Visitors wishing to view some of Jordan’s natural scenery should drive to Ajloun, just 20 kilometres northwest of Jerash. The Ajloun Forest Reserve, a 13-square-kilometre area of beautiful, open woodlands, is a great place to spend a day trekking. The region is covered in spring wildflowers, providing fantastic photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for the neighborhood’s striped hyenas and crested porcupines.
Be sure to stop by Ajloun Castle on Mount Auf’s summit. In ruins of an even older Byzantine monastery, it was constructed in the 12th century to defend against Crusader assaults. The Jordan Valley may be seen in all its glory from the mountaintop viewpoint.
Mount Nebo
The jewel in the crown of Jordan’s biblical landmarks is Mount Nebo. The Old Testament claims that Moses claimed to have seen the Promised Land on this mountain before his death. With some of the best-preserved 6th-century mosaics in the nation, a Serpentine Cross, and the well-known Moses Memorial Church, it is now a popular spiritual destination. Your ticket to the church includes access to Memorial Viewpoint, which has a small museum and views of the Dead Sea and Jerusalem on a clear day. But for more privacy with similar vistas, take a 100-meter walk on the road downhill from Mount Nebo and make a left toward the hilltop. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.