Azraq Wetland Reserve
Azraq Wetland Reserve is a unique oasis in Jordan’s Eastern Desert, known as a key stopover for migratory birds from three continents and a popular birdwatching site.
The area also has strong historical significance, including its use as a caravan and pilgrimage stop, and the presence of Azraq Castle where T. E. Lawrence was stationed during the Arab Revolt.
Nearby, visitors can explore famous desert castles such as Qasr Amra and Qasr Kharana, along with dramatic desert landscapes of basalt plains and chalk valleys.
Azraq is also culturally diverse, home to Bedouin, Chechen, and Druze communities with distinct traditions and heritage.
- Grade: Easy
- Distance: 1.5 km
- Time: 30 minutes
Open times: 09:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. (winter); 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (summer)
Description: This easy walking trail gives you an excellent introduction to the Azraq Wetland Reserve. The boardwalk leads you through dry and wet areas to a viewing platform overlooking the artesian pools that once released millions of cubic meters of water into the marshland. After leaving the platform, the trail takes you over an ancient black basalt wall, most likely constructed by an Umayyad Caliph. The trail then leads to a bird hide made of local mud brick where you can observe the migratory birds and perhaps catch a glimpse of the water buffalo. Follow the trail back to the Visitor Center, passing yet another part of the ancient basalt wall.
- Grade: Easy
- Distance: 3.5 Kilos
- Time: Up to two hours.
Open times: 09:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. (winter); 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (summer)
Description: This Circular trail starts at Azraq Wetland Reserve visitor center, with an excellent introduction to the Reserve passing by dry and wet areas to a viewing platform overlooking the artesian pools that once released millions of cubic meters of water into the marshland. Follow the trail forward to new wooden bird hides, passing yet another new water bodies to explore more habitats in the reserve and observe migratory bird species and catch a glimpse of the water buffalo. Then Follow the trail back to the Visitor Center, passing by the largest water body in the reserve.
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 12 km
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
Description: The tour starts from Amra Castle and ends at the Azraq Lodge. The tour passes through the desert area that links Amra Castle and Azraq Lodge and stops by a desert well for snacks and juice, then continues to the local Azraq farms area to finally reach Azraq Lodge. On the way, visitors will learn about the nature, the history and the people living in the area.
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 22 km
- Time: 4 – 5 hours
Description: This tour gives visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Azraq. Starting at the Azraq Lodge, the trail passes through the Wetlands, the mudflats of al Qa’a and al Madbaa’a, the Old Druze Village, Qasr al- Shaér, the modern Azraq village, and Azraq Castle before ending at a local’s house for tea and a light meal.
- Grade: Easy
- Distance on foot: 2 km
- Distance by bus: 7 km
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
Description: This is an easy way to explore the desert castles around the Azraq Reserve. From the Azraq Lodge, our shuttle bus will take you to the nearby Azraq Castle, which was used as a military base by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) during the Arab Revolt. Next, travel to the Old Druze village and learn more about the first Druze settlement in the area. From here, the tour continues on foot, hiking 2 kilometers to Aines-Sil, a farmhouse built by the Umayyad. The bus will be waiting to take you to a local Druze home for tea and a light traditional meal before returning to the Lodge.
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Distance on foot: 5 km
- Distance by bus: 40 km
- Time: 5 – 6 hours
Description: From the Azraq Lodge, our shuttle bus will take you to a desert entrance to begin your hike to Wadi Usaykhim, where you will view inscriptions written by humans thousands of years ago. Continue hiking two kilometers to the top of the highest mountain, where the Usakhim fortress stands, marking the eastern-most point of the ancient Roman Empire. Here, the shuttle bus will wait to take you to a local home for tea and a light traditional meal before returning to the Lodge.
