Where to Stay in Dana: Eco-Lodges and the RSCN Guesthouse

Dana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve and one of its least-visited destinations — which is precisely its appeal. The village of Dana sits on the canyon rim of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a dramatic landscape of sandstone cliffs, wadis, and desert that descends from the highlands above to the Wadi Araba below. Accommodation here is limited by design and by geography. There are two main options, both operated by the RSCN, and both genuinely good at what they do.

Dana Guesthouse (RSCN)

Dana Guesthouse sits at the top of Dana village, on the canyon edge, with views directly into the reserve. It is a converted stone building — traditional architecture, thick walls, small windows — that manages to feel both authentic and comfortable. Rates run from approximately JOD 40–70 per night for a double room as of 2026, with meals available separately at the attached restaurant.

The guesthouse is the most accessible base for exploring the reserve. Trails depart directly from the village — the Rummana Campsite trail, the White Dome trail, and the Wadi Dana trail (which descends 14 km to Feynan) can all be started from here. Guides are available through the visitor centre, and the RSCN desk at the guesthouse can advise on trail conditions and difficulty.

The rooms are simple by city standards but adequate: stone floors, basic furniture, private or shared bathrooms depending on room type. The roof terrace looks out over the canyon and is worth sitting on at dusk when the light on the sandstone walls is at its best.

Book through the RSCN website. The guesthouse sometimes fills during Jordanian public holidays, particularly in the cooler months of October through April, which are the best times to visit.

Feynan Ecolodge (RSCN)

Feynan Ecolodge is in a different category from the Dana Guesthouse — in terms of remoteness, price, and ambition. The lodge sits at the bottom of the Dana canyon in Wadi Feynan, surrounded by ancient copper mines and desert landscape. There is no road access for ordinary vehicles. Guests either walk the 14 km Wadi Dana trail from the village, or are collected by 4WD at a designated meeting point.

The lodge runs entirely on solar power. There is no mains electricity. At night, the rooms are lit by candles and solar lanterns, the sky above the wadi is unpolluted by light, and the silence is absolute. Mobile signals are absent. Rates run from approximately JOD 100–150 per person per night as of 2026, including all meals and guided activities.

Activities organised through the lodge include guided birdwatching (the wadi is excellent for migrants), copper mine walks, star-gazing sessions, and longer trekking routes into the reserve. The kitchen uses local produce and the meals — communal, Jordanian-style — are notably good for a property this remote.

Feynan has been listed among the best eco-lodges in the world by National Geographic and similar publications. The reputation is warranted, but the experience is not for everyone. If you need connectivity, hot showers at will, or a wide choice of activities, it is not the right fit. If you want somewhere genuinely unlike anywhere else in Jordan, book early — it fills months in advance during peak season.

Book directly through the RSCN website. Note that Feynan requires a minimum commitment of one night and the logistics of arrival should be confirmed at the time of booking.

Camping in the Reserve

The RSCN operates a basic campsite at Rummana, in the northern part of the reserve, available during the spring and autumn seasons. Facilities are minimal — tents, sleeping bags, and basic cooking arrangements. This suits experienced hikers doing multi-day traverses of the reserve. Arrange through the Dana Visitor Centre.

Staying Outside Dana and Day-Tripping

Dana is not easily done as a day trip from anywhere. The nearest urban bases are Aqaba (approximately 2.5 hours south by car) and Petra (approximately 1 hour north). If you are on a Jordan itinerary that includes both Petra and Wadi Rum, Dana can be added as an overnight between the two — the route passes close to the reserve.

There are a small number of guesthouses in the village beyond the RSCN-operated properties. Standards are variable; some are comfortable home-stays run by local families, others are very basic. If considering these, search recent reviews on Booking.com.

Practical Notes

Dana village has no ATM and limited shopping. Bring sufficient cash from Aqaba, Petra, or Amman — the RSCN properties accept cards, but there is nothing else in the village that will.

The reserve is at its best from October to April. Summer temperatures in the lower canyon areas (including Feynan) are extreme and hiking is not recommended in July and August. The village and upper reserve are cooler but still warm in summer. For King’s Highway guided tours that include Dana as an overnight stop, browse Jordan multi-day tours.

More in Dana

• Things to Do in Dana
• Food to Try in Dana
• Hiking Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Petra — Next Stop South

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