Ajloun Forest Reserve: Ultimate Travel Guide

Let me introduce you to a gem that’s a tad off the beaten path but oh-so-worth the detour: Ajloun Forest Reserve. 

Located in the north of Jordan, this spot is a refreshing contrast to Jordan’s famed desert landscapes, offering a cool retreat and a haven for nature lovers.

During my month-long solo exploration of Jordan in my trusty rental car, I ventured to the peaceful Ajloun Forest Reserve for a bit of hiking. 

Combining a visit to Jerash and Ajloun Castle with an easy hike here is a no-brainer for those of you plotting a day trip. And if you’re keen on lacing up for some of the longer trails, spending the night in one of the Ajloun Cabins is a fabulous idea. 

I won’t sugarcoat it—the hiking fees caught me off guard. But knowing my contribution supports conservation efforts in this part of the world made it easier to part with those dinars. 

So, let’s dive into how to make the most of Ajloun Forest Reserve!

Visiting Ajloun Forest Reserve 

Ajloun Forest Reserve, a crucial green haven in Jordan’s Ajloun Governorate, stretches across 12 square kilometers and stands out for its ecological and conservation importance. 

Established in 1987 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the reserve encompasses winding valleys 600-1,100 meters above sea level, showcasing the evergreen oak woodland typical of northern Jordan. 

This region is vital as forests cover less than 1% of Jordan’.

The reserve is not only a sanctuary for the locally extinct roe deer, thanks to a successful breeding program started in 1998, but also a habitat for diverse wildlife, including wild boar, rock marten, jackals, and the Persian squirrel. 

It boasts a rich flora, including purple irises, orchids, and wild tulips, and has been declared an Important Bird Area for its avian biodiversity.

The Ajloun trails cater to all levels, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, but all trails except the shortest one require hikers to be accompanied by a guide. 

Besides hiking, the reserve boasts a visitor center, a soap house, a calligraphy house, and a café serving local dishes. 

Cottages are available for those wishing to extend their stay, directly supporting the local community, which benefits from the reserve’s employment opportunities and educational programs on conservation.

Your visit not only helps preserve this beautiful area but also supports the local community by providing employment opportunities, including for women from the nearby village of Umm Al-Yanabi.

👉 This highly-rated Dana to Petra Group Trek looks incredible – it’s a multi-day trek from the Dana Nature Reserve to Petra through canyons and desert along Bedouin trails.

Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center

After parking, your first stop will be the Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center, open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

It’s just a 5-minute drive from the cabins if you’re staying the night. 

Near the Visitor Center, you’ll find the soap house, biscuit house (a small bakery selling handmade treats made by local women), nature shop, and calligraphy house. 

Visitors can engage in activities like namewriting in Arabic fonts and purchase local delicacies and crafts. 

Follow Google Maps to reach the Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center, where you’ll find amenities like bathrooms and information on guided and self-guided trails.

Ajloun Forest Reserve Phone Number

If you have any questions, you can contact the Reserve:

Mobile: (+962) 79 90 62 210 E-mail: ajlounreservation@rscn.org.jo

Ajloun Forest Reserve Price

Regardless of what trail you hike or if you hike at all, all visitors to Ajloun Nature Reserve must pay an entrance fee. 

These fees are on the high side, but they go to support the conservation efforts of the reserve and help sustain the local community.

Luckily, credit cards are accepted because I was not expecting to pay so much money to do a short hike! 

Reserve Daily Entrance Fees Per Person:

These entrance fees do not include access to any activities or trails EXCEPT for the Roe Deer Trail, which doesn’t require a guide.

• Jordanians: JOD 2.5

• Residents: JOD 6

• Non-Jordanians: JOD 8 (Includes self-guided access to the Roe Deer trail only). 

• If you want to hike any trails beside the Roe Deer Trail, costs range from JOD 17-32 for non-residents, with some hikes, including lunch.

Non-hiking experiences such as farm cooking, Biscuit House, and Calligraphy House range between JOD 5-12.

Ajloun Forest Ziplines cost JOD 25 (330m), JOD 8 (150m and 60m), and JOD 5 (60m).

Other adventure experiences such as ropes courses, giant swing, cable line, climbing, rappelling, and trampoline range from JOD 3-15 per activity.

