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.
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.
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.
