Mujib Biosphere Reserve, Nature reserve in Amman Governorate, Jordan.
Mujib Biosphere Reserve is a nature and biosphere reserve straddling the Amman and Karak governorates in Jordan, running from highland plateaus down to the shore of the Dead Sea. The area is crossed by Wadi Mujib, a river that has cut deep canyons into the limestone rock, creating a mix of dry land, wetlands, and steep cliffs.
The Wadi Mujib area was known in ancient times as the Arnon, forming the northern border of the Moabite kingdom. The area was designated as a protected reserve in the early 1980s and later recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
The reserve takes its name from Wadi Mujib, the river running through it, known in ancient times as the Arnon. Visitors walking through the canyon can see how the water has shaped the rock walls over time, creating passages that feel both narrow and open to the sky.
Visitors planning water activities should bring water shoes and be ready for changing water levels, which can vary depending on the season. Some trails close during rain or high water, so checking conditions before arrival is a good idea.
The point where Wadi Mujib meets the Dead Sea sits roughly 1,300 feet (400 meters) below sea level, making it one of the lowest places on dry land anywhere on earth. This means fresh river water flows directly into one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, creating a sharp natural contrast visible at the river mouth.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
