shaumari wildlife reserve tours

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

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• Shumari Wildlife Reserve 
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Oryx Safari Trip

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Located at the edge of Jordan’s eastern desert, a few km from Azraq wetland reserve and covering 22 square kilometres, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve’s great success story is the renowned Operation Oryx. The Arabian oryx is an elegant white antelope endemic of the Arabian Peninsula that faced ruthless hunting and almost came to the brink of extinction around 1920. Before its disappearance, international efforts launched a recovery program based on a herd with only tree oryx from Oman that managed to increase its population steadily. In 1975, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature offered opened the Shaumari reserve aiming at reintroducing the animal in the region. The Shaumari program registered an extraordinary success and, in 2002, some oryxes were moved to a special enclosure at Wadi Rum, to gradually reintegrate into their natural habitat. This project has attracted worldwide recognition for its reintroduction into the wild of an almost extinct species, the Arabian Oryx. Numerous species of wildlife, including ostrich, gazelle, wild donkey, and others inhabit this reserve, making it both educational and adventurous for any curious explorer.

Visiting Shaumari

Enjoy a short safari inside the 22 sq km perimeter of the reserve, and admire the beautiful and rare animals living in the reserve. The reserve does not only host white oryx, but also gazelles, ostriches, and onagers and is an important stop for the migratory birds. The tours depart from the Visitor Center, where there is an interesting information display board on the endemic wildlife and a small zoo for children. The reserve’s observation tower is ideal for bird watching and spotting the protected animals.

The magnetic charm of Jordan Eastern Desert

To reach the Shaumari reserve and the nearby landmarks (the Azraq Wetland Reserve and the Desert Castles), you will have to travel through the barren, bleak landscape of the Jordan Eastern Desert. This desert comprises 75 percent of Jordan and is located on a plateau that extends through Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, reaching elevations between 600 and 900 meters above sea level.

A distinctive character of the scenery is the black basaltic rocks of volcanic origins that were sprinkled on the plateau thousands of years ago during the eruptions of the Jabal al Arab (Arabs’ mountain) or Jabal al Druz (Drus’ mountain), in Syria. Other characters of the area are the harsh conditions and extreme temperatures. With daily summer temperature, exceeding 40 °C and dry, cold, and windy winter nights, the environment is unwelcoming. The water is also extremely scarce, with ancient underground layers of the Azraq area drastically reduced, and minimal rainfall, averaging less than 50 millimetres annually. Nonetheless, life has always managed to reach the far spots of this remote area. For centuries, the nomadic Bedouins, the masters of the desert, travelled with their caravans across this land to reach the oasis of the desert and ancient Omayyad kings established their hunting lodges to retreat from court life. Migratory birds still fly across this region to reach their hibernating sites.

Along the way to your destination, take your time to stop and immerse yourself in the amazing wilderness landscape. Listen to the stillness of the desert and connect to the immense and boundless scene.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Situated near the town of Azraq , some 100 kilometers from the capital city, Amman , the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is an important and rare environmental project committed to the preservation of animal species in the region. In 1975, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature opened the reserve as both a center for breeding and protecting endangered species and wildlife found in the surrounding desert landscape. The property spans 22 square kilometers and supports the ecosystem of these endangered animals.

About Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Within the reserve, there are some of the rarest and most endangered species in the Middle East including various bird species, owls, oryx, sand gazelle and onagers. In total, there are some 193 species which also includes plant life, in particular, there are several carnivore plant species.

The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem that has been gaining the attention of tourists to the region as it is an exciting look into some of the rarest breeds of animals and a glimpse at these animals thriving in their natural habitat which is untouched by outside threats such as hunting. For nature lovers and those interested in learning about the unique wildlife, a visit to Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is informative and exciting as visitors can partake in a guided safari of the premises as well as enjoy a small museum. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of drinking tea which is infused with herbs and spices indigenous to the area, a special way to connect to the plant life in the region as well as enjoy Jordanian hospitality.

The reserve also participates in scientific studies as it is able to monitor the animals and observe them to gain a deeper understanding of their habits, threats, breeding, and overall awareness and appreciation. As the environment is both safe for the animals and ideal for studying, Jordanian universities use the reserve to research, study and understand environmental conservation.

