Jordan's Eastern Badia Trail Explore Desert Life Archaeology Biodiversity Ecology Geology wildjordan.com
Table of Contents About Jordan s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT) Between Established and Proposed Reserves The Badia and the Desert Wildlife Birds JEBT Attractions Where to Stay The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature Created in 1966 under the patronage of His Majesty the late King Hussein, The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan s natural environment. Wild Jordan Wild Jordan is a registered trademark of The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Wild Jordan s revenue contributes to the sustainability of RSCN s protected areas and supports the socio economic development of local communities. Trails Black and White Trail Bedouins Trail Burqu Trail Badia Stories Trail Birds Trail Trails Routes Activities Schedule JEBT Trails Map Bedouin Life What to Bring Safety Things to Take into Consideration Weather How to Get There Rules and Regulations Trail Highlights Where in Jordan? 4x4 off-roading 10 attractions 2 nature reserves and 1 proposed reserve 100% local community employment Best time to visit: Birds migration in autumn (September & October). Birds breeding season in spring (March & April) Different desert ecosystems Seasonal and customized desert activities and trails Camping and lodging People, landscape, history, wildlife, stories Day and overnight trips 7 Important Bird Areas Bedouin experience Proximity to Amman Trail Area
About Jordan s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT) Jordan s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT) follows the footsteps of nomadic Arab Bedouins across a seasonal, ever-changing, natural desert landscape that connects areas rich with ancient history, tradition, culture, archaeology, geology, flora and fauna. The trail starts in Azraq, home to different desert ecosystems like the Black Lava Desert (known locally as Harrat Al-Sham), sand dunes and Hammad, and links Azraq Wetland Reserve and Shaumari Wildlife Reserve with the proposed Burqu reserve, leading you from the gateway to the heart of the Jordanian Eastern Badia. The Eastern Badia s first trail is the ultimate off-road adventure, allowing exploration by 4x4 vehicles, hiking, birdwatching and camel riding. The trail passes through nature reserves, to remind us of the importance of conserving our heritage and how everything is connected in the circle of life. In keeping with the nomadic Bedouin way of life, the trail changes with the seasons, ensuring minimal impact to nature, and giving the desert time to replenish and flourish. Only an hour and half drive from the capital Amman, JEBT tells the tale of Jordan s desert legacy, as seen in the names of its places, its fossils and even in the inscriptions carved by ancient people into its rocks. The trail showcases the Badia s contradictions: its wadis and mountains; deserts that are both black and white, sandy and stony and the harsh dry summers and lively, colorful springs. Between Established and Proposed Reserves Azraq Wetland Reserve Azraq, meaning blue in Arabic, is one of Jordan s most significant ancient desert locations. The area is a melting pot of different cultures, home to the Bedouin, Arab Druze and Chechens, it is also a major station for migratory birds on the African- Eurasian flyway, distinguished by lush marshland and natural water collections. In recent decades, the wetlands have suffered from over pumping of water from the Azraq Basin. Water levels dropped and invaluable wetlands were depleted. In 1978, RSCN established Azraq Wetland Reserve to conserve this unique oasis; rescue efforts have restored a significant portion of the wetland. Boardwalks and bird hides enable you to safely observe them. In 2016, RSCN rehabilitated 10% of the former oasis, and has doubled the water surface area of the wetland that is 12km².
Burqu Proposed Nature Reserve Shaumari Wildlife Reserve The reserve was established in 1975 as a breeding center for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. Today, this small 22 km² reserve - comprising two main topographic features - desert wadis and hammada areas - is a thriving protected environment for some of the region s rarest species. Oryx, onagers and gazelles are rebuilding their populations, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out. The reserve has a visitor s center, picnic area, Oryx Safari and family friendly viewing areas to observe the animals. Some stories say that Burqu was named after its local castle, Qasr Burqu. Others say that it was named after the hood used to cover birds of prey s faces (mainly falcons). The site is located in the far northeastern desert and is considered an Important Bird Area. RSCN proposes to establish the area as a natural reserve to conserve the Eastern Badia s unique land types: Hammad and the Black Lava Desert, and its wild flora and fauna including several species of national and global importance. Attractions include birdwatching, stargazing, hiking and fascinating geology and archaeology locations.
