Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Jordan
A vital conservation center protecting endangered species like the Arabian Oryx, offering immersive safari tours in Jordan's desert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Desert bursts with life
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Jordan
Best Time
Desert bursts with life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital conservation center protecting endangered species like the Arabian Oryx, offering immersive safari tours in Jordan's desert.
"A great wildlife reserve with knowledgeable guides and a chance to see rare animals up close."
🎯 Book Safari Tours Ahead
Ensure your spot for the safari tour, especially for the Arabian Oryx. Minimum 4 people, 1-2 hour options.
📞 Call Ahead for Weather
Tours can be weather-dependent. Phone the reserve to confirm availability if conditions are uncertain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arabian Oryx Safari
Throughout the reserve
Get up close to the majestic Arabian Oryx and other desert wildlife on a guided safari tour. A truly unforgettable experience.
Visitor Centre & Enclosures
Main visitor area
Learn about conservation efforts and see animals in outdoor enclosures. Informative displays make it great for families.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Various points in the reserve
While known for desert species, Shaumari also offers chances for birdwatching, especially when combined with nearby wetlands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Safari Tour in Advance
Combine with Azraq Wetlands
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Safari Tours Ahead
Ensure your spot for the safari tour, especially for the Arabian Oryx. Minimum 4 people, 1-2 hour options.
📞 Call Ahead for Weather
Tours can be weather-dependent. Phone the reserve to confirm availability if conditions are uncertain.
🚗 Excellent Safari Vehicles
The reserve provides excellent vehicles for exploring, enhancing the safari experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Features two play areas for children and picnic spots, making it a great outing for families. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Safari Tours Ahead
Ensure your spot for the safari tour, especially for the Arabian Oryx. Minimum 4 people, 1-2 hour options.
📞 Call Ahead for Weather
Tours can be weather-dependent. Phone the reserve to confirm availability if conditions are uncertain.
🚗 Excellent Safari Vehicles
The reserve provides excellent vehicles for exploring, enhancing the safari experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Features two play areas for children and picnic spots, making it a great outing for families. +1
💳 Payment Options
You can pay for entry and tours using cash or card at the reserve.
🤝 Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like Hassan are praised for their knowledge of local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shaumari Wildlife Reserve for its successful conservation of rare animals like the Arabian Oryx and its engaging safari tours. The family-friendly amenities, including play areas and picnic spots, are a significant plus. While some note that animal sightings can vary, the overall experience is highly recommended for nature lovers and families seeking an educational and enjoyable outing.
"It is a great place to see rare animals like the Arabian oryx and ostriches. The safari tour is fun and lets you get close to the animals. The visitor centre has interesting displays about conservation and some animals in the outdoor enclosures. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers and families. Highly recommend visiting. Make sure to book the safari in advance, four people minimum."
Alex Bezrukov
"A great wildlife reserve. Our tour guide, Hassan, was very knowledgeable and showed us various indigenous plants and insects while we toured the site looking for the Oryx. We saw a big group of them and he took us pretty close. It has 2 play areas for children, which was lovely and the Visitor Centre is nice."
Farah Barakat
"This is a fine wildlife reserve in Azraq, and is one of two reserves in this area. One can tour this place, do barbecues, or use the kids area. There are seatings for picnics.
If you wish to take a car tour, it is advisable to book a day in-advance. The tour itself is either 1 hour or 2 hours depending on what you book.
One can observe the many animals and plants the reserve has. There is also a 15 minute break to observe “brewing tea the Bedouin way”, and then drink it.
One can pay by cash or card. They have ample parking. Staff are friendly, and some are bilingual (Arabic and English).
If the weather is tricky, tours might not be on offer, and so phone calling them in advance is always recommended and advised."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is located in the Azraq region, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive east of Amman. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. It's often visited in conjunction with the Azraq Wetlands Reserve, which is nearby. 
The reserve is generally well-signposted in the Azraq area. Using a GPS or navigation app is recommended for precise directions.
