Trekking in the Dana Nature Reserve

Wow, wow, wow!  Today we woke up early to be greeted by the most amazing site out of our bedroom window.  We got up early and by 8am we were off on a 3 1/2hr trek through the Dana Nature Reserve.  From afar it all looks so arid, but once trekking through it, the sheer abundance of wildlife, trees and plants thriving throughout is mindblowing.  And did I mention the views.......

The early morning sun over the valley as seen from our window

Ready to set off

the view at the beginning of our trek - bodes well for the rest I say

Our guide stops to pick us fresh figs for breakfast

views like this are so awesome, especially as all around you is absolute silence and solitude





a blue lizard

a welcome rest

Finally we reached the Rumana Camp and got to rest under a bedouin tent with fresh tea.  Whilst waiting to be picked up and taken to the Red Sea, we went to a hide by a samll watering hole, and there we saw a family of Ibex.  The Ibex has been reintroduced in recent years to the Reserve and sightings of them are still very rare.  We saw them within minutes of arriving, and rightly felt rather privileged!

Cheers!

the rare ibex - and we saw a family of four!

On the way to Aqaba

Water, beach, I love you!  Our first experience of water in a dry and thirsty land