Levant Fan-footed Gecko Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Wildlife The area is rich in the biodiversity of its flora and fauna, with considerable vegetation cover supporting the preservation of several threatened species. The Badia owes its diversity to the great variety of habitats ranging from sand dunes and Harra, to Hammad and wetlands. Desert wildlife such as rodents, snakes and reptiles owe their dark camouflage to the surrounding environment. The Badia and the Desert In the same way that there are different kinds of forests, there are also different kinds of deserts. To many, the word desert conjures up an image of undulating sand dunes. Badia is derived from Al Bidaya, the Arabic word for the start. It represents a feminine word meaning the beginning, reproduction, birth and rebirth. Thus, the Badia is the beginning of things. In Arabic, the Badia relates to both the desert and its people. It is a combination of desert and village life, where Bedouins live a partially nomadic and partially pastoral existence. Over 200 plant species - both rare and endemic-were recorded in Burqu including 35 medicinal species. Due to the lack of water, much of the vegetation grows salty and small in size. White Saksoul, for example, ranges in size from a large shrub to a small tree and is used as a source of wood by the Bedouins, in addition to acting as a natural soil anchor. The Badia s fauna is quite rich and includes 42% of Jordan s known mammals. Local mammals include the Sand Cat (globally near-threatened), as well as the Caracal, Sand Fox and Arabian Wolf, which are nationally threatened. A total of 49 species of amphibians and reptiles have also been reported, representing half of the country s known species. These include the Schmidt s Whip Snake and the Black Lava Desert Agama.
Black Desert Lark Birds Jordan s Eastern Badia hosts one of the world s most important migration flyways. Over 307 bird species have been reported in the area, 73% of those recorded in Jordan. Around 87% of recorded species are migrants, many holding considerable conservation status. Local bird species have adapted to their natural surroundings, thus they are usually dark in color for camouflage and small in size due to the lack of water and food resources. They are also fast, as the open spaces of the desert mean there are few places to hide, and they are always under threat from predators or hunters. In Azraq Wetland Reserve, passage migration and desert species can be spotted including the Honey Buzzard, Rufous-tailed scrub robin, Crane and the introduced White-cheeked Bulbul. In Shaumari, look out for the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Temminck s Horned Lark and Eagle owl. In Burqu, 120 bird species were recorded, three of which are globally threatened. The Basalt Wheatear, Desert Lark (dark morph) and Sandgrouse can be spotted among many others. Unsustainable hunting practices and habitat degradation in the Eastern Badia are the biggest threats to bird species, with the Saker and Peregrine Falcons and Houbara Bustard under significant threat. * Check the Birds Trail to explore bird life of the Eastern Badia, and observe local, migratory and occasional rare bird species close at hand.
Azraq Castle E: 36.82754699 N: 31.88026428 Qasr Azraq, which was originally three storeys high, was built by the Romans around 300 CE as an eastern military outpost of the Province of Arabia, using local black basalt rock. It was used by Byzantines and Umayyads for hunting and as a military base before being redesigned by Mamluks in 1237 CE. JEBT Attractions The Eastern Badia is marked by different landscapes and significant geological formations such as the Basalt Plateau, sand dunes, mudflats, white chalk cliffs and valleys, wadis and natural ponds (ghadeers) as well as its unique desert flora. The area s attractions include fascinating historical, geological and archaeological sites. Discover ancient stories of human interaction with nature and learn how we are all connected in the circle of life. Enjoy fantastic birdwatching, hiking, camping, camel riding, sheep herding and stargazing. * Check JEBT Trails Map to learn about the activities per attraction and the meaning of the icons. Its strategic value lies in its location in the middle of the Azraq oasis, the only permanent source of fresh water in 12,000 km² of desert. Wadi Al Dahik E: 37.11855752 N: 31.57674583 Al Dahik is an ideal viewpoint, within a safe viewing experience that minimizes environmental impact, to see significant geological formations of white chalk cliffs and stunning landscapes. Wadi Al Dahik is named after the Arabic word al dahik that means a person who smiles, for its resemblance to a wide smile of white chalky teeth against the backdrop of the Black Desert. Al Dahik shows evidence of an ancient sea; 55 million years ago this area was covered by Tethys Ocean. Geology and fossils show evidence of its ancient marine life, such as whale teeth. Al Dahik s remoteness makes it an ideal spot for observing the moon and stargazing.