Visiting Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve welcomes visitors and is a rare experience to observe wildlife that has been undisturbed and thrive in their natural environment. Some of the animal highlights on the reserve include Persian Onagers, Somali Ostriches, Gazelles, and Arabian oryx. With the committed work of the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, the endangered animals in the area will be able to rebuild their populations which have been endangered and re-establish themselves with the safety and protection provided by the reserve.

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Founded in 1975 as the first reserve in Jordan with the aim of attempting to rehabilitate the Arabian Oryx into the wild, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is located in the Al-Azraq desert in the eastern part of Jordan, and is home to a number of wild animals and plant life including the Arabian Oryx, Ostriches, Persian Onagers, Gazelles and the Black Iris – the national flower of Jordan.

Although visitors are not allowed inside the protected area of the 22km² nature reserve, a small cabin is provided with information regarding the species that live in the area. Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is located close to Al-Azraq castle and Al-Azraq Wetlands reserve, which make great stops en-route to the reserve.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

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Established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), this 22 sq km reserve was created with the aim of reintroducing wildlife that has disappeared from the region, most notably the highly endangered Arabian oryx, Persian onagers (wild ass), Dorcas gazelles and houbara bustards. The reserve has recently undergone a radical overhaul to make it an excellent and singular Jordanian tourism experience.

The startlingly modernist visitor centre provides a mass of information on the area's ecosystems, as well as the biology of its most celebrated inhabitants. Enclosures allow you to get a good view of oryx, onagers, gazelles and bustards before leaving for the safari experience (JD20). You ride in special safari jeeps with raised seats, and the guides are fonts of knowledge on the flora and fauna, as well as being experts at picking out distant wildlife (onagers in particular are very skittish and require the provided binoculars to spot).

A special area is set aside for the oryx captive breeding program that has helped rescue the species from extinction. It's often possible to see calves. Near the entrance is a reserved aviary, which houses falcons that have been confiscated by rangers from Gulf Arabs who visit the region to illegally hunt. After rehabilitation the birds are reintroduced to the wild. Another bird likely to make a return to Shaumari soon is the ostrich, as the RSCN is currently looking at plans to reintroduce the species, which had been hunted to oblivion in the area.

The turning for Shaumari is well signposted, 7km from the Azraq T-junction, along the road to the Saudi border. A minimum of four people is required for the safari, which lasts up to three hours.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

In 1975, RSCN began fencing areas within Shaumari in preparation for the first wildlife protection reserve in Jordan, covering an area of 22 km2. Shaumari Reserve acted as the first model reserve in Jordan’s dry desert climate, providing grounds for learning practical application methods in establishing and managing other reserves around Jordan. It comprises two main topographic features, desert wadis and hammada areas. Desert wadis form around 60% of its total area, the most well-known being Wadi Shaumari, which cuts straight through the heart of the site, giving the reserve its name. Hammada areas occupy the remaining 35%, covering the area with a layer of black flint. Shaumari provides an open location for Jordanian Universities undergoing scientific research on arid and semi-arid areas.

Shaumari has been found to support highly varied biodiversity. So far, more than 193 species of flora have been recorded at the reserve, the most common species being Achillea fragrantissima, Artemisia sieberi, Matricaria aurea, Haloxylon persicum, Anabasis articulata, Retama raetam and Peganum harmala. Six species of carnivores have been found to inhabit the area, including the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Jackal Canis aureus, Wolf Canis lupus, Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, Caracal Caracal caracal, and WildCat Felis silvestris, while bird sightings in the reserve include Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was initially created as a breeding centre aiming to breed and reintroduce the globally threatened and locally extinct wildlife and specifically the Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx. In 1978, joined by international efforts, RSCN initiated the Arabian Oryx rescue operation after receiving 4 Oryx animals from the Phoenix Zoo, USA, into specially prepared breeding enclosures in Shaumari Reserve, in an attempt to return the Arabian Oryx to its native desert habitat. By 1983, this operation met its first success, after the release of 31 Arabian Oryx from captivity into their native habitats within the reserve.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is now home to some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East, such as Ostriches Struthio camelus, Goitered Gazelles Gazella subgutturosa and Persian Onagers Equus hemionus. RSCN has exerted great effort to help these animals rebuild their populations and reassert their presence within the safety of the reserve, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out.

