Jordan's Eastern Badia Trail Explore Desert Life Archaeology Biodiversity Ecology Geology

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About Jordan’s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT) Between Established and Proposed Reserves The Badia and the Desert Wildlife Birds

JEBT Attractions

Where to Stay

Trails The Royal Society for the Black and White Trail Conservation of Nature Bedouins Trail Burqu Trail Created in 1966 under the patronage of His Badia Stories Trail Majesty the late King Hussein, The Royal Society Birds Trail for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is a non-governmental organization devoted to the Trails Routes conservation of Jordan’s natural environment. Activities Schedule

JEBT Trails Map Wild Jordan Bedouin Life Wild Jordan is a registered trademark of The Royal What to Bring Society for the Conservation of Nature. Safety Wild Jordan’s revenue contributes to the sustainability Things to Take into Consideration of RSCN’s protected areas and supports the socio Weather economic development of local communities. How to Get There Rules and Regulations

Trail Highlights Where in Jordan?

• 4x4 off-roading • 10 attractions • 2 nature reserves and 1 proposed reserve • 100% local community employment • Best time to visit: Birds migration in autumn (September & October). Birds breeding season in spring (March & April) • Different desert ecosystems • Seasonal and customized desert activities and trails • Camping and lodging • People, landscape, history, wildlife, stories • Day and overnight trips • 7 Important Bird Areas • Bedouin experience

• Proximity to Amman Trail Area About Jordan’s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT)

Jordan’s Eastern Badia Trail (JEBT) follows Between Established and the footsteps of nomadic Arab Bedouins across a seasonal, ever-changing, natural Proposed Reserves desert landscape that connects areas rich with ancient history, tradition, culture, archaeology, geology, flora and fauna. The trail starts in Azraq, home to different desert ecosystems like the Black Lava Desert (known locally as Harrat Al-Sham), sand dunes and Hammad, and links Azraq Wetland Reserve and Shaumari Wildlife Reserve with the proposed Burqu reserve, leading you from the gateway to the heart of the Jordanian Eastern Badia. Azraq Wetland Reserve The Eastern Badia’s first trail is the ultimate Azraq, meaning blue in Arabic, is one of Jordan’s off-road adventure, allowing exploration most significant ancient desert locations. The area by 4x4 vehicles, hiking, birdwatching and is a melting pot of different cultures, home to the camel riding. The trail passes through Bedouin, Arab Druze and Chechens, it is also a nature reserves, to remind us of the major station for migratory birds on the African- importance of conserving our heritage Eurasian flyway, distinguished by lush marshland and how everything is connected in the and natural water collections. circle of life. In keeping with the nomadic Bedouin way of life, the trail changes with In recent decades, the wetlands have suffered the seasons, ensuring minimal impact from over pumping of water from the Azraq Basin. to nature, and giving the desert time to Water levels dropped and invaluable wetlands were replenish and flourish. depleted. In 1978, RSCN established Azraq Wetland Reserve to conserve this unique oasis; rescue efforts Only an hour and half drive from the have restored a significant portion of the wetland. capital Amman, JEBT tells the tale of Boardwalks and bird hides enable you to safely Jordan’s desert legacy, as seen in the observe them. In 2016, RSCN rehabilitated 10% of names of its places, its fossils and even the former oasis, and has doubled the water surface in the inscriptions carved by ancient area of the wetland that is 12km². people into its rocks. The trail showcases the Badia’s contradictions: its wadis and mountains; deserts that are both black and white, sandy and stony and the harsh dry summers and lively, colorful springs. Burqu Proposed Nature Reserve