All non-hiking activities must be booked in advance.

Hiking the Ajloun Forest Reserve Trails

There are six different Ajloun trails to choose from.

One trail – the Roe Deer Trail – is included with the entrance price and can be completed without a guide. That’s the one I did. It was quick and easy.

The other five trails are longer than the Roe Deer Trail and require a guide. 

Guided hikes require a minimum of 4 people to begin. Or, you can arrange a private guide with the Visitor Center for groups of less than 4. 

You can contact the Reserve to reserve your hike or do what I did and just show up in the morning and hope it works out!

Hikes start between 8-10 am, all year round, weather permitting—some trails close during rainfall due to muddy conditions.

Note: All trail costs listed below include the price of entrance + guiding fees.

1. Roe Deer Trail

• Duration: Less than 1 hour (Easy)
• Guide: Not required
• Distance: 2 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: Circular trail with scenic views, old stone grape press, and morning sightings of brown deer.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 11 (Guided)

2. Rasoun Trail

• Duration: 2-3 hours (Medium difficulty)
• Distance: 6-7 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: Passes through old wine press ruins, the reserve’s oldest maple trees, and Eagle Marah viewpoint.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 17

3. Rock Rose Trail

• Duration: 3-4 hours (Medium difficulty)
• Distance: 8 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: Named after the pink labdanum flower, it offers views of the West Bank, Syria, and the Jordanian countryside, including historical wine and olive presses.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 17

4. The Prophet’s Trail (Mar Elias Track)

• Duration: 4 hours (Medium difficulty)
• Distance: 8.5 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: Leads to Mar Elias Church ruins, through orchards and forests, with fantastic hilltop views.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 23 (Includes lunch bag)

5. Orjan Village Trail

• Duration: 6 hours (Medium difficulty)
• Distance: 12 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: Through wooded valleys, green orchards, showcasing rural lifestyle, poplar trees along water springs.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 25 (Includes brunch meal)

6. Ajloun Castle Trail

• Duration: Full Day (Difficult)
• Distance: 18 km
• Group: 4-18 people
• Features: From Mar Elias to Ajloun Castle, views of West Bank and Syria, challenging wooded valley.
• Cost for Non-Jordanian: JOD 32 (Includes lunch bag)

Getting to Ajloun Forest Reserve

Getting to Ajloun Forest Reserve is straightforward and offers a scenic drive through Jordan’s countryside. 

Located 72 kilometers northwest of Amman, a 1.5-hour drive by car, it’s conveniently accessible. You’ll encounter fewer cars than the drive between Petra and Wadi Rum.

From Jerash, it’s a mere 40-minute drive covering 23 kilometers, and from Ajloun Castle, only an 18-minute journey over 11 kilometers. 

Self-driving: Renting a car for about $30-$40 for the day is the most flexible option, allowing stops at Jerash and Ajloun Castle. The only tricky place to drive is inside Amman – the traffic was hectic. But once you’re out of the city, the drive to Ajloun is very easy, through quiet towns, and parking at the Reserve is free.

Taxi: Your accommodation can connect you with reputable taxi drivers and help negotiate a fair price for the trip to Ajloun. Keep in mind it’s 1.5 hours each way, and you’ll probably want the driver to wait for you while you hike.

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

Public Transportation Options:

Alternatively, vans run regularly from Amman to Ajloun, costing JOD 23 per person.

JETT bus operates a less frequent service between Amman, Jerash, and Ajloun, requiring a taxi from Ajloun town to the reserve, about 15 minutes. JETT costs JOD 15 round trip.

There are also local buses that go from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun. I believe most of these buses leave early, around 8:30am, from Tabardour North Bus Station, leaving when full. Double-check the Amman-Ajloun bus route with your accommodation for the most up-to-date information.

Where to Stay Near Ajloun Forest Reserve

Travelers exploring the area have a few options for where to stay – right in the Reserve, in Jerash, or Amman, depending on the desired days of hiking and exploration. 

Since I had a month to spend in Jordan, I chose to spend a few nights in Jerash while exploring North Jordan.

Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins

⭐️ RATING: 8.3 out of 10 | 📍 LOCATION: Ajloun Forest Reserve | ✅ Book it!

