An epic canyon, Wadi Mujib serves as the last gasp of the Great Rift Valley. Where one of its many mouths opens to the Dead Sea, you’ll find the Mujib Biosphere Reserve—the lowest nature reserve in the world. Within the park, there are a series of marked trails that lead through the canyon or over the hills from the reception center, as well as stylish chalets overlooking the water that guests can book for longer stays. Winter is a particularly good time to visit for bird-watching, as flocks stop here on their migration between Europe and Africa. That being said, most people come for the chance to walk, or wade, up the canyon along the Siq Trail, a nearly two-mile path that ends at a spectacular waterfall. Don’t bring anything that can’t get wet, and know that the Siq Trail is closed in winter and early spring due to the risk of flash floods.
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Get Wet and Wild at Wadi Mujib
It’s not every day you get to say you’ve been to the world’s lowest-altitude nature reserve. Wadi Mujib (400m below sea level) is the entry to Mujib Nature Reserve and home to Jordan’s most exhilarating hiking opportunity. The Siq Trail here follows the gorge basin, through deep water pools and across boulders, as it leads to the waterfall at the end. The trail only takes approximately two hours, making this an excellent add-on to a Dead Sea day trip.
Canyoning in Wadi Mujib
One adventurous way to explore the beautiful Wadi Mujib is through canyoning. You can reserve a guide through the visitor’s center (recommended at least 5 days in advance) who will first bring you up a steep hill for about an hour until you’re overlooking the beautiful curves and crevices of the valley. From there you’ll descend into a gorge full of knee-high water where you’ll traverse slippery rocks, climb over boulders, zip down rock slides and abseil down a 50-foot cliff.
