Dana Biosphärenreservat & Feynan Eco Lodge
DANA BIOSPHÄREN RESERVAT
Dana ist Jordaniens größtes Naturschutzgebiet und umfasst etwa 320 Quadratkilometer spektakulärer Berge und Wadis entlang der Wand des Great Rift Valley. Von sengenden Sanddünen im Westen bis zu kühlen Berggipfeln im Osten beherbergt das Dana Biosphärenreservat eine große Vielfalt an Wildtieren. Es gibt Pflanzen und Tiere, die für echte Wüsten, mediterrane Wälder und die trockenen Ebenen Russlands charakteristisch sind. Tatsächlich ist Dana wirklich ein Schmelztiegel von Arten aus drei Kontinenten: Europa, Afrika und Asien. Eine solche Kombination natürlicher Lebensgemeinschaften in einem einzigen Gebiet ist einzigartig in Jordanien und viele der Tiere und Pflanzen von Dana sind sehr selten. Bisher wurden insgesamt 700 Pflanzenarten, 190 Vogelarten, 37 Säugetierarten und 36 Reptilienarten im Reservat registriert, von denen 25 als gefährdet bekannt sind, darunter die Sandkatze, der Syrische Wolf, der Rötelfalke und andere die Stachelschwanzeidechse. Ohne besondere Sorgfalt könnten einige davon für immer von der Erde verschwinden, was das Dana-Biosphärenreservat zu einem Ort von globaler Bedeutung macht.
Das Dana-Dorfgebiet mit Blick auf das malerische Wadi Dana ist seit etwa 4.000 v. Chr. bewohnt. Archäologische Beweise deuten darauf hin, dass paläolithische, ägyptische, nabatäische und römische Zivilisationen durch den fruchtbaren Boden, die Wasserquellen und die strategische Lage in das Gebiet gezogen wurden. Heute wird Dana Village hauptsächlich von Clans des „Al Ata'ata“-Stammes bewohnt, die sich während der osmanischen Zeit vor etwa vierhundert Jahren in der Gegend niederließen und das heutige Dorf bauten. Im Laufe der Jahre sind viele Familien aus Dana Village auf der Suche nach besseren Jobs, Schulen und Unterkünften in das nahe gelegene Dorf Qadissiya gezogen. Das zerfallende Dorf Dana wurde fast verlassen, aber dank der Spendenaktionen von Friends of Dana, einer dynamischen Frauengruppe in Amman, wurden über 70 der traditionellen Steinhäuser restauriert, sodass einige Familien im Dorf bleiben konnten.
Die spektakuläre Landschaft des Feynan-Gebiets und die darin lebenden Gemeinden beherbergen eine außergewöhnliche Geschichte. Während die Forschung noch im Gange ist, kann man sagen, dass Feynan eine der längsten Sequenzen menschlicher Besiedlung der Welt hat. Feynan beheimatet einige der ersten Siedlungen der Menschheit und ist eines der ältesten und wichtigsten Zentren nachhaltiger Kupfergewinnung in der Antike und eines der am besten erhaltenen, da es an modernem Bergbau mangelt.
Note: Einfach
Entfernung: 1,5 km
Time: 1 hour
Starting time: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm.
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Beschreibung: Dieser Rundweg um den Campingplatz Rummana ist ein großartiger Ort, um Vögel zu beobachten, besonders während der Vogelzugzeit. Die malerischen Aussichtspunkte entlang des Weges bieten malerische Ausblicke auf die Dana-Berge.
Grad: Leicht bis mittelschwer
Entfernung: 1,5 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Starting time: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm.
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Voraussetzungen: Keine Höhenangst
Beschreibung: Dieser Weg beginnt am Campingplatz Rummana und führt an den ungewöhnlichen Sandsteinformationen von Shaq al Kalb (Wadi des Hundes) vorbei zu einer Gruppe kleiner Höhlen, von denen angenommen wird, dass sie ein religiöser Rückzugsort oder eine Einsiedelei waren.
Note: Mittel
Entfernung: 2,5 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Rummana Campsite
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Description: This circular trail starts from the campsite and ascends to the top of Rummana Mountain, where the views of Wadi Araba are breathtaking. Highlights on the trail include magnificent sandstone and limestone formations, birds of prey, and beautiful views of the nature reserve.
