The oryx trip
With a guide in the reserve.
Mohammad hajeer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohammad hajeer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohammad hajeer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohammad hajeer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mohammad hajeer — CC BY-SA 4.0
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve near the town of Azraq, about 100 km east of Amman. Long a breeding centre for threatened animals, it covers 22 square kilometres of desert and is known for its Arabian oryx, an enjoyable stop for families. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature created it in 1975 to breed endangered or locally extinct wildlife. It has become home to some of the most threatened animals of the Middle East, including Arabian oryx, Somali ostriches, Persian onagers and gazelles. The visitor centre tells this story with maps, specimens and displays on desert species. You begin at the visitor centre, a modern building surrounded by trees and seating, with exhibits on birds, mammals and desert terrain. A guided trip then sets out on a shorter or longer trail to look for the herds in the open. What you see varies with the time of day, so no species is guaranteed. It is 10 km in a straight line from Azraq town, so pair it with Azraq Wetland Reserve and Qasr Azraq. Book the trip ahead through the society, as it may require a minimum number of people. Early morning or the hours before sunset are best, as midday is hot. Bring water, a hat and binoculars if you have them.
With a guide in the reserve.
Exhibits on desert animals.
Among the reserve's species.
Near Azraq town, eastern Jordan
There is no guarantee, as the animals roam, and early morning is usually best.
Yes, it is wise, through the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.