|
Mujib
Nature Reserve
The Mujib Nature
Reserve is the lowest-altitude nature
reserve in the world, with its spectacular
array of scenery near the east coast of
the Dead Sea. The reserve is located within
the deep Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters
the Dead Sea at 410 metres below sea level.
The Reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba
mountains to the north and south, reaching
900 metres above sea level in some places.
This 1,300 metre variation in elevation,
combined with the valley's year-round
water flow from seven tributaries, means
that Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent biodiversity
that is still being explored and documented
today. Over 420 species of plants, 10
species of carnivores (Red fox, Blandford
fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild cat, Caracal,
Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard),
and 102 species of permanent and migratory
birds have been recorded until this date.
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.
.
Wondrous
Wildlife
Mujib's
sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat
for one of the most beautiful mountain
goats in the world, the Nubian Ibex. The
natural Ibex herds had declined due to
over-hunting in easily accessible areas,
causing the Royal Society for the Conservation
of Nature (RSCN) to establish a captive-breeding
programme for Ibex in the Mujib reserve.
Mujib
is also the home of carnivorous species
such as the Caracal; a medium-sized cat
distinguished by its black and white ear
tufts. An agile and powerful hunter, the
Caracal can be spotted in action in the
rocky valley of Mujib, using its amazing
jumping power to catch airborne prey.
Hiking
Trails
The
Reserve has two main hiking trails:
1) The circular trail
allowing 4 groups a week with maximum
25 persons per group, starts 3 km south
of the Mujib bridge along the Dead Sea
and offers 5 to 6 hours of hiking and
swimming through the Wadi Mujib system.
2)
The lower trail
also starts from the same bridge and offers
a 1 to 2 hour hike up the river; you have
to swim through natural water pools including
the one at the big waterfall. Life jackets
are provided by the Reserve's office.
For
those who appreciate nature and adventure,
a hike through the Wadi system may prove
to be a challenging exercise rejuvenating
the body and the mind.
Site
for Campers
A
designated campsite is available with
a hosting capacity of 25 persons per day.
It contains five large tents, barbecue
grills and toilets for visitors and campers.
A Reserve vehicle is provided to drop
off luggage while campers walk to the
camping area. For reservations, contact
the RSCN.
Tel. +962 6 5337931, Fax +962 6 5347411,
e-mail: tourism@rscn.org.jo
Getting
there:
The
trip to Mujib Nature Reserve from Jordan's
capital city Amman is approximately an
hour and a half drive. The route takes
visitors along the scenic Dead Sea-Aqaba
highway all the way to the Mujib Bridge,
where the Reserve's office is located
(always call in advance).
Top
|
