BIRD-WATCHING & HISTORY

( 10 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS )

Jordan is a hidden gem for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract over 400 bird species. From the wetlands of Azraq to the forests of Ajloun and the vast deserts of Wadi Rum, the country lies on the African-Eurasian migratory route, making it a key stopover for migratory birds. Jordan’s landscapes provide a haven for species like eagles, herons, flamingos, and the endangered Syrian Serin. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, Jordan’s birdwatching spots promise a unique and rewarding experience.

DAY 1: QUEEN ALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – AMMAN

Upon arriving Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman, the capital of Jordan, JAT Representative holding a sign with your name will be present to meet and assist you with the completion of customs, immigration procedures, passport formalities, and visa handling. Overnight / Amman.

DAY 2: AMMAN - AZRAQ WETLAND RESERVE - SHAWMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE

The Azraq Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve located in the town of Azraq in the eastern desert of Jordan. An oasis for migratory birds, the reserve was established in 1978 and covers 12 square kilometres. The natural springs dried up in 1992 and most migratory birds subsequently moved away from the area. Passage migration and desert species including Honey Buzzard, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Marsh Harrier, Crane and the introduced White-cheeked Bulbul.

The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a Jordanian nature reserve near the town of Azraq, approximately 100 km east of Amman. It is a regionally important reserve created in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature as a breeding center for endangered or locally extinct wildlife Eastern Imperial Eagle, Cream-coloured Courser, Temminck’s Horned Lark and Eagle owl. Overnight / Amman.

DAY 3: AMMAN - DANA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

After breakfast, heading by the KINGS HIGHWAY to Dana Biosphere Reserve. One of Jordan's hidden gems, the charming 15th-century stone village of Dana dangles beneath the King’s Highway on a precipice, commanding exceptional views of the valley below. That valley and the surrounding area make up the Dana Biosphere Reserve. It's a wonderful place to escape Jordan's cities and spend a few days hiking, enjoy some village atmosphere and look for wildlife. Macqueen’s Bustard. The name of the species has been changed and is now known as either Macqueen’s Bustard or Asian Houbara. Overnight / Dana.

DAY 4: DANA - PETRA

Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, located in south-central Jordan. Dana Biosphere Reserve was founded in 1989 in the area in and around the Dana village and Wadi Dana comprising 308 square kilometres. Overnight / Petra.

DAY 5: PETRA VISIT

Visit the ancient city of PETRA, one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra. Overnight / Petra.

DAY 6: PETRA – WADI RUM

Transfer to WADI RUM . “The Valley of the Moon”, depicted as Mars in several Hollywood feature films Wadi Rum is an Arabian fairy-tale waiting to be discovered. Home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum is a a quiet getaway of stars, sand, and sun; a perfect complement from Amman’s epicenter. Once inhabited by the Nabataeans of prehistoric times, Wadi Rum allows you to get lost in large landscapes and horizon lines. The calmness of the desert is sure calm your spirit and de-clutter your thoughts. explore the desert in 4x4 Jeeps visiting the holographic pictures carved before Christ on this intriguing tour. Overnight / Wadi Rum

DAY 7: WADI RUM – AQABA

Aqaba is a Jordanian port city on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Inhabited since 4000 B.C., it's home to the Islamic-era Aqaba Fort. Its beach resorts are popular for windsurfing and other water sports, and the area is a top destination for scuba divers, with notable dive sites including the Yamanieh coral reef in the Aqaba Marine Park, south of the city. Overnight / Aqaba.

DAY 8: AQABA BIRD OBSERVATORY

Discover a unique aspect of what Aqaba has to offer in terms of natural wonders. Aqaba is not only a desired destination for tourists, but also the resting site for many migratory birds heading north up the Gulf of Aqaba each spring. Any tree, bush, dripping irrigation pipe, or pool of water is a welcome sight for a tired migrating bird arriving from an exhausting flight over the sea or across the desert.

Aqaba boasts the bird observatory where you can get up close and personal with some of the 390 species of birds which reside in Jordan, or use it as an annual migratory stop. Because of its location, it receives flocks of birds coming from Europe, Asia and Africa every migration season. The flocks fly towards the observatory, which consists of an exceptional diversity of habitats critical for to attracting birds; shallow and deep waters, herbal plants, trees and green surfaces. These habitats integrate with each other to form a vibrant bird hub, especially for the waders. Develop your passion for birdwatching by paying a visit to this astounding space!

During Autumn or Spring, watchers unwind from their busy lives and head to Aqaba to witness the birds’ migration especially those crossing the city of Aqaba twice a year. ikewise, the Observatory is a great place for those who are willing to travel hundred miles to see spectacular species of rare birds. The Aqaba bird observatory is located in Al-Salam forest near South Wadi Araba Crossing Border with a total area of 0.5 km2 .It is run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and is an important site for many European and African migratory species. The observatory is open all year round, but the best time to visit is in the Spring and Autumn months.Overnight / Aqaba.

DAY 9: AQABA - DEAD SEA

The DEAD SEA, a spectacular natural wonder the Dead Sea is perfect for religious tourism and fun in the sun with the family. With its mix of beach living and religious history you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars can get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine, and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea's rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.Overnight / Dead Sea.