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Some stories say that Burqu was named after its local castle, Qasr Burqu. Others say that it was named after the hood used to cover birds of prey’s The reserve was established in 1975 as a breeding faces (mainly falcons). The site is located in the far center for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. northeastern desert and is considered an Important Today, this small 22 km² reserve - comprising two Bird Area. main topographic features - desert wadis and hammada areas - is a thriving protected environment RSCN proposes to establish the area as a natural for some of the region’s rarest species. Oryx, onagers reserve to conserve the Eastern Badia’s unique land and gazelles are rebuilding their populations, types: Hammad and the Black Lava Desert, and protected from the hunting and habitat destruction its wild flora and fauna including several species of that nearly wiped them out. The reserve has a national and global importance. Attractions include visitor’s center, picnic area, Oryx Safari and family birdwatching, stargazing, hiking and fascinating friendly viewing areas to observe the animals. geology and archaeology locations. Levant Fan-footed Gecko Ptyodactylus puiseuxi

Wildlife

The area is rich in the biodiversity of its flora and fauna, with considerable vegetation cover supporting the preservation of several threatened species. The Badia owes its diversity to the great variety of habitats ranging from sand dunes and Harra, to Hammad and wetlands. Desert wildlife such as rodents, snakes and reptiles owe their dark camouflage to the surrounding environment.

Over 200 plant species - both rare and endemic-were recorded in Burqu including 35 medicinal species. Due to the lack of water, much of the vegetation The Badia and the Desert grows salty and small in size. White Saksoul, for example, ranges in size from a large shrub to a small In the same way that there are different kinds of tree and is used as a source of wood by the Bedouins, forests, there are also different kinds of deserts. in addition to acting as a natural soil anchor. To many, the word desert conjures up an image of undulating sand dunes. The Badia’s fauna is quite rich and includes 42% of Jordan’s known mammals. Local mammals include Badia is derived from Al Bidaya, the Arabic word the Sand Cat (globally near-threatened), as well as for ‘the start’. It represents a feminine word the Caracal, Sand Fox and Arabian Wolf, which are meaning the beginning, reproduction, birth and nationally threatened. rebirth. Thus, the Badia is the beginning of things. In Arabic, the Badia relates to both the desert and A total of 49 species of amphibians and reptiles have its people. It is a combination of desert and village also been reported, representing half of the country’s life, where Bedouins live a partially nomadic and known species. These include the Schmidt’s Whip partially pastoral existence. Snake and the Black Lava Desert Agama. Black Desert Lark

Birds

Jordan’s Eastern Badia hosts one of the world’s most important migration flyways. Over 307 bird species have been reported in the area, 73% of those recorded in Jordan. Around 87% of recorded species are migrants, many holding considerable conservation status.

Local bird species have adapted to their natural surroundings, thus they are usually dark in color for camouflage and small in size due to the lack of water and food resources. They are also fast, as the open spaces of the desert mean there are few places to hide, and they are always under threat from predators or hunters.

In Azraq Wetland Reserve, passage migration and desert species can be spotted including the Honey Buzzard, Rufous-tailed scrub robin, Crane and the introduced White-cheeked Bulbul. In Shaumari, look out for the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Temminck’s Horned Lark and Eagle owl. In Burqu, 120 bird species were recorded, three of which are globally threatened. The Basalt Wheatear, Desert Lark (dark morph) and Sandgrouse can be spotted among many others.

Unsustainable hunting practices and habitat degradation in the Eastern Badia are the biggest threats to bird species, with the Saker and Peregrine Falcons and Houbara Bustard under significant threat.

* Check the Birds Trail to explore bird life of the Eastern Badia, and observe local, migratory and occasional rare bird species close at hand. Azraq Castle E: 36.82754699 N: 31.88026428 Qasr Azraq, which was originally three storeys high, was built by the Romans around 300 CE as an eastern military outpost of the Province of Arabia, using local black basalt rock. It was used by Byzantines and Umayyads for hunting and as a military base before being redesigned by Mamluks in 1237 CE.

