ajloun the local community. ajloun handicrafts from …...orjan village trail (year-round) guided...
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AjlounForest ReserveLocated in the Ajloun Highlands in the north of Jordan, this beautiful nature reserve consists of 13 km2 of rolling hill country dominated by open woodlands that are home to a diverse collection of plant and animal species. The rich greenery makes Ajloun a popular spot for picnickers and hikers, especially in the spring, when the reserve is coated in a wide variety of wildflowers.
Ajloun Forest Reserve was established in 1987 to help conserve the important Evergreen Oak forest ecosystem. Its trees account for a significant part of Jordan's forested area, which covers only about 1% of the country.
After the reserves establishment, RSCN initiated a captive breeding program aiming to reintroduce the locally extinct Roe Deer in 1988, RSCN has managed to release a number of Roe Deer into the reserve, where they have continued to grow within their natural habitat.
Lodging is located in a large grassy clearing enclosed by carob, oak, pistachio, and strawberry trees. There are 5 cabins offering private facilities and small terraces open all year roundand 10 four-person tented bungalows with nearby showers and toilets that are open from mid March to the end of October.Near the campsite, you will
Staying in Ajloun Forest Reserve
Ajloun Handicrafts from NatureMake sure to visit Ajloun Houses that are located in the nearby Rasun and Orjan villages:
The Nature ShopBrowse through the Nature Shop and find truly original gifts and souvenirs. This shop contains nature crafts produced by the local people at the reserves.
the local community. Tasali presents a new spirit of Jordanian delights. Products include molasses and tahini sandwich cookies, olive oil crisps, and energy bars.
The Biscuit HouseThe Biscuit House located in Orjan village is the kitchen where Tasali Jordanian delights are created. These products are handmade by local women and consist of natural ingredients, some of which are produced by
House of CalligraphyWant to learn more about the Jordanian culture and the Arabic language? Visit the House of Calligraphy in Rasun village. It offers tourists and locals alike the chance to have their names and favoritephrases written in fine Arabic script on leather, clothes or silk, as well as to interact with local workers in the area.
Reserve and Trails Guide | Map
Your Evergreen Escape
ajloun forest reserve
Contact us For booking and infomration contact Tourism Unit at Wild Jordan Tel: (+962 6) 4616 523 email:[email protected] or contact Ajloun Reserve directly at Tel: (+962 7) 9 9062 210 email:[email protected]
www.rscn.org.jo
wildJordan1 rscnjordan@rscnjordan
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find a visitor center, restau-rant, meeting room, and The Nature Shop that is full of creative handicrafts made by the local people living in and around RSCN's nature reserves.You can also find peaceful seclusion in the Biscuit House B&B located in Orjan village deep in the fig and pomegran-ate laden valley, offering 2 rooms with a capacity of 8-9. The B&B is open year-round.
The Soap HouseAt the Soap House located in Orjan village, local women usea variety of local ingredients, including lavender, geranium, mint and pomegranate, to create high-quality handmade natural olive oil soaps called Orjan Soap.Orjan soaps are all produced using pure olive oil, combined with other natural oils, plant extracts, and pure essential oils.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and Wild JordanCreated in 1966 under the patronage of His Majesty the late King Hussein, The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural environment.
Wild Jordan is the socio-economic development and eco-tourism division of RSCN that is dedicated to developing viable nature-based businesses for those living in and around RSCN’s protected areas while generating support for nature conservation throughout Jordan.
RSCN MembershipBecoming an RSCN Member is great for both you and nature! For information, contact (+962 6) 5337 931 [email protected]
Roe Deer Trail(year-round)Guided or self-guidedGrade: EasyDistance: 2KmTime: Less than 1 hourGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionThis short circular trail startsat the campsite and offersgreat views over the reserve.Not far from the campsite youwill find an old stone winepress. Early in the morning,you may be lucky enough tosee Roe deer before youreturn to the visitor center.
