The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has announced new safety measures for visitors to the Mujib Nature Reserve.

The safety guidelines highlight the reserve administration’s responsibility for providing visitors with details on the difficulties and risks along the Mujib’s trails, which are characterized by steep cliffs and breathtaking water falls. Under the new measures, no more than 60 visitors can be allowed to tour the reserve at any one time and for a period of no longer than 3 hours.

The new regulations change wearing life vests and helmets by tourists from optional to A MUST. Visitors will also sign a waiver that they are responsive of potential hazards on the trails releasing the reserve of any liability.

As part of the measures, RSCN rangers will wear uniforms with a visible RSCN logo and will hold flare guns for emergencies. The reserve said it will employ extra guides particularly near dangerous spots to help tourists and provide information on safety precautions, and will post warning sings and reminders for the tourists to wear lifejackets and helmets.

The RSCN will carry out awareness campaigns on the new guidelines and safety measures forwarding them to tour guides and travel agents.

The Mujib Nature Reserve covers an area of 220 square kilometres, and is home to over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of resident and migratory birds.