The lowest nature reserve on earth !
WADI MUJIB
The lowest nature reserve on Earth!
A Symphony of Adventure: Harmonizing Nature and Exhilaration at Wadi Mujib
Wadi Mujib, the world’s lowest nature reserve, is a breathtaking fusion of rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Nestled near the Dead Sea, this stunning canyon offers an unparalleled adventure, where towering cliffs and rushing waters create a dynamic playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Hiking through its narrow gorges, wading through crystal-clear streams, and scaling rocky terrains provide an adrenaline-pumping experience while immersing visitors in the region’s raw beauty. With its rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery, Wadi Mujib is a true testament to nature’s power and serenity, offering an unforgettable symphony of adventure and tranquility.
A significant portion of central Jordan is drained by the Wadi Mujib (Wadi el-Mujib) basin, where the river has carved a deep canyon through the Moab Plateau, forming part of the eastern boundary of the Dead Sea Rift.
The rapid subsidence of the Dead Sea’s base level has been the primary driver of the intense Pliocene/Pleistocene fluvial incision in the lower sections of the Mujib basin. During this period of accelerated erosion, the wadis were influenced by a dense network of faults within the canyon.
The alignment of the thalwegs closely follows the apparent fault directions, suggesting that river incision primarily occurred along tectonic lines where rock formations were weaker or discontinuous. Large convex knickpoints along the river’s profile result from normal fault movements or a lag in headward erosion relative to the main or local base level, while smaller knickpoints are typically due to variations in rock resistance.
Climatic changes have been a key factor in the formation of various Pleistocene deposits within the canyon, though tectonic activity has also played a significant role. In the present semi-arid climate, flash floods continue to drive major incision events, leading to effective erosion of the landscape.
This remarkable 1,300-meter variation in elevation, combined with the valley’s continuous water flow from seven tributaries, has created an exceptional biodiversity within Wadi Mujib—one that is still being explored and documented. To date, over 300 plant species, 10 carnivore species, and numerous resident and migratory bird species have been recorded. The remote mountainous and valley regions, difficult to access, serve as vital refuges for rare species of wild cats, mountain goats, and other wildlife.
During the last Ice Age, the Dead Sea’s water level rose to 180 meters below sea level—approximately 230 meters higher than today—submerging the lower canyon areas along its shores. These flooded canyons transformed into bays, accumulating sediment over time. Around 20,000 years ago, as climate conditions shifted, the water level dropped, revealing canyons that had been blocked by lake marl. While most canyons gradually eroded their way through these obstructions to restore their natural courses, Wadi Mujib—historically known as the biblical Arnon River—took a different path. Instead of reclaiming its original outlet, it carved through a narrow cleft in the sandstone. Over time, this cleft became the focal point of an immense drainage basin, channeling vast amounts of water. Continuous erosion deepened the passage, ultimately shaping the dramatic gorge of Wadi Mujib as we see it today.
The Wadi Mujib Reserve, located in Wadi Al Mujib, is a striking landscape of rugged mountains, rocky terrain, and arid desert, reaching elevations of up to 800 meters. Deep gorges and wadis carve through the plateaus, while perennial, spring-fed streams flow down to the shores of the Dead Sea, which sits 400 meters below sea level.
Vegetation in the mountainous areas is sparse, with steppe-like plant life scattered across the plateaus. However, groundwater seepage along the Dead Sea shore, particularly at the hot springs of Zara, sustains dense thickets of Acacia, Tamarix, Phoenix, and Nerium, as well as a small marsh. The gentler slopes of the reserve serve as grazing land for pastoralists with sheep and goats.
Near the reserve’s borders, the famous Hammamat Ma’in hot springs attract visitors for tourism and recreation. Additionally, a large dam was recently constructed at the base of the wadi, where the modern road crosses the river, leading to the formation of a sizable lake. Today, Wadi Al Mujib is nourished by seven tributaries.
Beyond its resident wildlife, the reserve holds strategic significance as a vital stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Rift Valley between Africa and northeastern Europe, making it an essential sanctuary for avian biodiversity.
Tourist Activities in Wadi Mujib