Its strategic value lies in its location in the middle of the Azraq oasis, the only permanent source of fresh water in 12,000 km² of desert. JEBT Wadi Al Dahik Attractions E: 37.11855752 N: 31.57674583 Al Dahik is an ideal viewpoint, within a The Eastern Badia is marked by different landscapes safe viewing experience that minimizes and significant geological formations such as environmental impact, to see significant the Basalt Plateau, sand dunes, mudflats, white geological formations of white chalk chalk cliffs and valleys, wadis and natural ponds cliffs and stunning landscapes. (ghadeers) as well as its unique desert flora. The area’s attractions include fascinating historical, Wadi Al Dahik is named after the Arabic word al dahik geological and archaeological sites. Discover that means a person who smiles, for its resemblance to a ancient stories of human interaction with nature wide smile of white chalky teeth against the backdrop of and learn how we are all connected in the circle of the Black Desert. Al Dahik shows evidence of an ancient life. Enjoy fantastic birdwatching, hiking, camping, sea; 55 million years ago this area was covered by Tethys camel riding, sheep herding and stargazing. Ocean. Geology and fossils show evidence of its ancient marine life, such as whale teeth. * Check JEBT Trails Map to learn about the activities per attraction and the meaning of Al Dahik’s remoteness makes it an ideal spot for observing the icons. the moon and stargazing. Jabal Qurma Al Wisad E: 37.13861843 E: 37.92108245 N: 31.77840461 N: 31.88375089 Jabal Qurma (pronounced Qarma by In Al Wisad, see unique landscapes of locals), on the edge of the Black Lava red sands melding into black stony Desert, is a volcanic vent that contributed desert. Al Wisad is rich with natural and to the geologic formation of the area. seasonal pools (ghadeers), which have Volcanic activity that began 25 million - since prehistory - attracted Bedouins years ago, and ended 1 million years ago spread lava across and hunters. In this area are Safaitic inscriptions reflecting the region. images of local nature and wildlife including oryx, ibex and ostrich, demonstrating an area once full of wildlife. The site contains remains of ancient Neolithic human In spring, the desert sand dunes come to life with seasonal settlements, and Safaitic rock art featuring wildlife scenes flowers such as the Afternoon Iris. dating to 1st century BC. Over 2,000 years ago, resident Arab Bedouins developed a written Safaitic alphabet and began narrating their life stories and relationship with nature through petroglyphs, and engraved thousands of volcanic Tree of Biqawiyya stones with letters and images which can still be seen. E: 37.13148549 N: 32.06709875 Rajil Dam The land here is marked by a depression, E: 37.16374077 surrounded by black lava stones, N: 31.81369201 which floods in the winter to form a Close to Jabal Qurma is Rajil Dam, semi-permanent water pool that retains water for most of situated at Wadi Rajil, one of the area’s the year. many desert wadis. The contemporary earth dam, still in use, was built in the A distinctive feature is a large old Atlantic Pistachio tree. 1980s to secure water for local farmers The told story goes that Prophet Mohammad sheltered and herders. Rajil Dam is located within Rajil Important Bird under this tree during trading journeys to Damascus. Area, an ideal spot for birdwatching during breeding and migratory seasons. An unintended consequence of the dam, however, is decreased water supply to Azraq Basin, affecting the number of migratory birds stopping in the area. Burqu Castle E: 37.96228544 N: 32.608483 Romans built a small fort at Burqu (pronounced birq’ by locals) out of Qa’a Abu Hussain black basalt to protect a seasonal lake E: 38.0978764 - a lifeline for humans, animals and N: 32.0103977 birds - and a stone dam in the 3rd century to secure water for caravans heading from Qa’a Abu Hussain is a surprisingly Syria to Arabia. Qasr Burqu, located 17km away from pleasant, vast mudflat that you Ruwaished, is the last ‘Roman’ structure in the Eastern encounter after passing the black Badia. The fort is believed to have become a Byzantine era lava stones. The Qa’a forms a monastery, and was later restored by the Umayyads around seasonal lake after storm rains and AD 700 and used as a watch tower. The lake is now an flash floods.The soft clay soil spreads like a layer of ceramic, important source of water for Bedouins and sheep herding. providing a perfect surface to witness the outstanding sunlit reflection of the desert. It is one of the largest mudflats in Khirbet Abu Hussain the area, measuring 10x3 km². E: 38.00626715 N: 32.11009712 Usaykhim Fortress Khirbet Abu Hussain is a newly E: 36.95951072 discovered Chalcolithic/Early Bronze N: 31.95059825 Age settlement in Harra desert. Usaykhim Fortress, marking the A hillfort-like settlement strategically eastern-most point of the ancient positioned atop a small volcanic peak,it is a good example Roman Empire, is located on a volcanic of how humans made use of their natural surroundings to hill 70m above the surrounding lava fields, 15km northeast of Azraq. survive. The site is part of Jordan’s “big circles” mystery, It overlooks a wadi of the same name where you can view comprising 12 giant circular structures across the country inscriptions written by humans thousands of years ago. that can only be fully seen using aerial and satellite images. Azraq Lodge

