bridge, from where you walk to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. Always take care along the walk, avoid pools and rapids and respect any rope barriers. A guide is mandatory for the Ibex Trail (3-4 hrs). Between November till March hikers can start from the Visitor Center, follow steep ascends, climb up to historical fortification, on the way to the Ranger Station see the rock statue of Lot’s Wife – according to the Bible she turned into a pillar of salt as she looked back on the cities Sodom and Gomorrah. Our hike ends at the Nubian ibex enclosure.
A special experience is the Malaqi Trail (6-8 hers), accessible from April till October. This water trail starts at the visitor center and follows the same route into the nature reserve as the Ibex trail. After passing through hills, you begin your descent to the river Mujib. The hike continues upstream along in the river to the Malaqi area. Here you can linger, eat a picnic and enjoy swimming in the natural pools. You 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.