Note: Mittel
Entfernung: 8 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. from either the Rummana Campsite or the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Description: This trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. If desired, the trail can be done in reverse, from Dana Guesthouse to the Rummana campsite.
Note: Einfach
Entfernung: 2 km
Zeit: 1-1,5 Stunden
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Description: Starting from the Dana Guesthouse, this trail winds above Dana Village and through the terraced gardens and local craft workshops. Visitors can meet the local residents, see original Ottoman architecture, and learn more about Dana’s rich history.
Grad: Leicht bis mittelschwer
Entfernung: 2 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. from the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Anforderungen: Transport vom Dana Guesthouse zum Start-/Endpunkt in Qadissiya; angemessenes Maß an Fitness; keine Höhenangst.
Description: This circular trail begins from the Al-Barrah area and takes you to beautiful mountains, springs and ancient ruins in the Nawatef Area.
Note: Mittel
Entfernung: 8 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Starting time: from either the Rummana Campsite or the Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Description: This trail contours the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. If desired, the trail can be done in reverse, from Rummana campsite to the Dana Guesthouse.
Schwierigkeitsgrad: Mittel bis schwer
Entfernung: 3 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m.
Group size: 6 – 20 people
Anforderungen: Transport zum und vom Gebiet al-Barra; keine Höhenangst
Description: This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking Siq, and to Shaq al Reesh
Note: Mittelstufe
Entfernung: 14 km
Time: 5 – 7 hours
Starting time: 08:00 a.m. from Dana Guesthouse
Group size: 10 – 20 people
Description: Start from the Dana Guesthouse at 1200m above sea level and adventure down through the beautiful Dana Biosphere Reserve to Feynan at 325 m. Cross paths and exchange warm greetings with local Bedouin tending their goats or stop to rest and enjoy sweet tea. Experience the four different bio-geological zones of Dana and keep an eye out for the many rare forms of flora and fauna to be found here such as the Nubian ibex. For those looking for a steeper challenge, this hike can be made in reverse, uphill from Feynan to the Dana Guesthouse. Local drivers can transport your luggage to the lodge or the Guesthouse. There is an additional charge for transfers.
Grad: Schwierig
Entfernung: 19 km
Time: 8 – 10 hours
Starting time: 07:00 a.m.
Group size: 10 – 20 people
Anforderungen: Transport zum und vom Nawatef-Gebiet; hohe Fitness; keine Höhenangst
Description: Perfect for adventure lovers who have no fear of heights, this trail descends through Wadi Dathneh, past an oasis, and through Wadi al Hamra to the Feynan area.
Grad: Schwierig
Entfernung: 18 km
Time: 7 – 8 hours
Starting time: 7:00 a.m.
Group size: 10 – 20 people
Anforderungen: Transport nach und von Al Mansoura in der Nähe von Shoubak; keine Höhenangst
Description: Continue along the gravel riverbed of the Wadi, alongside a flowing stream, to the entrance to Wadi Ghweir. Very similar to the famous Siq in Petra, the trail leads through magnificent sceneries of different stone formations and many unique plants and trees on both sides of the river. The scenery is so breathtaking it has been known to cause visitors to forget about everything else — including how long they have been hiking! After 3.5 hours, you will have tea and you can rest and learn more about the area from your guide. From there, continue to the Byzantine archaeology at Khirbet Feynan until you reach your final destination at Feynan Eco lodge.
*Dieser Weg ist bei Regen in den umliegenden Bergen aufgrund der Möglichkeit von Sturzfluten gesperrt.
Grade: intermediate to advance (no children permitted for safety)
Distance: 2km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 10
Description: Start a great day in the wilderness with this challenging sunrise hike. Depart from the lodge at dawn with one of our local Bedouin guides to climb into the mountains just as Bedouin shepherds do with their goats each morning. This hike involves negotiating Bedouin shepherd trails atop the ridgelines of steep hills and cliffs that surround the lodge. There are two different trails, the more challenging Abu Khalil route (a local elder) ending by his winter and summer beits (‘homes’ in Arabic) and the Abu Mohammed route (another local elder), ending by his beit. At the summit of both routes, you will be able to gaze for kilometers over Bedouin villages, ancient ruins, and the desert of Wadi Araba. The colors over Feynan are fantastic as day breaks and the sun begins to shine over mountains, canyons and the surrounding desert surrounding.
