Crusader Fortress and the Biosphere Reserve

Our destination for tonight was the Dana Biosphere Reserve. On the way we visited the Karak Crusader Castle. In 1812 the ruins of this fortress were described as "shattered but imposing" by a traveler.  That could apply today because there was little inside the collapsed fortress to see but it's looming walls are noticeable from a great distance. During the Crusades, the castle played a strategic role in the region. It is located on ancient caravan routes between Egypt and Syria, and the site was used by the Greeks and Romans. The castle remained in control of Muslim armies after Saladin conquered it in 1138.


The Dana Biosphere Reserve campsite we stayed at is managed by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.  We spent the night in a tent and walked some of the trails.  Madeleine and Melissa walked a trail to a viewpoint and I took one around the campsite area. 



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