Jabal Qurma E: 37.13861843 N: 31.77840461 Jabal Qurma (pronounced Qarma by locals), on the edge of the Black Lava Desert, is a volcanic vent that contributed to the geologic formation of the area. Volcanic activity that began 25 million years ago, and ended 1 million years ago spread lava across the region. The site contains remains of ancient Neolithic human settlements, and Safaitic rock art featuring wildlife scenes dating to 1st century BC. Over 2,000 years ago, resident Arab Bedouins developed a written Safaitic alphabet and began narrating their life stories and relationship with nature through petroglyphs, and engraved thousands of volcanic stones with letters and images which can still be seen. Rajil Dam E: 37.16374077 N: 31.81369201 Close to Jabal Qurma is Rajil Dam, situated at Wadi Rajil, one of the area s many desert wadis. The contemporary earth dam, still in use, was built in the 1980s to secure water for local farmers and herders. Rajil Dam is located within Rajil Important Bird Area, an ideal spot for birdwatching during breeding and migratory seasons. An unintended consequence of the dam, however, is decreased water supply to Azraq Basin, affecting the number of migratory birds stopping in the area. Al Wisad E: 37.92108245 N: 31.88375089 In Al Wisad, see unique landscapes of red sands melding into black stony desert. Al Wisad is rich with natural and seasonal pools (ghadeers), which have - since prehistory - attracted Bedouins and hunters. In this area are Safaitic inscriptions reflecting images of local nature and wildlife including oryx, ibex and ostrich, demonstrating an area once full of wildlife. In spring, the desert sand dunes come to life with seasonal flowers such as the Afternoon Iris. Tree of Biqawiyya E: 37.13148549 N: 32.06709875 The land here is marked by a depression, surrounded by black lava stones, which floods in the winter to form a semi-permanent water pool that retains water for most of the year. A distinctive feature is a large old Atlantic Pistachio tree. The told story goes that Prophet Mohammad sheltered under this tree during trading journeys to Damascus.
Burqu Castle E: 37.96228544 N: 32.608483 Romans built a small fort at Burqu (pronounced birq by locals) out of black basalt to protect a seasonal lake - a lifeline for humans, animals and birds - and a stone dam in the 3 rd century to secure water for caravans heading from Syria to Arabia. Qasr Burqu, located 17km away from Ruwaished, is the last Roman structure in the Eastern Badia. The fort is believed to have become a Byzantine era monastery, and was later restored by the Umayyads around AD 700 and used as a watch tower. The lake is now an important source of water for Bedouins and sheep herding. Khirbet Abu Hussain E: 38.00626715 N: 32.11009712 Khirbet Abu Hussain is a newly discovered Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age settlement in Harra desert. A hillfort-like settlement strategically positioned atop a small volcanic peak,it is a good example of how humans made use of their natural surroundings to survive. The site is part of Jordan s big circles mystery, comprising 12 giant circular structures across the country that can only be fully seen using aerial and satellite images. Qa a Abu Hussain E: 38.0978764 N: 32.0103977 Qa a Abu Hussain is a surprisingly pleasant, vast mudflat that you encounter after passing the black lava stones. The Qa a forms a seasonal lake after storm rains and flash floods.the soft clay soil spreads like a layer of ceramic, providing a perfect surface to witness the outstanding sunlit reflection of the desert. It is one of the largest mudflats in the area, measuring 10x3 km². Usaykhim Fortress E: 36.95951072 N: 31.95059825 Usaykhim Fortress, marking the eastern-most point of the ancient Roman Empire, is located on a volcanic hill 70m above the surrounding lava fields, 15km northeast of Azraq. It overlooks a wadi of the same name where you can view inscriptions written by humans thousands of years ago.
Azraq Lodge E: 37.96874665 N: 32.60538906 Season: All year Capacity: 46 people Distance from Amman: 100 km Azraq Lodge is the hub for Eastern Badia activities, and a short distance from the Azraq Wetland Reserve. Originally a British military field hospital, the building was transformed into 16 fully-equipped 1940 s style rooms with views of the Azraq Basin. The lodge is powered by sustainable solar energy. The kitchen and restaurant are under the management of a local Chechen family, providing a variety of authentic Chechen food. The lodge hosts handicraft workshops and a Nature Shop. Camping the Bedouin Way Season: March to mid-june & Oct. Capacity: 24 people Locations: Wadi Al Dahik & Al Wisad Where to Stay? No matter the time of year, an authentic lodging experience awaits you along Jordan s Eastern Badia Trail, with each option highlighting a unique characteristic of that location while offering secure and comfortable accommodation and delicious meals: Azraq Lodge, Burqu Ecolodge or traditional Bedouin tents set up at selected locations according to the season. *Please note swimming is prohibited in waterbodies across the area. While exploring the Eastern Badia you can choose to camp overnight at mobile Bedouin camps. These camps consist of two Bedouin-style accommodation tents, one kitchen tent and mobile toilets, and can host up to 12 campers per tent, four in each section. The mobile camp is run by local Bedouin guides. Traditional meals are cooked onsite. Burqu Ecolodge E: 37.96874665 N: 32.60538906 Season: All year Capacity: 20 people Distance from Amman: 260 km Burqu Ecolodge authentic yet modern atmosphere provides an oasis of calm from which to explore stunning views of the area. You can walk on the old Roman paved path to Burqu Lake and Castle, which makes it a birdwatcher s dream during migration and breeding seasons. The solar-powered ecolodge offers delicious, traditional home-cooked meals. The ecolodge s high ceilings and inner courtyards keep interiors cool in summer while insulated walls and double-glazed windows conserve heat when it is cold out; and the greywater system reuses waste water to irrigate the ecolodges gardens. To minimize the negative impact to the ecosystem; a pick-up station -that was once part of Mosul Haifa oil pipeline- has been established 16km away from the ecolodge in Ruwaished. This service provides employment for members of the local community.
