Jordan wildlife and nature tour

Planet

Staying at multiple eco award winning locations throughout Jordan this tour provides reassurance that all is being done to minimise your footprint during your stay in Jordan as well as sustainability practices that each of the lodges and accommodations are passionate about.

Including awards such as being among the top 100 sustainable destinations on the global tourism map. The National Geographic “Sustainable Destinations Global 100 World Legacy”, as a reward for outstanding role in the development of Eco-Tourism program in Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Guardian Best Ethical Travel Award in recognition of its achievements through the Wild Jordan division. With this award, RSCN/Wild Jordan has been judged by global benchmarks to be applying ‘ethical standards’ and using tourism to support conservation objectives.

Ajloun Forest Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands north of Amman and covers 13 square kilometers. It is dominated by open woodlands of Evergreen Oak, Pine, Carob, Wild Pistachio and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and food.

The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its mild climate, dense forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages. The reserve itself supports a wide variety of wild plants and animals and is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Among the more unusual animals to be found in the Reserve are the Striped Hyena, Crested Porcupine and Stone Marten. In spring, the reserve is a carpet of wild flowers, including drifts of anemones and rockroses.

The Royal Academy for Nature Conservation
His Majesty King Abdullah II laid the foun­dation stone of a specialized Academy for training on the protection of nature and sustainable development near Ajloun Forest Reserve in 2010, and HRH Crown Prince Hussein inaugurated in 2015. The academy is “the first center in the Arab world” specialized in offering training on nature conservation.

People

The Jordan River Foundation which is a locally based charity supporting vulnerable women and children. The chance to spend the evening at ‘The Petra Kitchen;’ is always a highlight for guests and provides a truly Jordanian experience with local women. The kitchen has furniture and furnishings, all of which are hand-crafted by the Women’s Co-operative and Jordan River Foundation.
The Jordan River Foundation is a non-profit organisation which was established with a vision to ensure the wellbeing of children by engaging Jordanians to overcome social challenge and child protection.

Established in 1995 by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, since its launch, the foundation has initiated women’s projects to provide employment and enhance their livelihoods making women empowered. This project was much needed in Jordan which continues to generate income for vulnerable families, of which there are many in Jordan.

Projects include:
The Jordan River Child Safety Program
The Jordan River Community Empowerment Program.

Local Guides
We are incredibly proud to work with local guides, after all they are the experts! Where possible staying in locally owned accommodation and our ground agents employ local guides using transport owned and operated by local people. Lunches are eaten in locally owned and managed restaurants many of which are familiar faces or good friends of those that are hosting you through their country. Being able to support the the community financially gives added opportunities for the unique and authentic experience.