Jordan’s natural wonders

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes beyond Jordan's ancient sights

Unmissable vistas

While the man-made archaeological icons of Petra and Jerash are essential sights to behold on your trip to Jordan, it’s the Kingdom’s natural wonders that will see you heading home with a full heart and camera roll.

The warm and hospitable nature of Jordan's people, along with its ample tour and transport options, means that even some of the country’s more remote areas are easy and safe to explore, whatever level of adventure you are looking for.

Wadi Rum

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Rum offers a magical desert experience of sand, sun and stars. Known as the “Valley of the Moon” due to its towering rock formations, it's also been used as the backdrop for Hollywood movies set on Mars.

Although Wadi Rum is only 2 hours' drive from Petra (and an hour from Aqaba), to experience its full glory, you should plan to enjoy a night under its desert skies.

The area is home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, making a stay in a Bedouin camp a popular option for all budgets. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about their lifestyle, culture and famous hospitality. Alternatively, lean into Wadi Rum's space-like scenery by staying in one of its futuristic luxury dome camps.

The Dead Sea

Jordan's Dead Sea coast has been a huge draw for visitors from all over the world for centuries, thanks to its soothing salty waters and its position in the lowest place on earth, at 410m below sea level.

Its legendary water is the main attraction, with the abnormally high salt content making the water so buoyant that you simply float on its surface. The Dead Sea's water and mud also contain a unique mix of enriching minerals that have world-renowned health benefits, while its high oxygen concentration naturally aids relaxation.

You can get an excellent view of the Dead Sea's beauty from above and learn more about the region's geology, ecology and archaeology by visiting the Dead Sea Museum, while the Museum of the Lowest Place on Earth houses interesting artefacts from the area.

Ma’in Hot Springs

Just a short drive away from the Dead Sea is another of Jordan's enchanting natural wonders, the Ma'in Hot Springs. One of the most breathtaking desert oases in the world, Ma'in's cascading hyper-thermal waterfalls are the result of winter rainfalls in the highland plains of Jordan heated by underground lava fissures. Relax in the mineral-rich waters and take in the tranquil landscape and mountainous backdrop of this idyllic spot, which sits at 264 metres below sea level.

The Ma’in Springs form part of the Ma’in Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Guests can pay to visit for just a couple of hours or enjoy a luxury overnight stay.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

The Dana Biosphere Reserve isn't just one of the most incredible-looking natural landscapes in Jordan, it's also home to many of the country's rarest plant and animal species. Despite being Jordan's largest nature reserve and recently making Time magazine's list of the World's Greatest Places, the Dana Biosphere is still considered somewhat of a hidden gem.

Covering Jordan’s four different biogeographical zones, the reserve attracts large numbers of animals from Europe, Africa and Asia, which means there’s the chance for you to spot endangered species such as the Syrian wolf and the spiny-tailed lizard. It also boasts some of the country’s most exciting and diverse hiking trails, so if you are feeling adventurous you can safely explore its beautiful mountains, springs and ruins on foot.

Discover more about Amman, Jordan's capital.