During the reconnaisance trip to Jordan we visited most of the venues where mountain activities have already been developed. The Mujib Siq (Gorge) is a very interesting example of an activity that has been developed commercially with a balance between guided trips and self-explore with safety crew stationed at strategic spots. From what I can gather this is more than just a commercial exercise: the gorge is a popular outing but potentially very serious, and there were some serious accidents over the years. The area is managed as a nature reserve, covering a unique range of habitats. Therefore the current arrangement appears to be something of a compromise for the wardens, who have to juggle responsibility for conservation with safety in the gorge.
We were the first group this year to hike in through the conservation area. This was a pleasant hike following a 4-wheel drive track for most of the way.
The final section is still awaiting repair after the winter rains, which have a massive impact on the gorge, meaning that considerable work is needed each year before visitors can be let loose inside the gorge. The through trip involves a short abseil alongside a waterfall; for other groups the base of this step represents the far point for their trip.This is a fantastic day trip that provides welcome contrast from the desert conditions that prevail outside.
Safety standards seemed pretty good, however it still requires careful management as the area is prone to flash flooding, which could have devastating effect. Also it does require a fair bit of fixed lines, fencing etc to steer people away from sumps. It's an interesting balance. I'm sure the pristine environment with no ironmongery would feel more primeval but it is still a wonderful outing and is justifiably popular as an adventure for both Jordanians and foreign visitors.
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| The 20 metre abseil that forms a natural barrier for most groups. |
The landscape between Dana and Petra is a landscape of ravines and mountains, with many sculpted sandstone monoliths. We travelled up from the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea - over 400 metres BELOW sea level to the mountain plateaus which are surprisingly luxuriantly vegetated in places. Its a paradise for botanists and bird watchers, with a huge variety of native and migrant visitors. One of my favourite birds was the tiny sunbird, with glossy black and emerald foliage and acrobatic habits. We visited at the tail end of the flowering season of Jordan's national symbol, the magnificent black iris.
On a recent visit to Jordan I travelled from the north of the country right down to the southern tip visiting many of the established sites for mountain and climbing activities en route. This was a reconnaissance trip for the UIAA's Training Standards: I'm hopeful that we might be able to deliver a seminar on climbing, trekking and perhaps canyoning. Of the many highlights, one of my favourites was this close encounter with a young honey buzzard that had been rescued from a trap and was recuperating at a camp in the Ajloun area in the north of the country.
The Ajloun area has recently been equipped by Catalonian climbers with many sports climbs, providing possibly the biggest concentration of sports routes in the Middle East, at a full range of grades up to 8a. My only concern about this, as in so many other areas, is who is going to maintain the bolts and ensure that they remain safe? Currently there are very few locals climbing for pleasure so there will be little motivation to check the bolts or to continue developing the area, which has a lot more potential for sport climbing. It's also a great area for hiking.