The most popular way to explore is via a guided safari tour in their vehicles. Walking trails are also available, and birdwatching is a key activity.
While private vehicles may be restricted in certain areas, guided tours utilize specialized vehicles for optimal wildlife viewing and minimal disturbance.
Yes, it's very close to the Azraq Wetlands Reserve, making it easy to combine visits for a comprehensive nature experience in the Azraq area. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees typically apply, and there are additional costs for guided safari tours. It's best to check the official RSCN (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature) website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
While entry might be possible on the day, booking safari tours in advance is highly recommended, as they often have minimum participant requirements and can fill up.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the reserve directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Yes, the reserve accepts both cash and card payments for entry and tours, offering convenience for visitors.
Information on discounts for students, children, or specific groups is usually available on the official website or by contacting the reserve directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve is famous for its conservation efforts for the Arabian Oryx. You can also spot ostriches, gazelles, and various desert wildlife.
Safari tours take you through the reserve in specialized vehicles, allowing close encounters with animals like the Arabian Oryx. Tours can be 1 or 2 hours long.
Yes, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve has two play areas for children and offers picnic seating, making it a great family destination. +1
The visitor center provides interesting displays about the reserve's conservation work and often features animals in outdoor enclosures.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore on foot. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the desert climate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might be limited, there are often picnic areas available. Visitors can bring their own food for a barbecue or picnic. +1
Yes, the reserve offers areas for barbecues, making it a pleasant option for a day out with family and friends. +1
Bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring or want to enjoy a picnic.
It's always wise to carry sufficient water, especially during warmer months, as the desert climate can be dehydrating.
Some tours include a 15-minute break for observing and enjoying traditional Bedouin tea, adding a cultural element to the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, especially for capturing the Arabian Oryx in their natural desert habitat.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light and animal activity. The golden hours can create stunning shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife reserves to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check the reserve's specific regulations.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended to get clear shots of animals from a safe distance without disturbing them.
While not always advertised, guides can often assist photographers in finding the best vantage points and understanding animal behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a safari tour, as seeing animals like the Arabian Oryx up close is a thrilling experience for kids. The availability of picnic and barbecue spots also makes it easy to manage meals and breaks for the whole family.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a telephoto lens to get detailed shots from a respectful distance. Guides can often assist in finding the best vantage points. Remember to check drone regulations before your visit.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Conservationists
Take time to explore the Visitor Centre to understand the reserve's mission and the ecological importance of the desert habitat. The guided tours offer deep insights into the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Shaumari
Beyond the iconic Oryx, Shaumari also focuses on the conservation of ostriches and various gazelle species. The Visitor Centre offers insightful exhibits detailing the challenges of wildlife conservation in desert environments and the success stories achieved at Shaumari. This educational aspect makes the reserve valuable not just for wildlife viewing but also for understanding the importance of ecological preservation.
Visitors can learn about the reserve's habitat restoration projects and the ongoing research aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of its inhabitants. The dedication of the staff and the success of these programs are evident in the thriving populations of the animals you can observe during a visit.
Experiencing the Safari Tour
During the tour, you'll have the chance to see Arabian Oryx grazing in their natural desert habitat, a truly breathtaking sight. The tours typically last either one or two hours, depending on your booking, and are often limited to a minimum of four participants to maintain a more personal feel. The vehicles are comfortable and provide excellent vantage points for photography.
It's highly recommended to book your safari tour in advance, as they can fill up quickly. If the weather is unpredictable, it's wise to call ahead to confirm tour availability. This proactive approach ensures you don't miss out on this signature experience.
Family Fun and Amenities
For those looking to extend their stay or enjoy a meal amidst nature, picnic and barbecue areas are available. This allows families and groups to have a leisurely meal surrounded by the unique desert landscape. It’s a great way to make a day trip even more enjoyable and memorable.
The Visitor Centre also contributes to the family-friendly atmosphere with its informative displays, making it an educational experience for children to learn about conservation and the animals they are seeing.
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