Black & White Trail Trails Azraq Lodge is where the story begins. From there, explore the secrets of Jordan s Eastern Badia, discover the hidden jewels of its desert, and learn how the region became what it is today through its history and people. Investigate the trail in a 4x4 vehicle, with some hiking and additional activities such as birdwatching, camel riding, sheep herding and cycling at certain points along the trail. Whether you are staying for just one day or more, you can explore the below full-packaged GUIDED trails or customize your own excursion based on your time and interest, we can even arrange for one of our local guides to accompany you if you have an equipped 4x4 vehicle. * All trails are closed during summer from (mid-june to mid-september) One Day Trip 8-10 hrs All year except summer Difficulty: Easy Distance: 160 km Break: Wadi Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing local food, inscriptions decoding, geological formations exploration. Attractions: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Qastle, Wadi Al Dahik, Jabal Qurma, Rajil Dam. The trail introduces you to Azraq Reserve s conservation story and to one of the Eastern Badia s contradictions of both black and white deserts. Starting at the Reserve and ending at Rajil Dam, learn how human intervention affected the Azraq Basin and migratory birds. The 4x4 vehicle will take you on a journey back to more than 35 million years ago seeing the top of white limestone cliffs at Al Dahik, then head to the black basalt lava fields (Harra) of Jabal Qurma to decode its Safaitic inscriptions.
Bedouins Trail Two Day Trip Azraq Lodge or camping in Wadi Al Dahik All year except summer (Camping March to mid-june & Oct.) Difficulty: Easy-moderate Distance: 220 km Break: Wadi Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Rajil Dam, tea on open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, safari, camel riding, preparing local food, inscriptions decoding, geological formations exploration, stargazing, camping. Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Castle, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. Second day: Wadi Al Dahik, Jabal Qurma, Rajil Dam, Al Biqawiyya Tree. Camping in Al Dahik offers you the chance to experience authentic Bedouin life, read the night sky, and prepare to be surprised as you explore the secrets of the black desert s white stones. The trail stopovers at Rajil Dam to see how human intervention affected the Azraq Basin and migratory birds. Visit Shaumari, Jordan s first nature reserve, and meet the Arabian Oryx. Learn about conservation, history and archaeology at Azraq Wetland Reserve and meet the endangered Kilifish and birds at the reserve. Continue your 4x4 exploration in geological, archaeological and historical places from Al Dahik s white limestone cliffs to the black basalt desert of Jabal Qurma to discover how volcanic eruptions provided the canvas for Safaitic inscriptions. Stop at Al Biqawiyya Tree to hear it s religious and cultural story. Burqu Trail Two Day Trip Overnight in Burqu Ecolodge All year except summer Difficulty: Easy-moderate Distance: 528 km Break: Burqu Castle & Al Wisad, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Al Wisad, tea on open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing local food, sheep herding, cycling, stargazing. Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Castle, Usaykhim Castle, Burqu Ecolodge, Burqu Castle. Second day: Khirbet Abu Hussein, Qa a Abu Hussein, Al Wisad. Explore deep towards Ruwaished, the last big town in Jordan before the Iraqi border. From Azraq Lodge head to the proposed Burqu reserve. Walk the old Roman path connecting Burqu Ecolodge with Burqu Castle and Lake, a bird haven. Next day, explore three different kinds of desert ecosystems: Black Lava Desert of Khirbet Abu Hussein; dry mudflats of Qa a Abu Hussein; and Al Wisad s black desert melding with red sands. Delve into the history of Khirbet s people and the astonishing Safaitic inscriptions of Al Wisad. Enjoy tea with Bedouins and ride a camel across the desert.
