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:tourism@rscn.org.jo or contact Ajloun Reserve directly at Tel: (+962 7) 9 9062 210 email:ajlounreservation@rscn.org.jo

www.rscn.org.jo

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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 member@rscn.org.jo

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

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- 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