Tafilah Governorate

Mountains and terraces

Tafilah lies along the southern section of the Jordanian highlands, between Wadi al-Hasa in the north and the Dana area in the south. The mountains here rise to more than 1,500 metres, and on their western side they fall steeply towards Wadi Araba in a series of ridges and gorges. Springs emerge on the slopes, and generations of farmers have built stone terraces to grow olives, figs and grapes. Winters are cold on the heights, with occasional snow, while the valleys far below remain warm.

Tafilah town and villages

The town of Tafilah is built on the slopes of a valley, surrounded by olive groves and gardens watered by springs. A small castle in the town dates back to the medieval period, and Tafilah Technical University gives the town a student population. Around it are villages such as Busayra and Aima, set among fields and orchards. The stone village of Dana, perched above the Dana valley, was largely restored in recent decades and now welcomes visitors with simple guesthouses, local crafts and spectacular views.

Edom and ancient heritage

In the Iron Age, this region was part of the kingdom of Edom, and Busayra, ancient Bozrah, was its main centre. Excavations there uncovered large buildings from the eighth to sixth centuries BC. Lower down, in the Feynan area at the western edge of the Dana reserve, people mined and smelted copper for thousands of years, leaving slag heaps and old mine shafts that are still visible today. Later remains include Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine sites, and the old houses of Dana village show traditional building in local stone.

Dana Biosphere Reserve and hot springs

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve and stretches from highland plateaus down to the sandy lowlands of Wadi Araba. Within a short distance it passes through several very different climate and plant zones, from juniper and oak woodland to desert with acacia trees. This variety supports rich wildlife, including Nubian ibex, wolves, foxes, striped hyenas and many bird species. Trails range from short walks near Dana village to the full-day descent to Feynan. In the north of the governorate, the hot springs of Afra and Burbita offer warm pools in narrow valleys.

Farming life and local food

Agriculture and herding remain at the centre of life in Tafilah. The governorate is known for its olives, figs, pomegranates and grapes, and many families still dry figs and press olive oil each autumn. Shepherds lead flocks of sheep and goats to mountain pastures. Everyday meals often include fresh bread, olive oil, za'atar, eggs and yoghurt, while celebrations bring large dishes of mansaf. In Dana village, local projects produce dried fruit, herbal teas and handmade items inspired by the nature of the reserve.

Highlights

• 1Dana village and the views over the Dana valley
• 2Hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
• 3The trail from Dana down to Feynan
• 4Busayra, ancient Bozrah of the Edomites
• 5The hot springs of Afra and Burbita
• 6Olive and fig terraces around Tafilah

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