How To Reach Mukawir

Getting to Mukawir, Karak, Jordan

Mukawir, also known as Machaerus, is a historical hilltop site located in the region of Karak in Jordan. It's well-known for its ancient fortress and its connection to the biblical story of Herod and Salome. To reach Mukawir, you can follow these steps:

By Car

• From Amman: Mukawir is about 70 kilometers southwest of Amman. You can rent a car or take a taxi. The drive usually takes around 1.5 hours via the Dead Sea Road.
• From Karak: The distance from Karak to Mukawir is approximately 30 kilometers. You can drive or hire a taxi; the journey should take about 40 minutes.

By Public Transportation

• There are no direct public transport options to Mukawir. You need to take a minibus or service taxi from Amman to Madaba.
• Once in Madaba, you may hire a taxi to take you directly to Mukawir.
• Alternatively, travel from Madaba to Libb via public transportation and then take a taxi from Libb to Mukawir.

Guided Tours

Many travel agencies in Amman and Madaba offer day trips to Mukawir, often bundled with visits to other nearby attractions such as the Baptism Site at the Jordan River, Mount Nebo, and the Dead Sea. This is a convenient option since it includes transportation and a guide.

Things to Keep in Mind

• It's advisable to arrange your return transport beforehand, particularly if you're not on an organized tour, as it may be challenging to find transportation from the site.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site requires some hiking uphill to reach the fortress ruins.
• Don't forget to carry plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.

By following these insights, you can plan a smooth trip to the fascinating site of Mukawir in Jordan.