WADI MUJIB RESERVE

The Wadi Mujib reserve is a narrow canyon that rises to a plateau to offer beautiful views of the mountains and the Dead Sea. There are different hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. The hikes in the bottom of the canyon are quite easy, but have some passages where you have to get into the water and the rocks are slippery. The hike up to the plateau is strenuous and requires a good physical condition. All the hikes require the presence of a guide, except for the Siq Trail at the entrance of the gorge. All hikes are for people over 18 years old only.

Siq Trail (April¹ to October 31, easy to moderate, 1 to 2 hours walking). This is the only trail that is accessible without a guide or reservation. It starts at the visitor's center and goes down into the gorge to a waterfall. It includes swimming in natural pools (depending on the water level) and requires walking in the water. Bring proper equipment and a change of clothes.

Ibex Trail (November¹ to March 31, moderate, 3 to 4 hour hike, 8:30 am start, guide required). You walk along the road before taking a trail that climbs to higher ground, offering a magnificent view of the Dead Sea. A third of the way up, you can take an optional loop to the ruins of an ancient castle (Qasr Riyashi), said to have been occupied by a powerful Bedouin of the same name. The climb is strenuous but offers a superb panorama. Back on the road, you continue towards the Raddas ranger station and pass the famous rock of Lot's wife, transformed into a salt statue. If you are lucky, you will see a rare Nubian Ibex, a kind of local ibex.

Malaqi Trail (April¹ to October 31, difficult, 6 to 7 hours walking, guide required). This hike is for those who enjoy extreme conditions. It follows the same starting route as the Ibex Trail, then descends to the Mujib River bed. The trail continues along the river until it reaches the confluence with the Hidan River. The return to the visitor center includes a 20-meter rappel down the waterfall.

Canyon Trail (open from April¹ to October 31, difficult, 4-hour hike, guide required). You follow the same path as the Malaqi Trail, up the gorge, then down to the Mujib riverbed. Instead of going up you go down into the gorge to a 20m waterfall. The hike includes parts of canyoning.