Forty five minutes south of the Dead Sea resorts and 90 minutes from Amman, Wadi Mujib cuts through sandstone and basalt cliffs to reach the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. This is the lowest nature reserve on Earth. The canyon, managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation in 2011 and covers 212 square kilometers of terrain ranging from the reserve’s upper plateau to the hypersaline shoreline.
Canyoning here is not a metaphor. You walk into the river, wade through chest-deep water between narrowing rock walls, scramble over boulders, and, on the more advanced trails, rappel down waterfalls. The reward is direct contact with geology that has been carving itself for millennia.
Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve covers 212 square kilometres and reaches the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level,> making it the lowest nature reserve on Earth. The canyon's Siq Trail leads visitors through 2 kilometres of chest-deep water between narrowing sandstone walls to a waterfall, with life jackets provided for all participants.
Trail Options
The Siq Trail is the most popular route and the only self-guided option.
The trail begins at the reserve entrance where the canyon meets the Dead Sea. From there, you walk upstream through the canyon for approximately 2 kilometres, wading through water that varies from ankle deep to chest deep depending on the season and recent rainfall. The trail terminates at a waterfall. Return is along the same route. Total time: 2 to 3 hours. Cost: 23 JD for non-Jordanian visitors. Life jackets are provided and required. Minimum age: 18 years. Basic swimming ability is required, as some sections are too deep to wade and require floating.
The Canyon Trail adds elevation and difficulty. Guided only, this 4-hour route follows the Siq upstream before climbing to a 20-meter waterfall that you rappel down with provided harness and ropes. Cost: 31 JD. No previous rappelling experience is necessary; guides provide instruction and manage safety equipment.
The Malaqi Trail is the reserve’s most demanding route. At 6 to 7 hours guided, it traverses upper canyon terrain, multiple water crossings, and requires sustained physical effort. Cost: 44 JD. This trail should be attempted only by visitors with strong fitness and comfort with extended water exposure in confined spaces.
Trail Duration Price Difficulty
Guided Season
Siq Trail 2 to 3 hours 23 JD Moderate Self guided April to October Canyon Trail 4 hours 31 JD Challenging Guided April to October Malaqi Trail 6 to 7 hours 44 JD Difficult Guided April to October Ibex Trail 3 to 4 hours Contact RSCN for current rates Easy to moderate Guided November through March (dry terrain; no water crossing)
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind Waterproof everything. A dry bag for your phone and valuables is essential. Water shoes with good grip are mandatory; sandals and bare feet are not permitted. Wear quick drying clothing. Leave cameras, watches, and anything you cannot afford to submerge. The reserve provides life jackets; no other equipment rental is available on site. Bring at least 1 liter of drinking water and a snack. There is no food or water available once you enter the canyon. Sunscreen applied before entry will wash off; consider a hat and lightweight long sleeves for sun protection on exposed sections.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Flash floods are the primary safety concern. The RSCN closes trails when rainfall upstream creates dangerous water levels. Closures can happen with little notice. Check the Wild Jordan Facebook page or call the reserve directly the morning of your visit. The reserve limits the Siq Trail to approximately 100 to 150 visitors per day; arriving before 9:00 AM is recommended, especially on Fridays and during Jordanian school holidays.
Water temperatures inside the canyon range from approximately 18 to 25 degrees Celsius depending on the month. Early season (April and May) tends to be cooler with higher water levels. The canyon walls block direct sunlight for much of the trail, but exposed sections can be intensely hot during summer months.
Wadi Mujib\'s Canyon Trail includes a guided 20 meter waterfall rappel through a canyon that descends to 410 meters below sea level. No previous rappelling experience is required; RSCN guides provide all safety equipment and instruction for the 4 hour, 31 JD route available April through October.
Getting There
The Wadi Mujib reserve entrance is located on the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65), approximately 45 minutes south of the Sweimeh resort area and 90 minutes from Amman. The entrance is well signposted. Parking is available at the trailhead. There is no public transportation to the reserve entrance; visitors need a rental car, taxi, or organized tour.Some Dead Sea hotels arrange transfers.
FAQs
Do I need to know how to swim for Wadi Mujib canyoning?
Basic swimming ability is required for the Siq Trail. While life jackets are provided, some sections are too deep to wade and require floating. Comfort in water is essential. The Canyon and Malaqi trails involve deeper water and are more demanding.
When is Wadi Mujib open for canyoning?
Wet trails (Siq, Canyon, and Malaqi) operate April through October. The dry Ibex Trail is available year round. Trails close during flash flood warnings, sometimes with little notice. Check the RSCN Wild Jordan Facebook page the morning of your visit for current conditions.
Can children do Wadi Mujib canyoning?
The minimum age for all wet trails at Wadi Mujib is 18 years. This is strictly enforced. The dry Ibex Trail does not have the same age restriction but is not a water canyon experience. Families with younger children may prefer visiting the reserve’s visitor center and viewpoints.
How do I book Wadi Mujib trails?
The Siq Trail is first come, first served at the reserve entrance, with a daily capacity of approximately 100 to 150 visitors. Arrive before 9:00 AM to secure entry. The Canyon and Malaqi trails require advance booking through the RSCN’s Wild Jordan website or by contacting the reserve directly.