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Entfernung: 1,5 km
Time: 2 hours
Starting time: 90 minutes before sunset time. Check schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: no limit
Description: Every evening, guests are invited to join the lodge’s guides on a 20-minute stroll to the top of a gentle outcrop to watch a sunset like no other. Against the dramatic backdrop of rugged, multi-colored mountains, the sun descends, spreading vivid ambers, violets and reds across the canvas of the evening sky. Take this rare opportunity to witness the end of the day in the Bedouin camps below; with children wandering home from play, women tending the evening fires and men rounding up their herds in a peaceful dance as the sun falls to the haunting sounds of the call to prayer. Feel the gentle breeze ushering in nightfall as stars dot the sky and guides brew fresh mint tea over the warm fire. The whole activity takes 2 hours, including 40-45 minutes of walking.
Note: Mittelstufe
Entfernung: 3 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: Discover the hidden uses of the plants of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Our guides will explain how the Bedouin use different plants as soap, herbs, medicines and treatments for their animals. This circular hike is also a great route to spot some of the birdlife that call the Dana Reserve home and see the varied geology of the Great Rift Valley unfurl before your eyes.
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 6-7 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: Learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed at Feynan by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago and what an important supply center Feynan was for the Roman Empire. Come explore deep, long forgotten mine shafts and visit nearby sites to see how the copper was transported and refined, leaving vast slag formations from the smelting process that are still visible today.
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 5-6 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 20
Description: Uncover the remarkable history of Feynan through the many archaeological treasures that dot the landscape surrounding the lodge. Well-preserved Roman ruins include an aqueduct and mill. Remnants of an early Byzantine monastery and church still stand atop a nearby hill and the remains of Neolithic settlements attest to the shift from a nomadic way of life to that of permanent dwellings and agriculture.
(Year-round), guided or self-guided
Grade: easy, suitable for all ages
Distance: 6-7 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 20
Description: This half-day hike explores the lower end of Wadi Dana. Starting from the lodge and the open desert-like zone of Dana Biosphere Reserve, the trail gradually becomes greener as the hike moves more and more into the valley of Wadi Dana, with tall peaks that line either side of the valley. Highlights of the hike include passing through groups of Bedouin families in traditional goat-tent homes, seeing natural springs, and catching a glimpse of some of the birds that call Dana Biosphere Reserve home. This hike returns to the lodge along the same route.
Grade: Easy to intermediate
Distance: 7-8 km
Time: 4 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 15
Description: This scenic trail begins from the lodge and passes by Khirbet Feynan, where many Byzantine and Roman ruins are preserved passing onwards into the Wadi Ghwayr basin (Wadi means valley or canyon). Following the gravel riverbed, the trail proceeds onwards past a Neolithic settlement estimated to be over 11,000 years old. The trail then follows the riverbed past pink oleander, reeds and other plant life. A regular stream of water keeps the gorge green and alive. Our guides enrich the experience by explaining the local uses of the plants as medicines, soap and shampoo. Before returning, our guides will prepare for you a cup of tea to enjoy along the scenic path. The route returns the same way back to the lodge. Be prepared for your feet and ankles to get wet.
*Dieser Weg ist bei Regen in den umliegenden Bergen aufgrund der Möglichkeit von Sturzfluten gesperrt.
Grad: Schwierig
Distance: 14-15 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Starting time: check daily schedule on http://www.ecohotels.me/feynan/calendar
Group size: up to 10
Description: This hike is ideal for those wishing to take in the full spectrum of landscapes and terrains Feynan has to offer. Beginning from the lodge, set out towards Wadi Dana, with mountainous peaks to either side of the Wadi. Here, you might chance upon some of the beautiful birds that call Dana home or some of the beautiful plants and flowers lining the gorge. Further, on you will have a chance to explore the lower end of Wadi Ghwayr, another bountiful Wadi that receives seasonal flows from rainfall in the mountains to the east of Feynan. Here you can explore some of the Neolithic, Roman and Byzantine ruins that demonstrate the historical importance of the area on your return leg back to the lodge.
*This hike is closed mid-September to mid-October for Ibex breeding season.
– See more at http://www.wildjordan.com/eco-tourism-section/dana-biosphere-reserve#sth…
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