E: 37.96874665 N: 32.60538906 Season: All year Capacity: 46 people Distance from Amman: 100 km Azraq Lodge is the hub for Eastern Badia activities, and a short distance from the Azraq Wetland Reserve. Originally a British military field hospital, the building was transformed into 16 fully-equipped 1940’s style rooms with views of the Azraq Basin. The lodge is powered by sustainable solar energy. The kitchen and restaurant are under the management of a local Chechen family, providing a variety of authentic Chechen food. The lodge hosts handicraft workshops and a Nature Shop.

Camping the Bedouin Way

Season: March to mid-June & Oct. Capacity: 24 people Locations: Wadi Al Dahik & Al Wisad

While exploring the Eastern Badia you can choose to camp overnight at mobile Bedouin camps. These camps consist of two Bedouin-style accommodation tents, one kitchen tent and mobile toilets, and can host up to 12 campers per tent, four in each section. The mobile camp is run by local Bedouin guides. Traditional meals are cooked onsite.

Where to Stay? Burqu Ecolodge

E: 37.96874665 No matter the time of year, an authentic lodging N: 32.60538906 experience awaits you along Jordan’s Eastern Season: All year Badia Trail, with each option highlighting a unique Capacity: 20 people characteristic of that location while offering secure Distance from Amman: 260 km and comfortable accommodation and delicious Burqu Ecolodge authentic yet modern meals: Azraq Lodge, Burqu Ecolodge or traditional atmosphere provides an oasis of calm from Bedouin tents set up at selected locations according which to explore stunning views of the area. You can walk on the to the season. old Roman paved path to Burqu Lake and Castle, which makes it a birdwatcher’s dream during migration and breeding seasons. The *Please note swimming is prohibited in waterbodies solar-powered ecolodge offers delicious, traditional home-cooked across the area. meals. The ecolodge’s high ceilings and inner courtyards keep interiors cool in summer while insulated walls and double-glazed windows conserve heat when it is cold out; and the greywater system reuses waste water to irrigate the ecolodges gardens.

To minimize the negative impact to the ecosystem; a pick-up station -that was once part of Mosul–Haifa oil pipeline- has been established 16km away from the ecolodge in Ruwaished. This service provides employment for members of the local community. Black & White Trail One Day Trip 8-10 hrs

Trails All year except summer

Azraq Lodge is where the story begins. From there, Difficulty:Easy explore the secrets of Jordan’s Eastern Badia, discover Distance: 160 km the hidden jewels of its desert, and learn how the region Break: Wadi Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on became what it is today through its history and people. open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing Investigate the trail in a 4x4 vehicle, with some hiking local food, inscriptions decoding, geological formations and additional activities such as birdwatching, camel exploration. riding, sheep herding and cycling at certain points along Attractions: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, the trail. Azraq Qastle, Wadi Al Dahik, Jabal Qurma, Rajil Dam.