The Houses Trail(year-round)Guided onlyGrade: ModerateDistance: 6-7 kmTime: 3-4 hours40 minute walk between thehouses; extra 1-2 hours are given for the houses visit Group size: min. 4 and aboveDescriptionThis trail takes you through a tour of Ajloun’s popular three houses; The Soap House and The Biscuit House in Orjan village and the House of Calligraphy in Rasun village. From the Eagle’s View Point you can descend towards the House of Calligraphy, then wind your way to the other two houses. An alternative route takes you first from the Soap House. At the House of Calligraphy, you can take the first steps towards learning how to write some Arabic words. At The Biscuit House, you can visit the workshop where Tasali Jordanian delights are created.
Orjan Village Trail(year-round)Guided onlyGrade: ModerateDistance: 12 kmTime: 6 hoursGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionContinuing from the SoapHouse, this tour takes youthrough wooded valleys tothe lush green orchards ofOrjan village, giving youthe chance to discover therural lifestyle of the region.
A poplar-lined springprovides a wonderfulcontrast to the arid moun-tains of the previous stagesof the trail. As you hike,note the dramatic rockwalls, old water mills onceused by local people togrind their seeds and thehollow walnut tree.Enjoy a delicious traditionalmeal in an orchard of fig,pomegranate, apple andapricot trees.
The Prophet’s Trail(year-round)Guided (donkey assisted)Grade: ModerateDistance: 8.5 kmTime: 4 hoursGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionThis hike takes you fromAjloun Forest Reserve VisitorCenter to Mar Elias, the ruinsof one of Jordan's oldestchurches. It is named for theProphet Elias, or Elijah, towhom Mar Elias is dedicated.The trail leads through figand pear orchards, amongstforests of oak and orientalstrawberry trees. The stone walls that crisscross the valley guard the farmers' crops inside from both the winter rains and wild boar. Relax in the shade with a glass of tea before climbing to the hilltop ruins, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding area. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch near the ruins.
Ajloun Castle(14 km)Located in the town of Ajloun, known as Qal'at Ar-Rabad. The fortress was built by Saladin's nephew Izz Al-Din Usama in (1184 AD) to protect the country from the Crusader attacks, and is a fine example of Islamic architecture.
Um Qais & Yarmouk Nature Reserve(60 km north of Ajloun), Umm Qais another Roman site on the northern border of Jordan, overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. Yarmouk Nature Reserve, is one of the newly established reserves in Jordan and home to Jordan’s national tree “Al Maloul”. It is an area that speaks volumes about who we are both as a nation and as a people and, thanks to the conservation efforts of RSCN, it will continue to bear witness to our history for generations to come.
Jerash(Around 22 km east of Ajloun) Jordan’s second most important tourist site. This famous Roman City, Gerasa, belonged to the ten cities of the Decapolis and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Roman architecture outside Rome.
Rockrose Trail(year-round)Guided onlyGrade: ModerateDistance: 8 kmTime: 3-4 hoursGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionNamed for the flowers thatcan be seen around the trailevery spring, this hiking looppasses through thickwoodlands, orchards, farmsand villages in and aroundthe reserve. It offers beautifulviews of the West Bank, Syria,and the Jordanian country-side. About halfway through the hike, observe the wine and olive press from the Byzantine and Roman eras, and just before reaching the end of the trail, rest in the shade of a large Maloul tree. Each season has different vegetation to enjoy.
The first half of the trail isuphill and the second half isdownhill; there are steep scrambles en-route that demand a reasonablelevel of fitness.
Soap House Trail(year-round)Guided or self-guidedGrade: ModerateDistance: 6-7 kmTime: 2-3 hoursGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionThis trail begins at theReserve's Visitor Center andtakes you to the Soap House in the neighboring village of Orjan. On the way, you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and orientalstrawberry trees. Take a short detour to view a ruined wine press before you pass one of the oldest strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley. The trail climbs to 1100m above sea level at Eagle's View Point, and then descends to the Soap House where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive soap.
