Things to do in Wadi Mujib

Siq Trail

The classic: 2–3 hours of wading and scrambling to a waterfall. Arrive early in summer to avoid queues at the ropes.

Canyon and Malaqi trails

Longer guided routes join the Mujib and Hidan rivers, with swims, waterfalls and, on the Malaqi route, abseils. Book with RSCN in advance.

Ibex Trail

A dry, guided climb above the Dead Sea with views across the water and a chance to spot Nubian ibex — the option outside the wet season.

Mujib Dam and the King's Highway canyon

On the King's Highway between Dhiban and Karak, the road switchbacks into the upper Mujib canyon past the dam and reservoir — one of Jordan's great road views. Stop at the viewpoints on both rims.

What to bring

• Water shoes or sandals with straps.
• Swimwear under quick-dry shorts and a T-shirt.
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag (lockers available).
• Towel and dry clothes for afterwards.
• Drinking water and a snack; there is little shade at the visitor centre.

Wildlife

The reserve protects the Nubian ibex, reintroduced by RSCN, as well as caracal, Syrian hyrax and many birds of prey. Early mornings on the dry Ibex Trail give the best chance of sightings.

Hammamat Ma'in and the Dead Sea nearby

After a morning in the canyon, the Dead Sea beaches are 30 minutes north for a float, and the hot waterfalls of Hammamat Ma'in about an hour away in the hills — a classic combination for a relaxed day.

The Siq Trail step by step

1. Pay at the visitor centre by the Mujib bridge, sign the form and collect a life jacket; lockers are available for valuables.
2. Follow the boardwalk and steps down to the river mouth and turn upstream into the gorge.
3. Wade and scramble between sandstone walls; the water rises from ankle to chest height in places.
4. Climb the fixed ropes and ladders at the boulder chokes; staff may help at busy times.
5. Reach the waterfall at the end of the trail, enjoy the spray, then return the same way, floating with the current where it is deep.
6. Shower at the visitor centre and change into dry clothes before driving on.

Viewpoints and drives

Even without getting wet, Wadi Mujib is spectacular from above. On the King's Highway between Dhiban and Karak, the road switchbacks down into the canyon past the Mujib Dam and back up the far side, with viewpoints on both rims. On the Dead Sea Highway, the bridge at the river mouth gives a framed view into the slot canyon where the Siq Trail begins. Combine both on a road trip: the canyon from the top in the morning, the Dead Sea shore in the afternoon.

Photography in the canyon

Waterproof phones or action cameras on a wrist strap work best; anything else should travel in a dry bag. The light in the gorge is best from late morning, when the sun reaches down and lights the walls orange. Expect your lens to fog when you move from the shade into the warmer air near the entrance.