Jordan is a country of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and warm hospitality — but it’s also a place where travelers can make a positive impact through sustainable tourism. Whether you’re hiking across rugged trails, staying with local families, or shopping from community cooperatives, traveling responsibly in Jordan is not only possible — it’s deeply rewarding.
Here are 10 sustainable tourism ideas that will help you explore Jordan more meaningfully while preserving its environment and supporting its people.
1. Stay in Eco-Lodges and Green Hotels
One of the best ways to travel sustainably in Jordan is by choosing eco-friendly accommodations. Many lodges and camps are committed to conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and supporting local communities.
Top eco-lodges to consider:
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Feynan Ecolodge (Dana): Run entirely on solar power, this lodge employs and supports the local Bedouin community.
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Ajloun Forest Cabins: Nestled in oak forests, these cabins are part of a reforestation and conservation project.
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Wadi Rum Bedouin Camps: opt for locally operated desert camps that use solar power and minimize environmental impact.
2. Explore Through Community-Based Tourism
Community-based tourism allows travelers to experience local culture directly while helping generate income for rural communities. You can cook with families, learn traditional crafts, or join storytelling nights with elders.
Try these experiences:
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Baraka Destinations in Umm Qais and Pella
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Beit al Baraka: Offers stays and workshops with local hosts
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Women’s cooperatives for food tours and embroidery sessions
3. Hike the Jordan Trail — and Empower Villages
The Jordan Trail is a 675-kilometer hiking route stretching from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. It connects 52 villages and towns, offering a unique chance to experience Jordan’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
By hiking parts of the trail and staying in homestays, you directly support local economies and promote sustainable development in lesser-known areas.
4. Experience Wadi Rum the Responsible Way
Wadi Rum is a magical desert landscape, but mass tourism can threaten its fragile ecosystem. Fortunately, many Bedouin-run camps and tours now focus on low-impact travel.
Tips for a sustainable Wadi Rum visit:
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Choose camel treks or walking tours over 4x4s
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Stay in eco-camps with solar energy and compost toilets
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Book with Bedouin-owned operators to ensure your money stays in the community
5. Visit Petra with Purpose
Petra is Jordan’s crown jewel — and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. With millions of tourists visiting each year, it’s important to explore responsibly.
How to visit Petra sustainably:
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Hire local guides to gain deeper insights and support local employment
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Avoid rides on overworked animals (donkeys, camels) — walk instead
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Shop for locally made crafts in nearby villages like Taybeh or Wadi Musa
6. Support Local Food and Farm-to-Table Dining
Food connects people — and in Jordan, it’s an experience not to be missed. Choose restaurants and experiences that source ingredients locally and reduce food waste.
Sustainable food experiences:
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Take a cooking class with women in Madaba or Umm Qais
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Dine at Wild Jordan Center or Beit Sitti, which prioritize local sourcing
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Visit an organic farm or community garden to learn about traditional farming
7. Discover Jordan’s Protected Nature Reserves
Jordan is home to several protected reserves that offer rich biodiversity and eco-tourism opportunities. Managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), these areas promote wildlife protection and community engagement.
Top reserves to visit:
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Dana Biosphere Reserve
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Mujib Biosphere Reserve
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Azraq Wetland Reserve
Each offers hiking, birdwatching, and eco-lodging options — all while supporting conservation efforts.
8. Try Voluntourism or Give Back While Traveling
Volunteering while you travel is a great way to connect with locals and contribute to meaningful causes. Whether it’s environmental work or educational outreach, there are many ways to give back in Jordan.
Ideas for responsible volunteering:
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Join clean-up hikes or tree-planting events
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Volunteer at language or skills centers
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Support refugee programs through NGOs (only with proper training and coordination)
9. Shop Ethically and Support Local Artisans
Skip the mass-produced souvenirs and look for locally made, ethically sourced products. Many cooperatives and NGOs empower women and marginalized communities through craft production.
Where to shop responsibly:
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Jordan River Foundation shops (Amman & online)
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Souk JARA (seasonal open-air market in Amman)
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Bedouin markets in Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum
Look for items like embroidery, ceramics, natural soaps, olive oil, and handmade jewelry.
10. Be a Respectful and Mindful Traveler
Sometimes, the most sustainable choices are the simplest. Respecting cultural norms, conserving water, and being mindful of your footprint all go a long way.
Quick tips:
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Dress modestly in rural and religious areas
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Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics
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Travel off-season to reduce strain on popular sites
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Ask permission before photographing people
Travel Sustainably with Zaman Tours
If you’re looking for a stress-free, eco-conscious way to explore Jordan, consider booking your journey with Zaman Tours. Their sustainable travel programs are designed to:
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Support local communities
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Promote low-impact experiences
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Offer authentic cultural connections
From desert hikes to community stays and historical tours, Zaman Tours helps you experience the real Jordan — responsibly.
Visit Zaman Tours start planning your sustainable adventure today.
Jordan is a land of wonders — and we all share the responsibility to protect it. By traveling sustainably, you help ensure that its beauty, culture, and communities thrive for generations to come.