Visitors to Shaumari have an opportunity to see the living results of this global cooperation. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles, and Onagers can be observed in their enclosures. As a model of environmental education that is suitable for all levels of learners, the reserve has become a popular spot for children and school outings.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

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FH5WNF A herd of Arabian oryxes at the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve near the town of Azraq Jordan.. Image shot 2011. Exact date unknown.

John Zara/Alamy

An easy day trip from Amman, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve sits at the gateway to Jordan’s eastern deserts, where a pioneering conservation project is under way. The Arabian oryx, with its extraordinary, unicorn-like horns, was hunted to near extinction in the 20th century, but a captive breeding program overseen by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is attempting to bring them back, reintroducing the dazzling white antelopes on Shaumari’s grounds. Visitors to the park can see several oryx, as well as other desert animals like ostriches, gazelles, and wild donkeys, during safari rides through the park. Tours take place in actual safari vehicles and are led by expert guides, who provide commentary on the park, its animals, and its ongoing conservation work.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at [email protected].

Al-Shaumari Reserve

In 1975, RSCN began fencing areas within Shaumari in preparation for the first wildlife protection reserve in Jordan, covering an area of 22 km2. Shaumari Reserve acted as the first model reserve in Jordan’s dry desert climate, providing grounds for learning practical application methods in establishing and managing other reserves around Jordan. It is comprised of two main topographic features, desert wadis and hammada areas. Desert wadis form around 65% of its total area, the most well-known being Wadi Shaumari, which cuts straight through the heart of the site, giving the reserve its name

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is now home to some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East, such as Ostriches Struthio camelus, Goitered Gazelles Gazella subgutturosa and Persian Onagers Equus hemionus. RSCN has exerted great effort to help these animals rebuild their populations and reassert their presence within the safety of the reserve, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out

Visitors to Shaumari have an opportunity to see the living results of this global co-operation. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles, and Onagers can be observed in their enclosures. As a model of environmental education that is suitable for all levels of learners, the reserve has become a popular spot for children and school outings.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

• Jordan protected Areas & Nature Reserves

In 1975, RSCN began fencing areas within Shaumari in preparation for the first wildlife protection reserve in Jordan, covering an area of 21 km2. Shaumari Reserve acted as the first model reserve in Jordan’s dry desert climate, providing grounds for learning practical application methods in establishing and managing other reserves around Jordan. It is comprised of two main topographic features, desert wadis and hammada areas. Desert wadis form around 60% of its total area, the most well-known being Wadi Shaumari, which cuts straight through the heart of the site, giving the reserve its name. Hammada areas occupy the remaining 35%, covering the area with a layer of black flint. Shaumari provides an open location for Jordanian Universities undergoing scientific research on arid and semi-arid areas.

Shaumari has been found to support highly varied biodiversity. So far, more than 193 species of flora have been recorded at the reserve, the most common species being Achillea fragrantissima, Artemisia sieberi, Matricaria aurea, Haloxylon persicum, Anabasis articulata, Retama raetam and Peganum harmala. Six species of carnivores have been found to inhabit the area, including the Red Fox (Vulpes velpes), Jackal (Canis aureus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena), Caracal (Caracal caracal), and Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris), while bird sightings in the reserve include Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), and Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus).

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was initially created as a breeding center aiming to breed and reintroduce the globally threatened and locally extinct wildlife and specifically the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx). In 1978, joined by international efforts, RSCN initiated the Arabian Oryx rescue operation after receiving 8 Oryx animals from the Phoenix Zoo, USA, into specially prepared breeding enclosures in Shaumari Reserve, in an attempt to return the Arabian Oryx to its native desert habitat. By 1983, this operation met its first success, after the release of 31 Arabian Oryx from captivity into their native habitats within the reserve.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is now home to some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East, such as Ostriches (Struthio camelus), Goitered Gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) and Persian Onagers (Equus hemionus). RSCN has exerted great effort to help these animals rebuild their populations and reassert their presence within the safety of the reserve, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out.

Visitors to Shaumari have an opportunity to see the living results of this global co-operation. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles, and Onagers can be observed in their enclosures. As a model of environmental education that is suitable for all levels of learners, the reserve has become a popular spot for children and school outings.

