New four-wheel drive experience opened in Azraq Reserve

AMMAN — The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) on Sunday announced the opening of a new eco-tourist route in the Azraq Wetland Reserve, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Named “Al Qassayim” route after the surrounding Qassayim region, the route aims to attract more visitors to the area, offering new tourist programmes and activities. 

RSCN Director General Fadi Nasser said that the introduction of a desert four-wheel drive experience reflects society's vision of providing new and distinctive tourist programmes for visitors to the reserve. 

He added that the 30-kilometre route was carefully designed to protect the reserve's flora and fauna, with the highest public safety measures also being applied. 

In a round trip lasting around three hours, visitors will be transported by four-wheel drive vehicles, accompanied by a guide, who will introduce them to the reserve's wildlife and natural features, including its water oasis and migratory birds. 

Visitors wishing to drive the vehicles must be over 18 years old, hold a valid driver's licence, and agree to abide by the necessary safety measures. 

As for passengers, they must be over 16 years old, and must likewise adhere to the safety instructions provided.

The Azraq Water Reserve is one of the most important migration routes for birds, both in the Kingdom and the wider region. 

The reserve, established in 1978 by the RSCN, is considered one of the most important destinations for bird watching. 

Known for its lush marshland, natural water collections and rich biodiversity, the reserve contains the Azraq Killifish, Aphanius sirhani, the only true endemic vertebrate species of Jordan. 

Recently, the reserve was ranked among the top 100 sustainable tourist sites in the world, according to a statement by the World Green Organisation at a global conference in Athens celebrating World Tourism Day.