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Latest update: 1 August 2025
Dana in Jordan: the nature reserve you probably don’t plan enough time for. And that’s a shame, because while everyone rushes off to Petra and Wadi Rum, they miss one of the country’s most beautiful pieces of nature. I speak from experience: with what I know now… I would have loved to stay longer.
Not enough time in Dana!
Not everyone visits Dana during a Jordan road trip. Most people only plan a week to ten days for a Jordan trip, and Dana often gets cut. So make sure you go longer because a hike in this natural area is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. Looking back, I would have loved to spend more time in Dana, to do another hike, and just to chill out.
Dana is in the middle of Jordan, so it can be perfectly added to your itinerary when driving from the north (Amman) to the south (Petra or Wadi Rum) or the other way around.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is a diverse nature reserve with valleys, mountains, oases, and more natural beauty. There’s more than 115 square miles (300 km²) to explore. The Dana nature reserve is Jordan’s most diverse, and quite a few endangered animal species also live here. The chance you’ll spot them is pretty slight, but just the possibility of it happening is already a nice thought.
Dana Village
Dana is the village that serves as the ‘capital’ of the Dana Nature Reserve. But don’t expect too much, okay? Dana Village is the main base of the area, and from here, you can start beautiful hikes. In the village, you’ll find a few accommodations, a handful of places to eat, and little shops. Most of the town lies in ruins though. The village was almost completely abandoned when Dana Village officially became the gateway to the nature reserve in 1993. Since then, some money has been invested in the village, mainly for accommodation options, but they’re definitely not in a hurry. It looks like there are more street dogs than people living in Dana.
Tip! Bring enough cash to Dana. There’s no ATM.
The most beautiful sunset in Dana
Besides the sunset, there’s not much going on in Dana Village – you really come here for nature and hiking. But you definitely need to check out that sunset.
At Shop Sunset Dana (Google Maps location), you experience typical Jordanian hospitality: a warm welcome, a chat, friendliness, and trust. Amir and Samir’s little shop is there for some simple groceries and a drink around sunset time. Then you walk a bit toward Wadi Dana for fantastic views over Wadi Dana—a nice preview of what’s waiting for you on the hike you’re going to do here.
Hiking around Dana
You can literally hike for days through the nature reserve. But you probably don’t have that much time. Neither do I, so I pick one long hike. The most popular hikes in Dana are the Wadi Dana Trail and the Wadi Ghuweir Trail. I choose the latter. Want to know why and what you can expect? Then read my blog about the Wadi Ghuweir Trail.
But you have more options. I didn’t do these myself, so I can’t advise you, except that you should Google them.
- Wadi Dana Trail: from the village to Feynan eco camp, about 8.7 miles (14 kilometers)
- White Dome Trail: hike from Dana Village, about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers)
- The Jordan Trail: walk part of the Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra, about 46.6 miles (75 km)
- Shaq Al-Reesh Trail: a circular walk of about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
- Nawatef Trail: a short trail along ruins, about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers)
Several other hikes start from Rummana Campground.
Tip! From Dana, it’s only a half-hour drive to Shobak Castle. We really wanted to check out this castle, but they were working on the access road, so unfortunately, we couldn’t get there. Google Maps location.
Accommodations in Dana
Which accommodation you choose in Dana really depends on your hiking plans. At Rummana Campground, you can start several hikes, and Feynan Ecolodge is also a good base if you want to walk the Wadi Dana Trail for example.
I choose to stay in Dana Village and end up at Hobbit Village. That’s a small-scale accommodation with little houses that look like hobbit houses. It’s only a five-minute walk from Dana’s ‘main street’. Right in nature and guaranteed fantastic views.
A little donkey wanders around, a sweet husky, and some street dogs also come by to visit. At Hobbit Village, there are shared facilities, and you can have breakfast for 4 JOD ($5.60) and dinner for 8 JOD ($11.20). The dinner is simple, not a culinary masterpiece, but we repeat it the next day anyway because of its convenience.
The rooms are simple but cozy. The mattresses aren’t fantastic – I didn’t really expect them to be for this price. The big plus points of Hobbit Village are the style and the shared garden with different seating areas and beautiful views. I also arrange a guide for my Wadi Ghuweir hike through Hobbit Village.
Frequently asked questions about Dana, Jordan
You can best go between March and May or in September or October. Then, it’s usually a nice hiking temperature. Between June and August, temperatures rise, while from November through February, it can get quite cold, and there’s an increased risk of flooding.
Some people stay one night and then travel on immediately. I think that’s pretty rushed. There’s a big chance you’re coming for a hike, and you want to start that as early as possible in the day. And after the hike, it’s nice to relax at your accommodation. So, I recommend booking at least two nights.
More Jordan inspiration
Useful links for your Jordan trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always useful, but be sure to compare prices. For example, through Trivago and Trip. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. “Free” walking tours book with Freetour or GuruWalk.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Amazon.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could check out Expedia or CheapOair.
- Flights. Compare all your options! At least check Expedia, Kiwi and Trip.
- Yoga retreat. Or: go for a yoga retreat in Jordan.
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