SHAUMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature as a breeding center for endangered and locally extinct species.
It is home to animals such as the Arabian oryx, onagers, gazelles, and ostriches, helping restore populations that once nearly disappeared from the region.
Many of these species roam in protected desert enclosures, allowing visitors to observe them in a natural environment.
Today, it serves as an important conservation site and educational destination, especially for families and school visits.
The Arabian Oryx Story
Arabian Oryx is a rare white antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula that became extinct in the wild in Jordan in the early 20th century due to overhunting and modern weapons.
A global conservation effort called Operation Oryx, launched in 1962, helped save the species by building a captive breeding population from animals collected in several countries.
In 1978, the species was successfully reintroduced into Jordan at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, where the population has grown significantly.
Today, Jordan even helps supply Arabian oryx to other countries as part of international reintroduction programs.
Altitude: 520 meters above sea level
Group size: seven persons per car
Description: A guided safari in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve takes visitors through Jordan’s Eastern Desert in Land Cruiser vehicles, with small groups led by professional nature guides.
The experience focuses on observing desert habitats and conservation efforts, especially the reintroduced Arabian Oryx and other endangered species like the Persian onager.
Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the safari offers a close look at the desert ecosystem, its landscapes, and biodiversity.
It is both an educational and nature-focused experience highlighting Jordan’s successful wildlife conservation programs.
Time: 3–4 hours,
altitude: 520 meters above sea level,
group size: seven persons per car.
The tour in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve starts with a professional guide and a Land Cruiser safari introduction to the desert environment.
The Oryx Safari Trail offers a chance to see the endangered Arabian Oryx and possibly the Persian onager, along with a picnic stop and hot tea.
The experience also includes learning animal tracking, exploring desert plants, and viewing falconry displays and the Oryx breeding enclosure.
Time: Up to 2 hours.
The Arabian Oryx biking trail in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve takes you through the desert to observe the endangered Arabian Oryx in its natural habitat.
The tour begins with a short briefing about the experience, followed by cycling through the reserve with guidance on animal tracking and reading desert signs.
You will also learn about native plants and herbs and their traditional uses in the desert ecosystem.
Distance: 3 km circular trail
Duration: 1.5 hours, easy level, with basic gear (shoes, water, hat in summer).
The trail in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve starts at the Visitor Center and explores desert scenery rich in native plants and biodiversity.
Visitors may see the Arabian Oryx in its fenced area along with birdlife and learn about desert vegetation.
The walk ends back at the Visitor Center after a short guided introduction to the reserve.
