Ajloun Forest Reserve

Ajloun Forest Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands north of Amman and covers 13
square kilometres. It is dominated by open woodlands of Evergreen Oak, Pine, Carob, Wild
Pistachio and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for
their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and food.
The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its mild climate, dense
forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered
in the wood-lands and surrounding villages. The reserve itself supports a wide variety of
wild plants and animals and is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Among the more
unusual animals to be found in the Reserve are the Striped Hyena, Crested Porcupine and
Stone Marten. In spring, the reserve is a carpet of wild flowers, including drifts of anemones
and rock roses.
The reserve is houses a captive breeding programme for the locally extinct roe deer and has
been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. There are also a number of
hiking trails for tourists.
The most famous guided trail is Orjan Village Tour starts from the Soap House, this tour
takes you through wooded valleys to the lush green orchards of Orjan village, giving you
the chance to discover the rural lifestyle of the region. A poplar-lined spring provides a
wonderful contrast to the arid mountains. As you hike, note the dramatic rock walls, old
water mills once used by local people to grind their seeds and the hollow walnut tree. Enjoy
a delicious traditional meal prepared by locals parts of a community support program in an
orchard of fig, pomegranate, apple and apricot trees.