Staying in the Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ajloun Highlands. Travelers rave about the beauty and serenity of the location.

While the cabins are basic and could benefit from better cleaning, their location compensates with stunning views and privacy. 

The on-site restaurant serves delicious local flavors and plenty of activities, including a zipline and a giant swing. 

However, the cost is steep for solo travelers, so I stayed in Jerash. 

Check Rates and Availability for Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins

Ajloun Mountain Villa with Beautiful Outdoor Views

⭐️ RATING: 9.9 out of 10 | 📍 LOCATION: Ajloun | ✅ Book it!

Ajloun Mountain Villa offers a serene getaway with its one-bedroom apartment, perfect for those seeking privacy and natural beauty. 

It features a full and queen bed, plus two sofa beds, accommodating various group sizes. 

The villa has modern amenities, including free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, and a washing machine. Its balcony provides stunning mountain views, enhanced by outdoor furniture and a cozy fireplace. 

Located close to Ajloun Castle and the Ruins of Jerash, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. 

Guests have lauded its design, cleanliness, and welcoming host, making it a recommended stay for a peaceful retreat.

Check Rates and Availability for Ajloun Mountain Villa with Beautiful Outdoor Views

Mustafa Farm

⭐️ RATING: 9.2 out of 10 | 📍 LOCATION: Ajloun | ✅ Book it!

Mustafa Farm in Ajloun offers a cozy, 2-bedroom chalet that blends comfort and nature. 

With a king bed and three twin beds, it boasts amenities like a private balcony, garden, outdoor fireplace, and even a hot tub for relaxation. 

The chalet ensures privacy with soundproofing, a private entrance, and mountain views that are simply breathtaking. 

Its proximity to Ajloun Castle and the Ruins of Jerash makes it an ideal base for exploring. 

The outdoor space is perfect for barbecues or soaking in the idyllic surroundings. 

Guests have praised the cleanliness, the friendly owner, and the exceptional care. It’s a recommended stay for those seeking tranquility and a beautiful view.

Check Rates and Availability for Mustafa Farm

Dream House Hotel (Jerash)

⭐️ RATING: 9.5 out of 10 | 📍 LOCATION: Jerash | ✅ Book it!

Just a short stroll from the ancient Jerash ruins and an easy 40-minute drive to Ajloun Nature Reserve, the Dream House Hotel offers a cozy retreat with a touch of hospitality and warmth that feels like coming home. 

Imagine waking up in a comfy, air-conditioned room, sipping your morning coffee made just the way you like it, right in your room, before heading down to a breakfast spread that’s a feast for the senses.

The hotel’s rooftop offers a panoramic view that’s nothing short of fabulous, perfect for those sunset moments. 

With amenities like a grill, plus the personal touches from the friendly staff and the owner himself, it’s a place where each stay promises something special. 

Whether you’re using it as a base for exploring Ajloun and Jerash or just seeking a peaceful escape, the Dream House Hotel in Jerash is a spot you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.

Check Rates and Availability for Dream House Hotel

Final Thoughts: Is Ajloun Forest Reserve Worth Visiting?

Wrapping up our adventure to Ajloun Forest Reserve, it’s clear this green haven is a must-visit in Jordan. Forests like this are rare in the region and so different from the desert landscapes you’ll see in places like Wadi Rum and Petra.

Hikers can choose the super easy Roe Deer Trail (included in the entrance fee) or choose between 5 more challenging hikes requiring a guide.

Yes, hiking here is pretty expensive, especially since most hikes around the world are free or low-cost. But your fees play a pivotal role in conservation efforts, so it’s a cost you can feel good about.

I loved my time exploring North Jordan, and Ajloun Forest Reserve was a highlight. 

So, is Ajloun Forest Reserve worth visiting? Absolutely – for its natural beauty, conservation importance, and the rich cultural experiences nearby. It was my second favorite hike in Jordan, with this canyon hike being my number one.

Now that you know how to plan your visit to the Ajloun Forest Reserve, you’ll want to know all my best tips for road-tripping across Jordan in your rental car.

And don’t miss out on my Jordan itineraries for more must-visit destinations across this stunning country.