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In 1975, RSCN began fencing areas within Shaumari in preparation for the first wildlife protection reserve in Jordan, covering an area of 22 km 2 . Shaumari Reserve acted as the first model reserve in Jordan’s dry desert climate, providing grounds for learning practical application methods in establishing and managing other reserves around Jordan. It is comprised of two main topographic features, desert wadis and hammada areas. Desert wadis form around 60% of its total area, the most well-known being Wadi Shaumari, which cuts straight through the heart of the site, giving the reserve its name. Hammada areas occupy the remaining 35%, covering the area with a layer of black flint. Shaumari provides an open location for Jordanian Universities undergoing scientific research on arid and semi-arid areas.

Shaumari has been found to support highly varied biodiversity. So far, more than 193 species of flora have been recorded at the reserve, the most common species being Achillea fragrantissima , Artemisia sieberi , Matricaria aurea , Haloxylon persicum , Anabasis articulata , Retama raetam and Peganum harmala . Six species of carnivores have been found to inhabit the area, including the Red Fox ( Vulpes velpes) , Jackal ( Canis aureus) , Wolf ( Canis lupus) , Striped Hyena ( Hyaena hyaena) , Caracal ( Caracal caracal) , and Wild Cat ( Felis sylvestris) , while bird sightings in the reserve include Imperial Eagle ( Aquila heliaca) , Pallid Harrier ( Circus macrourus) , and Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus) .

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was initially created as a breeding center aiming to breed and reintroduce the globally threatened and locally extinct wildlife and specifically the Arabian Oryx ( Oryx leucoryx) . In 1978, joined by international efforts, RSCN initiated the Arabian Oryx rescue operation after receiving 8 Oryx animals from the Phoenix Zoo, USA, into specially prepared breeding enclosures in Shaumari Reserve, in an attempt to return the Arabian Oryx to its native desert habitat. By 1983, this operation met its first success, after the release of 31 Arabian Oryx from captivity into their native habitats within the reserve.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is now home to some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East, such as Ostriches ( Struthio camelus) , Goitered Gazelles ( Gazella subgutturosa) and Persian Onagers ( Equus hemionus) . RSCN has exerted great effort to help these animals rebuild their populations and reassert their presence within the safety of the reserve, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out.

Visitors to Shaumari have an opportunity to see the living results of this global co-operation. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles, and Onagers can be observed in their enclosures. As a model of environmental education that is suitable for all levels of learners, the reserve has become a popular spot for children and school outings.

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Shaumari Wild Life Reserve

SHAUMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature as a breeding center for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. Today, following breeding programs with some of the world’s leading wildlife parks and zoos, this small, 22-square-kilometre reserve is a thriving protected environment for some of the most rare species of animals in the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, Onagers (an Asian wild ass) and gazelles, which are depicted on many local 6th century Byzantine mosaics, are rebuilding their populations and reasserting their presence in this safe haven, protected from hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out.

The Oryx and Onagers can often be seen roaming freely in their large desert grassland enclosure, and gazelles can be observed in their own fenced areas. Shaumari’s breeding enclosures provide a small “zoo” for visitors, making the reserve a popular spot for children and school outings.

The Arabian Oryx Story

The Arabian Oryx, an elegant white antelope, is one of the few mammals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. It became extinct in Jordan around the 1920s, because of the increased hunting for its meat, coat and horns. The increasing range and power of rifles compounded by the factor of motorized vehicles were the key to the extinction of the Oryx. The last known wild Arabian Oryx in the world was killed by hunters in Oman in 1972.

Fortunately, previous to this incident, in 1962, the Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund had launched an international rescue effort known as Operation Oryx. A world survival herd was established in the USA, with three animals from Oman, one from the London zoo, one from Kuwait, and four from Saudi Arabia. This herd increased steadily in numbers, and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature proposed that the Arabian Oryx should be reintroduced into its native habitat in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.

In 1978, eleven Arabian Oryx were relocated in Shaumari. The number of Oryx has now increased to a phenomenal two hundred! Operation Oryx has been so successful that Jordan now supplies Oryx to other countries, which are conducting reintroduction programs.

Oryx Safari Tour (Short Trail) Time: 1 hour.

