DESERT CASTLES &RESERVES OF
AZRAQ & SHAUMARI

DESERT CASTLES

As if the wonders of nature are not enough, Jordan's deserts are dotted with ancient castles, farming estates, forts, hunting lodges and caravanserai. Widely varied in function, architectural style and creative embellishment, most were the domain of Umayyad caliphs and princes in the first half of the 8th century.

Qusayr 'Amra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes from Umayyad times, and surprise the visitor with figurative images of people and animals. The black basalt fort at Azraq, in continuous use since Roman times, was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt. Also well worth your while are Qasr al-Hallabat, Hammam as-Sarh, Qasr al-Kharrana and Qasr al-Mushatta. Plan to see them all in a one or two-day loop from Amman.

RESERVES: AZRAQ & SHAUMARI

At the easternmost point of your drive to the Desert Castles you reach Azraq, an oasis in the desert. In the Azraq Wetlands Reserve you can watch the migrating birds, whereas at the close by Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Arabian Oryx antelopes, ostriches and onagers (Persian Wild Ass) are being bred in order to be released into nature.

WHAT TO SEE
The Desert Castles tour: You can visit Hammam as-Sarh, Qasr al-Hallabat, Qasr al-Azraq, Azraq Wetlands & Shaumari Nature Reserves, Qusayr 'Amra and Qasr al-Kharrana, in this or the opposite sequence during a drive through the Eastern Desert. Qasr al-Mushatta is located near Queen Alia International Airport south of Amman and is worth a trip.

WHERE TO STAY
Azraq Lodge, tel. (05) 3835017

HOW TO GET THERE

The Desert Castles can be comfortably seen on a day-trip or a two-day loop from Amman.
By car or taxi: For the Desert Castles take the Airport Road from Amman and head for Azraq. The Azraq Wetlands Reserve is in Azraq al-Janoubi (South Azraq), the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, 10 km further south (follow the road signs).

A good map is advisable (obtainable from the Ministry of Tourism, 3rd Circle, tel. (06) 4603360, hours 08:00-15:00 Sun.-Thurs., or the Jordan Tourism Board, tel. (06) 5678294, hours 08:00-16:00 Sat.-Thurs.