Getting Acquainted

To the east of the Mediterranean and northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan lies between the 29°11'-33°22' north and 34°59'-39°18' east parallels. It is bordered in the north by Syria, in the east by Iraq and in the south by Saudi Arabia. To the west lies the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Israel. Jordan covers an area of 89,411 sq. km (55,900 sq. miles). It is only 414 km (257 miles) from Ar-Ramtha at the border with Syria to Aqaba in the south and 387 km (240 miles) from the King Hussein Bridge on the Jordan river to the Iraqi border in the east.

Topography

The kingdom is divided into three natural regions from east to west, which converge in the south at Aqaba, Jordan's only outlet to the sea. The first consists of the eastern depression of the Jordan Valley from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee in the north, along the Jordan River, the Dead Sea (at about 412 m/1,350 ft below sea level, the lowest point on earth) down to the Red Sea at Aqaba.

The second natural region is the upland area above the Jordan Valley, which begins at the Yarmouk River in the north. Stretching down to Aqaba, this region is intersected by wadis (valleys and gorges) that subdivide it into three distinct areas.

The first lies in the area between the Yarmouk and Zerqa Rivers, the second runs from the River Zerqa to the spectacular Wadi Mujib and the third consists of the upland regions around Kerak. The desert to the east of these uplands is the third and largest region, forming more than 75 percent of the total area. Azraq, whose black stone fort was for a short time the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia, is the only major oasis in this inhospitable region.

Throughout history, the line between the desert and the settled uplands has fluctuated according to the strength of central authority, local villagers and the Bedoui
Dear guest:

What To Bring

Comfortable, hard-wearing walking shoes are a must. In the cold months (November-March) bring warm and waterproof clothing. In the warm and hot weather, you will need a pair of dark sunglasses, cotton clothes (avoid synthetic materials that do not breathe) and a hat.

Even in the summer, the temperature drops significantly after sundown and you will need something to keep yourself warm in the evenings. If you plan to swim, bring a swimsuit. And don’t forget insect repellent.

Jordan is a conservative country as far as dress code is concerned. You should avoid wearing tight clothes, sleeveless blouses, shorts, mini-skirts, and see-through materials, and refrain from exposing your bare back.

Jordan operates on a current of 220-240V. Most places have two-pin European style plugs, but a few have British style three-pin plugs. You may find adaptors, as well as transformers, for American electrical goods in electrical stores.

Camera film and video cassettes are priced high in Jordan. Women should take note that tampons are expensive also, and not always easy to find.


National Parks

The Dibbeen National Park, between Jerash and Ajlun, has 48 km (30 miles) of pine woodland, a rest house with bungalows and a picnic site. A Friday favorite with Jordanians, it is a great place for a picnic after a trip to Jerash, and for walks, especially in spring when the wildflowers are out.
The Zai National Park, on the road from Salt to the Jordan Valley is also covered with pine trees and commands beautiful views of the valley. A small road winds through it and a rest house (istiraha) offers fine views. Both parks have play areas for children.

Nature Reserves

The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve near the eastern town of Azraq was established by the Royal Jordanian Society for the conservation of Nature to reintroduce animals that had become extinct in the region, such as the Arabian oryx (an antelope species), ostriches and gazelle. The nearby Azraq Oasis hosts many bird species migrating from Europe.

The Dana Nature Reserve is a little to the south of Tafila, off the King's highway and offers camping. The Gulf of Aqaba, with a huge variety of tropical fish and coral, offers world class scuba diving. Wadi Rum is one of the most magnificent desert landscapes in the world.