Group size: seven persons per car

Oryx Safari Tour (Long Trail) Guided only

Altitude: 520 meters above sea level

Description: Your professional nature guide will meet you at the gate to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in converted Land Cruiser safari vehicles. The tour begins with a brief about the reserve and what to expect on your journey through the desert. Midway through the safari, you will stop for a picnic and enjoy a hot cup of tea while taking in the beautiful semi-desert landscape of Shaumari. The reserve is an amazing place where you will learn about Shaumari’s unusual desert habitats and conservation history.

Oryx Safari Trail brings you close to one of the region’s most magnificent (and endangered) wild animals: the Arabian Oryx. This large white antelope, with its long, pointed horns, is an icon of Arabia and is thought to be the origin of the mythical unicorn. While touring Shaumari, you may also see the Persian Onager, another critically endangered species breeding successfully in the reserve. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any big animals on your trip, you will experience the special character of the Eastern Desert, with its surprising variety of vegetation and subtle colors.

During your tour, you will learn the basic principles of animal tracking and practice reading tracks. Your guide will also provide an overview of the reserve’s vegetation, pointing out different kinds of native plants and herbs and their uses.

Oryx Biking Tour Guided only

Shaumari valley hike guided only.

Duration:  1.5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Required Gear : comfortable shoes, bottle of water, a hat in the summer

Season:  Spring, summer, fall, and late winter

Description:

The circular trail starts off at the Visitor Center then passes by the picnic and children play areas. As you reach the Wadi’s entrance gate, RSCN’s tour guide will take a few minutes to introduce you to the reserve and what to expect along the trail.

As you enter, you will be taken by the beauty of the distinctive desert scenery and biodiversity. Shaumari is home to more than 190 registered species of plants. Hence, the route is filled with flora that makes a tapestry of colors and textures. Perennial or annual, some of these plants are plantago, peganum harmala, artemisia, achillea and tamarix, retama and hordeum, while many are ideal for grazing and/or human consumption like chubaisa mauve, mountain spinach (atriplex hortensi), and ferula.

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Shaumari Wildlife

The Shaumari Wildlife Lodge with its shades of purple and red has a bedroom with two single beds, bathroom, open sitting space and a kitchen and a balcony with a little seating area, connected to the bedroom. Shaumari Wildlife Reserve has been found to support highly varied biodiversity; so far more than 193 species of flora have beenrecorded at the reserve and six species of carnivores have been found to inhabit the area. Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was initially created as a breeding center aiming to breed and reintroduce the globally threatened and locally extinct wildlife and specifically the Arabian Oryx. Great efforts have been made to help animals rebuild their populations and reassert their presence within the safety of the reserve, protected from the hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out. Area 48m².

See Shaumari Wildlife

Lodge Amenities 

Azraq is a an area located in the eastern desert of Jordan, with an oasis that features unique wildlife and a 3rd century historical castle dating back to Roman times, although the current structure was rebuilt in the 13th century. The location was of strategic value due to its location beside the oasis which was the only access to water at the time. The fort also gained importance during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire when it became the center of operations for T.E. Lawrence.

In addition to the castle, Azraq features a nature reserve. If you appreciate nature and wildlife, then a visit to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve will most certainly be an amazing and unforgettable experience. The picturesque Reserve is a 22-square-kilometre (8.5 sq mi) nature reserve close to the town of Azraq, around 100 km (62 mi) east of Amman. Shaumari was started in in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) as a protected environment for some of the most endangered species of animals in the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, onagers (Asian wild ass), water buffalos, and gazelles, are now populating and repeating their presence in this safe sanctuary, as they are protected from hunting and destruction.

The Shaumari reserve in Azraq attracts many types of migrant birds from Africa and Asia during their yearly exodus. This activity peaks with rainfall making the autumn and winter times the best time to visit the reserve and experience the lush wildlife.

The area features an Information Center where information, brochures, and maps can be acquired. The Visitors’ Center features a small museum and a shop where you can purchase local gifts from silver jewelry, decorated Ostrich eggs, and other local crafts. There is also an Observatory where you can watch the migrating birds, oryx, and other wildlife.

It is also possible to take a Jeep Safari to watch the Oryx that were saved from extinction by efforts from the international community and the RSCN.

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