* You can continue walkingThe Houses Trail or the VillageTour once you have reachedThe Soap House
Ajloun Castle Trail(year-round, except during Ramadan)Guided (donkey assisted)Grade: Difficult with steepInclinesDistance: 18 km or 9.5 km from Mar EliasTime: Fulll day or 4 hours from Mar EliasGroup size: 4-18 peopleDescriptionOnce you have reached Mar Elias, you have the optionof continuing on this challeng-ing trail, which takesyou by small farm house and their adjacent orchardson your way to Ajloun Castle, built between AD 1184-1188by Salahadin's nephew.In the first section of the trail you can enjoy views ofthe West Bank and Syria, before you descend into awooded valley. The final difficult uphill is rewarded by the incredible castle and the marvelous views that accompany it. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch.
ActivitiesNearby Attractions
ActivitiesHighlights
The Prophet’s TrailHike towards the beautiful church mosaics of Mar Elias and savor a locally prepared lunch.
Ajloun Castle Trail
Continue on from The Prophet’s Trail through orchards to reach the historical Ajloun Castle.
Rock Rose TrailPass through heavily wooded valleys and ridges, offering beautiful panoramic views of the West Bank and Syria.
Orjan Village TrailHike through the reserve, visit the Soap House, and enjoy a traditional home-made brunch.
The Houses TrailVisit Ajloun houses; The Soap House, House of Calligraphy and The Biscuit House in the villages of Orjan and Rasun.
Soap House Trail
Take in the sights at the Eagle’s View Point and watch local women produce natural olive oil soap.
Roe Deer Trail
Short trail offering great views, a visit to the old stone winepress, and a chance to spot roe deer.
All of the trails begin from the Reserve’s visitor center.
Trails availability vary according to weather conditions and Ramadan, so it is always recommended to check before you book any hike.
Wadi Ar Rayyan
Baun
Return byBus Orjan
The BiscuitHouse
The SoapHouse
RasunHouse ofCalligraphy
Eagle’sView Point
View Point of Orjan andRasun Villages
Old Wine andOlive Press
To Wadi Rasun
The VisitorCenter
View Point forthe Visitor Center
Nature Water JarLunch Break Point
A Yard
Nature CurvedStones
A Big SpaceSurroundedby Trees
View Point to WestBank Mountains
Shiteau Valley
The Quarry
Um el YanabeeMihna
Mihna
Tiyyara
Ishtafaina
Wadi Bau’wn
Wadi Bau’w
n
Wadi ShiteauWadi al Alqa
Wadi Mahna
Wadi Khallat UmarWad
i Kha
llat U
mar
Wadi Khallat Umar
Wadi Az Zalam
a
Wadi Az Zalama
Wadi Ar Rayyan
Wadi Ar Rayyan
View Point
Mar EliasBrunchReturn byBus
Kilometers
Fruit Orchards
TheReserveGate
PavedStreet
Big OakTree
Ain al Baidha
Ajloun Trails Map
Beginning ofWadi Rasun
The SummitMain View Point
Tea Time
AjlounCastle
Old Pistachio Tree
Al-jubb Valley
Returnby Bus
AjlounCastleTrail Map
Trail StopsAjloun CastleOld Pistachio Tree
Tourism TrailsThe Prophet’s TrailAjloun Castle Trail
BusTea Time
Trail StopsLunch BreakBusAjloun CastleDonkey Rendezvous
Old Pistachio TreeTea TimeVisitor CenterView PointBig Oak TreeHouse
Site of InterestThe QuarryEagle’s View PointBig Space with TreesThe Reserve GateSpringTrail Mark
Village
Spot Height
Tourism TrailsSoap House Trail
The Houses Trail
Orjan Village Trail
Roe Deer Trail-Long
Roe Deer Trail-Short
Rockrose Trail
The Prophet’s Trail
Main RoadsSecondary Roads
Wadi
Reserve Boundary
Elevation in Meters
Ajloun Castle Trail
View PointMar EliasBrunchReturnby Bus
Tea Time
Donkey Rendezvous
1200 - 1300
1100 - 1200
1000 - 1100
900 - 1000
800 - 900
700 - 800
600 - 700
500 - 600
400 - 500
300 - 400
200 - 300
100 - 200
0 - 100
- 100- 0
- 200- - 100
- 300- - 200
- 360- 300
• Stay on the trails with the guide and do not wander alone in the Reserve; camp and climb only in official sites.