Badia Stories Trail Three Day Trip Burqu Ecolodge & Camping/Al Wisad From March to mid-june & Oct. Difficulty: Moderate-difficult Distance: 476 km Break: Al Wisad & Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Burqu Castle tea on open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing local food, sheep herding, cycling, stargazing, inscriptions decoding, geological formations exploration. Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Castle, Usaykhim Castle, Burqu Ecolodge, Burqu Castle.Second day: Khirbet Abu Hussein, Qa a Abu Hussein, Al Wisad. Third day: Rajil Dam, Jabal Qurma, Wadi Al Dahik. The Badia is a treasure trove of stories, some well versed and others yet to be told. Bedouins, masters of oral tradition, will entertain you with their tales. Other stories are hidden, waiting to be discovered by curious minds. On day one, learn the story of conservation between Azraq and Burqu. Then head deep towards the northern desert and cycle in its heart over the dry mudflats of Qa a Abu Hussein. Spend the night at Al Wisad, unravel the story of the white desert in Al Dahik. At Rajil Dam, learn how human intervention affected the Azraq Basin and migratory birds. Birds Trail One Day and Overnight Trips Customized according to season Suggested locations: Azraq Wetland Reserve, Burqu proposed reserve, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Rajil Dam. Seasons: Autumn (Sept. - Nov.) & spring (Mar. & Apr.). Between 20-30 Sept. watch raptors in Burqu proposed reserve. This trail gives you the chance to explore the Badia with the company of bird researchers. Observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory birds from three continents and occasional rare species. September to November are the best months for migratory birds. From March to April observe the breeding and nesting habits and listen to the singing of resident and migratory birds. Eastern birds must be hardy to survive in the harsh climate, so breeding starts earlier before it gets too hot. Migratory water birds winter in Qa a Al Azraq from January to March. The best time to observe raptors is between 9am until sunset. Other birds can be better observed in early morning or sunset hours.
Stargazing Shuttle Endangered Killifish Animal Watching Safari Camel Riding Parking N Mountain Cycling Restrooms Accommodation Food Religious Tree Guided Trail Police Station Birding/ Birdwatching Picnic Area Wheelchair Accessible Visitor Center/ Reception Tea & Food Break Geological Site Viewpoint Camping Archaeological/ Historical Site Archaeological Site Sheep Herding Burqu Proposed Reserve Burqu Castle Burqu Ecolodge Fhaidhah Ruwaished Jabal Al-Arab Syria Salma El-Hashad Burqu Ecolodge Reception Manshiyyet El-Gheyyath Jeser Ruwaished Methnat Rajel Bandan Oadeh Tal Ermah Um Hussiyn Hamra Eshaim Bishriyeh Aritain Safawi Mafraq Governorate Ashqof Khirbet Abu Hussain Tree of Biqawiyya Qa'a Al-Bakieoah Qa'a Abu Hussain Azraq Castle Azraq Shamali Usaykhim Castle Rajil Proposed Reserve Al Wisad Police Station Al Wisad Azraq Lodge Azraq Wetland Reserve Rajil Dam Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Azraq Janubi Jabal Qurma Al Ghamer Rajil Suleimanyyat Zarqa Governorate 10 5 0 10 km Entrance to Wadi Al Dahik Umari Border Al Dahik Sand Crusher Al Hazeem Saudi Arabia Start & End Point Towns Birds Trail Black and White Trail Bedouins Trail Burqu Trail Badia Stories Trail Governorate Boundary National Border Main Road Secondary Road JEBT Trails Map Proposed Reserve Established Reserve Important Bird Area
Bedouin life Things to take into consideration Weather Bedouins are natural storytellers and Badia life revolves around stories. Places and people are named after remarkable events or people. Traditionally sheep and camel herders, Bedouins rely on their meat, milk and wool. They live in tents called beit al sha er - meaning house of hair that change in seasons. Bedouins move between natural pastures in a well-planned periodic cycle to feed and water their herds and minimize their impact on the land, giving it time to replenish before the next visit. During winter months, they settle in warmer areas such as Azraq, and are on the move in spring. They often serve their guests mansaf, Jordan s national dish and the most popular and well-loved meal nationwide. What to bring Once you are in the desert there is nothing to purchase, money has no value there, so please be prepared and willing to share: Clothing and footwear: Cap, comfortable shoes and clothes for both hot and cold temperatures, sunglasses. Essential survival items: Drinking water, snacks, ID, first aid kit, your medication, personal items, external battery pack. Other items: Backpack, flashlight, binoculars, wildlife guides, sunscreen. Curiosity and a critical eye: The desert will reveal a lot of stories and secrets to you, be prepared to welcome them with a