Why Honeymoon in Dana
Most Jordan itineraries race from Petra to Wadi Rum. Dana gives you time to breathe. There are no crowds, few cars and hardly any phone signal in places, which can be a gift on a honeymoon.
The landscape is dramatic. Sandstone and granite cliffs fall into a long valley dotted with juniper, acacia and oleander. Nubian ibex roam the ridges and birdlife is rich.
Feynan Ecolodge is a highlight in itself. It has 26 rooms lit by candles at night, with solar power for hot water. Meals are vegetarian. Activities range from guided hikes to visits with Bedouin families.
For active couples, the hike from Dana village down to Feynan is one of the best walks in the Middle East.
When to Go
March to May and late September to November are the best seasons. Days are warm, nights cool and the trails are comfortable. Spring brings wildflowers.
Summer is very hot, especially in the lowlands around Feynan, where temperatures can climb well above 100°F. Hiking should start at dawn, if at all.
Winter is cold on the plateau around Dana village, with occasional snow and rain. The lowlands stay milder, but some trails and camps close. Check opening dates for Rummana Campsite and other seasonal stays.
During Ramadan, which moves each year, some services may run on reduced hours. Lodges continue to serve guests.
Where to Stay
Dana Guest House, run by the RSCN, sits on the cliff edge at Dana village. Rooms are simple, but many have balconies with views straight down the canyon. Sunrise from here is the reason to stay, so ask for a valley-view room.
Feynan Ecolodge, at the western edge of the reserve in the lowlands, is the most famous stay. It is reached by a 20-minute 4WD transfer from the road or on foot from Dana. Rooms have no air conditioning or fans, but evenings cool down.
Rummana Campsite, high in the reserve, offers tents with mountain views and is open seasonally.
Dana village also has small family-run guesthouses in restored stone houses.
Romantic Things to Do
Hike the Wadi Dana trail from Dana village down to Feynan, a long downhill walk of most of a day. Start early, carry plenty of water and arrange luggage transfer.
Watch the stars from the Feynan rooftop. With no electric lights nearby, the night sky is extraordinary. Some evenings include guided stargazing.
Visit a Bedouin family near Feynan for tea and conversation, arranged through the lodge.
Take shorter hikes from Dana village along the canyon rim, watching for ibex and raptors.
Explore ancient copper mines near Feynan, among the oldest in the world, on a guided walk.
Try canyoning in Wadi Ghwayr in the right season with a guide.
Getting There and Around
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman is about three hours by car. Royal Jordanian flies nonstop to Amman from New York JFK and Chicago O'Hare, with seasonal service from other US cities.
Dana village sits just off the King's Highway, between Tafila and Shobak. Petra is about an hour and a half south. Aqaba is roughly two and a half hours.
Feynan is reached from the Dead Sea Highway on the western side. The lodge arranges the final 4WD transfer.
Most couples hire a car or a private driver for the whole Jordan trip. Driving is manageable, though roads in the hills are narrow and winding. Avoid driving after dark.
Food and Drink
Meals in Dana are simple, fresh and often vegetarian. At Feynan Ecolodge, dinners are communal or candlelit, with dishes such as lentil soup, salads, rice, vegetables and fresh flatbread baked by local women.
Dana Guest House serves set meals of Jordanian home cooking.
Try maqluba, an upside-down rice dish. Mujaddara, lentils and rice with caramelized onions, is another staple.
Tea with sage or mint is offered everywhere, often as a welcome. Arabic coffee is spiced with cardamom.
Alcohol is generally not served at Feynan or Dana Guest House. Bring your own if you want wine, but drink discreetly and respect local customs.
Honeymoon Tips
Book Feynan Ecolodge well ahead. It is small and popular, especially in spring and autumn.
Pack good hiking shoes, a headlamp, layers for cool nights and sun protection.
Hire a guide for the Wadi Dana hike unless you are experienced. The trail is well known, but the heat and distance catch people out.
Dress modestly in villages, covering shoulders and knees.
Check the current US State Department advisory for Jordan before you book. If you are driving on to Petra, the King's Highway is the natural route south from Dana.
Pair Dana with Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea for a balanced Jordan honeymoon.