The trail introduces you to Azraq Reserve’s conservation Whether you are staying for just one day or more, you story and to one of the Eastern Badia’s contradictions can explore the below full-packaged GUIDED trails or of both black and white deserts. Starting at the Reserve customize your own excursion based on your time and and ending at Rajil Dam, learn how human intervention interest, we can even arrange for one of our local guides affected the Azraq Basin and migratory birds. The 4x4 to accompany you if you have an equipped 4x4 vehicle. vehicle will take you on a journey back to more than 35 million years ago seeing the top of white limestone cliffs * All trails are closed during summer from at Al Dahik, then head to the black basalt lava fields (mid-June to mid-September) (Harra) of Jabal Qurma to decode its Safaitic inscriptions. Bedouins Trail Two Day Trip Azraq Lodge or camping in Burqu Trail Wadi Al Dahik

All year except summer (Camping March to mid-June & Oct.) Two Day Trip Overnight in Burqu Ecolodge Difficulty:Easy-moderate All year except summer Distance: 220 km Break: Wadi Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Rajil Dam, tea on open fire. Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, safari, camel riding, preparing Difficulty:Easy-moderate local food, inscriptions decoding, geological formations Distance: 528 km exploration, stargazing, camping. Break: Burqu Castle & Al Wisad, prepare local food and Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve, tea on open fire. Al Wisad, tea on open fire. Azraq Castle, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. Second day: Wadi Al Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing Dahik, Jabal Qurma, Rajil Dam, Al Biqawiyya Tree. local food, sheep herding, cycling, stargazing. Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Camping in Al Dahik offers you the chance to experience authentic Reserve, Azraq Castle, Usaykhim Castle, Burqu Ecolodge, Bedouin life, read the night sky, and prepare to be surprised as you Burqu Castle. Second day: Khirbet Abu Hussein, Qa’a explore the secrets of the black desert’s white stones. Abu Hussein, Al Wisad.

The trail stopovers at Rajil Dam to see how human intervention Explore deep towards Ruwaished, the last big town in affected the Azraq Basin and migratory birds. Visit Shaumari, Jordan before the Iraqi border. From Azraq Lodge head Jordan’s first nature reserve, and meet the Arabian Oryx. Learn to the proposed Burqu reserve. Walk the old Roman about conservation, history and archaeology at Azraq Wetland path connecting Burqu Ecolodge with Burqu Castle and Reserve and meet the endangered Kilifish and birds at the reserve. Lake, a bird haven. Next day, explore three different kinds of desert ecosystems: Black Lava Desert of Khirbet Continue your 4x4 exploration in geological, archaeological and Abu Hussein; dry mudflats of Qa’a Abu Hussein; and historical places from Al Dahik’s white limestone cliffs to the black Al Wisad’s black desert melding with red sands. Delve basalt desert of Jabal Qurma to discover how volcanic eruptions into the history of Khirbet’s people and the astonishing provided the canvas for Safaitic inscriptions. Stop at Al Biqawiyya Safaitic inscriptions of Al Wisad. Enjoy tea with Bedouins Tree to hear it’s religious and cultural story. and ride a camel across the desert. Badia Stories Trail Three Day Trip Birds Trail Burqu Ecolodge & Camping/Al Wisad

From March to mid-June & Oct. One Day and Overnight Trips Difficulty:Moderate-difficult Distance: 476 km Customized according to season Break: Al Wisad & Al Dahik, prepare local food and tea on open fire. Burqu Castle tea on open fire. Suggested locations: Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, camel riding, preparing Azraq Wetland Reserve, Burqu proposed reserve, local food, sheep herding, cycling, stargazing, inscriptions Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Rajil Dam. decoding, geological formations exploration. Attractions: First day: Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Seasons: Autumn (Sept. - Nov.) & spring (Mar. & Apr.). Reserve, Azraq Castle, Usaykhim Castle, Burqu Ecolodge, Between 20-30 Sept. watch raptors in Burqu proposed Burqu Castle.Second day: Khirbet Abu Hussein, Qa’a reserve. Abu Hussein, Al Wisad. Third day: Rajil Dam, Jabal Qurma, Wadi Al Dahik. This trail gives you the chance to explore the Badia with the company of bird researchers. Observe birds close The Badia is a treasure trove of stories, some well versed at hand, including local, migratory birds from three and others yet to be told. Bedouins, masters of oral continents and occasional rare species. September to tradition, will entertain you with their tales. Other stories November are the best months for migratory birds. are hidden, waiting to be discovered by curious minds. From March to April observe the breeding and nesting habits and listen to the singing of resident and migratory On day one, learn the story of conservation between birds. Eastern birds must be hardy to survive in the harsh Azraq and Burqu. Then head deep towards the northern climate, so breeding starts earlier before it gets too hot. desert and cycle in its heart over the dry mudflats of Qa’a Abu Hussein. Spend the night at Al Wisad, unravel Migratory water birds winter in Qa’a Al Azraq from the story of the white desert in Al Dahik. At Rajil Dam, January to March. The best time to observe raptors is learn how human intervention affected the Azraq Basin between 9am until sunset. Other birds can be better and migratory birds. observed in early morning or sunset hours.

