Near jerash: Dibbin National Park

The Aleppo pines and oaks of the fertile woodland are a remarkable sight in this desert country. Located in the hills 10km southwest of Jerash and 65km north of Amman, Dibbin National Park encompasses some 20km of forest stretching south from the town of the same name.

On the old road to Jerash near Dibbin village is the Dibbin Rest House (tel. (04) 45 24 13, fax 81 32 46, Amman). It offers shaded bungalows with private bathrooms, telephones, fridges, and TVs. (Singles JD13.200. Doubles JD15.400. Extra beds JD5.) The access road leaves the Amman-Jerash Highway about 2km south of Jerash; look for the signs. You’ll have to take a car as neither buses nor service access the park. Another option is the bus from Jerash to the nearby village of Dibbin; the hike from the village to the park is about 2km uphill. The Rest House fills up during holidays, so it’s best to call ahead and make reservations. For nature-lovers, the park offers ideal campgrounds, free of charge and free of facilities.