• Protect all nature; no hunting or collecting of plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, or firewood. Leave things as you find them.
• Avoid damaging trees and shrubs; do not add graffiti anywhere within the reserve.
• Respect nature; keep noise to a minimum, be kind to living creatures.
• Respect the lifestyle of the local people and ask before taking pictures.
• Keep the area clean and deposit your litter in the appropriate place.
• Leave your vehicles in the parking area.
Rules and RegulationsHiking TipsHit trails early for the best chance of seeing wildlife and to avoid being exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Stay on trails to avoid injury.
To get through a heavy day’s hike, rest at regular intervals and enjoy the views. Don’t overdo it!Weather
Ajloun has a mild, Mediterra-nean climate, with warm summers and cool, damp winters. The hottest period is between June and September, when average temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius, while rain and snow are common from December to February.
What to BringCap, sunscreen, bathing suit, comfortable shoes and clothes, drinking water, snacks, backpack, flashlight, extra clothes, binoculars, ID, wildlife guides, first aid kit.
The Reserve is not responsible for the loss of any valuable belongings.
WildlifeAjloun Forest Reserve holds the presence of several faunal species, which is restricted in its distribution to the forested habitats of Jordan such as the Stone Marten and the Persian Squirrel. Moreover, other species were recorded in the reserve including the Wolf, Asiatic Jackal, Hyaena, Red Fox and the Indian Crested Porcupine. As well, the reserve is characterized by extraordinary floral contents where several common trees species are present such as Evergreen Oak, Pine, Carob, Wild Pistachio and Oriental Strawberry Tree. Other annual plant species, includ-ing Black Iris, anemones, rock roses, several orchids, and wild tulips were recorded in the reserve.
آسف(ة)
مش فاهم(ة)
ال
ما في مشكلةايوه
La
Asif(eh)
Mafi Mushkila
Aywa
?Gdaish or AdaishHow muchقديش
Mish fahem(eh)I don't understand
Bidi musaadahI need helpبيدي مساعدة
No
I'm sorry
No Problem
Yes
Useful Arabic Words
شو اِسمكاسمي
كيف حاِلكانا
مع السالمة
لو سمحت
شكرًا
Sabah al Khayr
Ahlan wa SahlanWelcome أهًال و سهًالصباح الخير
Sabah al Noor صباح النور
Masa' al KhayrMasa' al Noor
مساء الخيرمساء النور
(male) Shu Ismak? شو اسمكShu Ismik?
Ismi...
Keef Halak? كيف حالكKeef Halik?
Ana...
Masalama
MarhabaHi مرحبا
Shukran
Low Samaht
English Word Arabic TranslationArabic Pronunciation
Good eveningResponse
Response
What is your name?
(female)
(female)
My name is...
How are you? (male)
Good morning
I am...
Goodbye
Please
Thank you You're welcomeResponseعفوًا
(To describe a female, add an 'eh' at the end)
kwies(eh)fineكويس(ة)
From Amman, the trip to Ajloun is 85 km and takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Go to Jerash, taking the ring road (Jordan Street) out of Amman. Once you reach Jerash, follow the signs to Ajloun. Enter Ajloun City and at the Ajloun circle, go straight toward Eshtafena. 5 km from the Ajloun circle you will find the Eshtafena junction. At the junction, turn left towards Ajloun Forest Reserve. Follow the signs to the site.
Jerash
BalqaZarqa
Mafraq
Main RoadEstablished Reserve
Amman
Ajloun
Irbid
Dibeen ForestReserve
Ajloun ForestReserve
About 85 km
to Ajloun Reserve
How to Get There