N Endangered Animal Stargazing Shuttle Safari Camel Riding Parking Killifish Watching

Tea & Food Sheep Mountain Accommodation Guided Trail Picnic Area Camping Break Herding Burqu Proposed Wheelchair Geological Archaeological/ Cycling Food Police Station Reserve Fhaidhah Accessible Site Historical Site Burqu Ecolodge Burqu Castle Birding/ Visitor Center/ Archaeological Religious Tree Viewpoint Restrooms Birdwatching Reception Site

Ruwaished

Burqu Ecolodge Reception Manshiyyet Jabal Al-Arab El-Gheyyath Jeser Ruwaished Syria Salma El-Hashad

Methnat Rajel

Bandan

Oadeh Tal Ermah

Um Hussiyn Safawi Ashqof

Hamra Eshaim Mafraq Bishriyeh Aritain Governorate Khirbet Abu Hussain

Tree of Biqawiyya

Qa'a Al-Bakieoah Qa'a Abu Hussain

Usaykhim Al Wisad Castle Rajil Proposed Police Station Reserve Al Wisad Azraq Azraq Shamali Castle

Azraq Wetland Azraq Rajil Dam Lodge Reserve

Jabal Qurma Azraq Janubi Rajil Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Suleimanyyat Zarqa Al Ghamer Governorate JEBT Trails Map Al Hazeem Entrance to Al Dahik Start & End Point Black and White Trail Governorate Proposed Reserve Boundary Wadi Al Dahik Sand Crusher Saudi Arabia Bedouins Trail National Border Towns Established Reserve Burqu Trail Main Road Umari Birds Trail 10 5 0 10 km Border Badia Stories Trail Secondary Road Important Bird Area Bedouin life Things to take into consideration Weather

