Nature Reserves and Camping
There are, on occasion, wonderful opportunities to get back to nature in the Middle East, and it’s always worth considering a night or two in simpler surroundings to experience the arresting scenery that the region has to offer. The campsites and lodges are typically not the quality you might experience on, say, an African safari, but they can be an excellent part of your trip.
Where you’ll find places like this: Nature reserves (Jordan), Sahara (Tunisia), Wahiba Sands, (Oman)
A featured example: Dana Guesthouse, Jordan
The Dana Guesthouse is a simple lodge which Queen Nur of Jordan described as possessing “ten star views” – and she is absolutely right. The building sits at the top of a valley, feasting on the view into a nature reserve which drops sharply away from the balconies of the hotel.
The hotel is run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan (RSCN), who employ a responsible approach to tourism, and seek to encourage local communities to play an active part in both the preservation of areas of natural beauty and the welcoming of tourists. The spirit of their work is well embodied in Dana, where local guides take you for walks through the region’s delightful flora and food is locally prepared according to traditional recipes.
The ten rooms are very simple – only one has an en-suite bathroom – but it is not the reason to stay here. The area is resplendent, especially in spring, and it is a side of Jordan all too often missed along the standard trail.
