2. Kufr Rakeb to Khirbet as-Souq

Leave Kufr Rakeb, ascending and descending through the famous scrub oak forests of Jordan’s North. Take some time to explore the Ajloun Castle, a 12-century Muslim fortress. From the castle, enjoy a long descent, before climbing all the way back to Anjara. After Anjara, leave more populated areas behind and enjoy the rolling, forested terrain on your way to Khirbet as-Souq.

BEGINNING:
Kufr Rakeb has a range of stores (shops with basic supplies, grocery stores, produce stores); the junction on the east end of town also has a number of stores and a falafel shop. If you’re an early morning riser, there’s a coffee shop open very early just after Kufr Rakeb.

ON ROUTE:
Near the top of the day’s initial climb, there are a number of small stores and a bakery. A major junction, just off-route and just outside Ajloun, has a number of shops and a (falafel) restaurant. There’s a nice, small coffee shop at the Ajloun Castle Visitor center (only drinks); Ajloun stores and restaurants are in the main part of town, off-route and downhill. There are small shops in Al-Ameriye on the climb towards Anjara.
Anjara has a substantial grocery store, bakery, and falafel shop (at the traffic circle, a bit off-route).

END:
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Please note: Most springs in Jordan are seasonal, and may not carry water all year round.

Burqush Forest: Burqush Park (00962 7 9596 0508)

Just after Ajloun Castle: Halet Sa’ada (00962777415723) – accommodation and cafe, restaurant (meals and drinks are available with advance notice; not guaranteed to be open without reservation).

Khirbet as-Souq: Eisa Zughul homestay (00962 7 99831041) (simple family home, Arabic only)

Camping

Potential campsites in various places throughout the Burqush Forest (see map, several locations before Ajloun), and in the forest just before reaching Khirbet as-Souq (fill up water at Sarabees Spring, filter; however, please be aware that most springs in Jordan are seasonal, and might thus not provide water all year round).

Be sure to stock up on food in Anjara (best stores are just off-route at the Anjara traffic circle); the next grocery/shop in Wadi al-Bir is 43km (and a long climb out of Wadi Zarqa) away.

• Burqush Forest
• Ajloun Reserve