Bedouins are natural storytellers and The temperature in the Badia life revolves around stories. a) People desert can change Places and people are named after • We are guests of the desert and its people, once you pass by drastically from day to remarkable events or people. people in the desert please greet them as you are on their land. night because the air is Traditionally sheep and camel herders, • Please respect nature and the home of the Bedouins; even if so dry that heat escapes Bedouins rely on their meat, milk and Bedouins are not there they will be back in few months, please rapidly at night. wool. They live in tents called beit al take care of their land once they are away looking for supplies. The daytime temperature sha’er - meaning house of hair–that change in seasons. • Kindly respect the culture of the Bedouins in the way that you averages 38°C (100°F) while at night it can get down to -4°C (25°F). Bedouins move between natural pastures in a well-planned act and dress. periodic cycle to feed and water their herds and minimize their b) Area Winter impact on the land, giving it time to replenish before the next In winter (roughly December-February), daytime temperatures could visit. During winter months, they settle in warmer areas such as • The trail passes through important and virgin geological, archaeological and ecological areas, please leave no trace and be comfortable or cold but nighttime temperatures are freezing. Azraq, and are on the move in spring. They often serve their don’t take things. guests mansaf, Jordan’s national dish and the most popular and Summer • Try fresh goat or camel milk in season. well-loved meal nationwide. • Camel milk, used medicinally for centuries by Bedouins. If you In summer (roughly June-September), temperatures in the desert drink it for the first time, it may cause stomach discomfort, as it can top 45°C (113°F). It is best to avoid visiting in these months. is considered a body cleanser. How to get there What to bring • DON’T throw away plastic bags as goats will eat them and could die. From Amman, the trip is 119km. Start at 7th Circle. Take the Desert Once you are in the desert there is nothing to purchase, money Highway/Airport Road south. 20.8 km from 7th Circle, take the has no value there, so please be prepared and willing to share: c) Off-roading tips ramp onto Amman Development Corridor and continue for 14 km. • Never leave your group. Clothing and footwear: Take the exit toward Al-Azraq Hwy/Route 40/Route 40M.Continue • Keep your seat belt on. • Cap, comfortable shoes and clothes for both hot and cold straight onto Route 30/Route 35M/Route 40M (signs for Azraq • If you have motion sickness try to avoid sitting in the back and temperatures, sunglasses. Castle/Qasr Al Hallabat/ Hammam As Sarah/Umm Al Jimal) 75 KM. carry medication. Essential survival items: Turn right onto Al-Badiyah Hwy/Route 30/Route 35M/Route 5 • Inform your guide of any health problems you have before • Drinking water, snacks, ID, first aid kit, your medication, (signs for Sa'udia/Al Umari). Continue and follow the signs for starting your adventure. personal items, external battery pack. Azraq Wetland Reserve/Azraq Lodge. • Distances are huge between destinations, it is recommended to Other items: be prepared and to stay more than a day. • Backpack, flashlight, binoculars, wildlife guides, sunscreen. Rules and Regulations Curiosity and a critical eye: If you decide to do the trail alone: • The desert will reveal a lot of stories and secrets to you, be • Stay on the trails with the guide & do not wander alone in the • The landscape of the Eastern Badia varies. Check the prepared to welcome them with a critical eye and curiosity reserves and desert; camp and walk only in official & known sites. nature of the area and your car limitations in advance. that respects the land and its people. • Protect all nature: no hunting or collecting of plants, animals, • Check “Trails Routes” page to know the specifications and rocks, artifacts, or firewood. Leave things as you find them. distances of each road/path. * Supplies can be purchased from local markets in Azraq & Safawi. • Avoid damaging trees and shrubs: do not add graffiti anywhere **Supplies depend on time spent in the desert, the more time • Get supplies for you and your vehicle (e.g. tires air pump). within the reserves and desert. you spend the more supplies you will need. Make sure your car is in good condition and that the AC works. • Respect nature: keep noise to a minimum, be kind to living • Check your vehicle before and after going off-road. creatures. • Plan and educate yourself about the area and its people. • Respect the lifestyle of the local people & ask before taking pictures. Safety • Summer days in the Eastern Badia are too hot, AVOID visiting • Keep the area clean & deposit your litter in the appropriate place. during the summer. • Leave your vehicles in parking areas. • Floods might happen in the winter, AVOID camping in low • A group of at least two vehicles doing the trail. places (wadis and valleys). Jordan's Eastern Badia Trail • A local guide who knows the area will accompany the groups • Make sure to leave the desert and get back to paved roads (an opportunity to get to know the people of the land). before the sun sets. Explore Desert Life • The guides are trained on basic first aid/ emergency practices • If your car breaks down in the desert, stay with it. Archeology Biodiversity Ecology Geology and car maintenance. • Drive on roads that are already marked. • Follow the guide’s instructions, time is key there and you need • Be prepared with GPS, maps and possibly a satellite phone. To Plan your trip to be out before dark. • Make sure you get gas any time you see it. +962 4615 523 +962 79 7000 086 • For your safety, it is always recommended to run the trails in a [email protected] minimum group of at least 2 vehicles. wildjordan.com Wild Jordan’s revenue contributes to the sustainability of RSCN’s protected areas and supports the socio economic development of local communities.

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