critical eye and curiosity that respects the land and its people. * Supplies can be purchased from local markets in Azraq & Safawi. **Supplies depend on time spent in the desert, the more time you spend the more supplies you will need. Safety A group of at least two vehicles doing the trail. A local guide who knows the area will accompany the groups (an opportunity to get to know the people of the land). The guides are trained on basic first aid/ emergency practices and car maintenance. Follow the guide s instructions, time is key there and you need to be out before dark. a) People We are guests of the desert and its people, once you pass by people in the desert please greet them as you are on their land. Please respect nature and the home of the Bedouins; even if Bedouins are not there they will be back in few months, please take care of their land once they are away looking for supplies. Kindly respect the culture of the Bedouins in the way that you act and dress. b) Area The trail passes through important and virgin geological, archaeological and ecological areas, please leave no trace and don t take things. Try fresh goat or camel milk in season. Camel milk, used medicinally for centuries by Bedouins. If you drink it for the first time, it may cause stomach discomfort, as it is considered a body cleanser. DON T throw away plastic bags as goats will eat them and could die. c) Off-roading tips Never leave your group. Keep your seat belt on. If you have motion sickness try to avoid sitting in the back and carry medication. Inform your guide of any health problems you have before starting your adventure. Distances are huge between destinations, it is recommended to be prepared and to stay more than a day. If you decide to do the trail alone: The landscape of the Eastern Badia varies. Check the nature of the area and your car limitations in advance. Check Trails Routes page to know the specifications and distances of each road/path. Get supplies for you and your vehicle (e.g. tires air pump). Make sure your car is in good condition and that the AC works. Check your vehicle before and after going off-road. Plan and educate yourself about the area and its people. Summer days in the Eastern Badia are too hot, AVOID visiting during the summer. Floods might happen in the winter, AVOID camping in low places (wadis and valleys). Make sure to leave the desert and get back to paved roads before the sun sets. If your car breaks down in the desert, stay with it. Drive on roads that are already marked. Be prepared with GPS, maps and possibly a satellite phone. Make sure you get gas any time you see it. For your safety, it is always recommended to run the trails in a minimum group of at least 2 vehicles. The temperature in the desert can change drastically from day to night because the air is so dry that heat escapes rapidly at night. The daytime temperature averages 38 C (100 F) while at night it can get down to -4 C (25 F). Winter In winter (roughly December-February), daytime temperatures could be comfortable or cold but nighttime temperatures are freezing. Summer In summer (roughly June-September), temperatures in the desert can top 45 C (113 F). It is best to avoid visiting in these months. How to get there From Amman, the trip is 119km. Start at 7th Circle. Take the Desert Highway/Airport Road south. 20.8 km from 7th Circle, take the ramp onto Amman Development Corridor and continue for 14 km. Take the exit toward Al-Azraq Hwy/Route 40/Route 40M.Continue straight onto Route 30/Route 35M/Route 40M (signs for Azraq Castle/Qasr Al Hallabat/ Hammam As Sarah/Umm Al Jimal) 75 KM. Turn right onto Al-Badiyah Hwy/Route 30/Route 35M/Route 5 (signs for Sa'udia/Al Umari). Continue and follow the signs for Azraq Wetland Reserve/Azraq Lodge. Rules and Regulations Stay on the trails with the guide & do not wander alone in the reserves and desert; camp and walk only in official & known sites. Protect all nature: no hunting or collecting of plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, or firewood. Leave things as you find them. Avoid damaging trees and shrubs: do not add graffiti anywhere within the reserves and desert. Respect nature: keep noise to a minimum, be kind to living creatures. Respect the lifestyle of the local people & ask before taking pictures. Keep the area clean & deposit your litter in the appropriate place. Leave your vehicles in parking areas. Jordan's Eastern Badia Trail Explore Desert Life Archeology Biodiversity Ecology Geology To Plan your trip +962 4615 523 +962 79 7000 086 tourism@rscn.org.jo wildjordan.com
Wild Jordan s revenue contributes to the sustainability of RSCN s protected areas and supports the socio economic development of local communities. Wild Jordan is a registered trademark for: Wild Jordan Adventures (+962 6) 4616 523 (+962) 79 7000 086 tourism@rscn.org.jo wildjordan.com