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Desert in southern Israel
Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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The largest ancient Nabataean city in the Negev, now a national park.
Another Nabatean city, but in a much worse state of preservation.
Ruins of a Byzantine-period synagogue with a beautiful mosaic floor.
Sobota
An archaeological site with impressive Byzantine remains of a city in the heart of the desert, where usually there are no natural water sources around – astonishing churches, homes and streets. Many interesting details about the site can be found on the park official website. The location is quite remote – a long drive, and the closest bus stop is 5 km away.
Ruins of the Byzantine city Futis (Φώτις).
A spectacular and beautiful desert oasis in a canyon, accessed by trails, and preserved as a national park.
Unlike the Ramon Crater and Large Crater, this one can actually be seen by the bare eye at once and might even fit onto a photo frame. Best to be seen from the Observation Point on the western rim. Noticeable are the upwards bended rims of the crater, due to the push from underneath. At the south eastern side, a great opening is visible which was either created from out-floating lava or during time from the rain washing aside this barrier.
A drive-through to see Asian wild ass, African wild ass, Arabian oryx, gazelles, addax, ostrich, and raptors in cages. Includes a camp ground.
An archaeological site with antique cooper mines, bizarre sand stone formations, a rebuilt tabernacle, Egyptian engravings and the Solomon Pillars. Has some great spots, sights and hikes.
Wadi Shani
A canyon that illuminates colourfully during the day and looks like a smaller version of the entrance Siq to Petra, just without the concreted path. It is particularly popular during sunset. Great for hiking close to Eilat, with close-by Mount Neshef, a camp ground and a car park.
The oldest known remaining land surface on earth, dating to 1.8 million years old, is located approximately here. It was discovered by scientists in 2009. You cannot normally enter the area, as it is a closed military zone.
One of the first kibbutzim in the Negev, founded in 1938. In 1947 an international commission visited, and they were so impressed by what they saw that they decided to grant the Negev to Israel in order to "make the desert bloom". Thus, in the 1947 partition plan, the mostly uninhabited Negev was included in the planned borders of the Jewish state. Mitzpeh Revivim, a lookout point with the original kibbutz building, is now a museum worth visiting.
Midreshet Sde Boker
A large midrasha (educational center) with Institute for Solar Energy Studies, the Ben Gurion Heritage Institute, the tomb of Ben Gurion, Institute for Desert Research, High School for Environmental Education and a pre military Mechinat Hanegev (preparatory program).
An "eco-village". The highlight for visitors is the arts center, a beautiful Gaudi-style structure with a 10-story-high natural cooling tower at the center. It contains art exhibits and workshops. Arrange your visit in advance.
Distance: 13 km, 4-5 hr. Altitude range: 204 m. Total climb: 244 m. Total descent: 299 m. Grade: easy-medium.
Starting on the gravel road (12.3 km south of Mitzpe Ramon along route #40), hike towards the Gevanim Night Camp. From the camp follow the gravel road north for about 100 m until you reach the trail that leads east/right towards the Ein Saharonim oasis. Going south from the oasis, just follow the marked trail left around the horse shoe until you have circled it and are back at the oasis. On the way you will see "cave" right underneath a huge rock half way and the Mezad Saharonim (Khan Srnim) ruins just before the oasis. Afterwards going south again before the end of the short oasis, a marked trail lead right/west up to the ridge of Mt. Saharonim. Down from here you will reach the Gevanim Night Camp again (where you might want to stay) and later, along the same gravel road you came in, the highway #40.
Start such that you will finish the trail at the Golden Hour, having a marvellous view from the ridge of Mt. Saharonim into the Ramon Crater.
Distance: 17.7 km, 4-5 hr. Altitude range: 697 m. Total climb: 111 m. Total descent: 762 m. Grade: medium.
Starting from the Small Makhtesh Campground (see below), you follow the red waymarked trail east down into the crater and out of the crater. There is another campground just outside of the Makhtesh entrance. Afterwards, the marked trail continues on a dirt road to the north-east, crosses several dry streams and ends at road 25
The other way is possible as well, but much more exhausting as you will climb the steep wall of the Makhtesh and you will need more water – 5 l are suggested by the park authorities.
The hike is good if you are able to get dropped off along the road near the campground (there is a sign indicating the Small Crater), and you are planning to start hiking down the next morning.
The roads that go by both campgrounds are small and hitch-hiking can be disappointing. Best to try from road 25, so if you fail, you are not stuck in the middle of nowhere. Also, the drive up the mountain (namely Scorpions’ Ascent) is very scenic, but at times it can be accessible only by 4WD cars.
Download coordinates: GPX, KML.
Ramon Crater Circuit
Negev and the Arava plain
Comfortable, inexpensive inn rooms. The school also provides tourist information and can conduct guided tours (must be ordered in advance).
Desert Cycling Center- Specializing in Negev Bike tours. Guided mountain biking and cross country cycling tours in the Negev region, plus cycle shop, repairs and advice. They arrange tours lasting up to a week which can include all food and accommodation, led by a certified mountain biking guide, Asaf Amichai.
The Bedouin are Arab nomads who live in the deserts of Israel (and surrounding countries). They used to live a fully nomadic lifestyle, but since 1967 they have settling into towns in the northern Negev region. Visit them to experience their hospitality, cooking, rug weaving, and other aspects of their traditional lifestyle.
Foreigners often joke about Israelis riding camels everywhere. In fact, not only is Israel a modern country where people use motor vehicles, but camels are not found in much of Israel! However, in rural parts of the Negev, a camel ride can be a fun diversion. You can find camel riding in Sde Boker, Arad, Mamshit (near Dimona), Shaharut, and elsewhere.
Surf down the edge of a Negev sand dune near Shivta national park.
A park with a lake in the middle of the desert, good for picnics. Named after Golda Meir.
A modern desert spa facility. Hanging water pipes dump hot spring water on your back with such intensity, it's like shiatsu without the masseuse! Opens till late. ₪45 entrance.
A recreated village where you can experience the heritage of Ethiopian Jewry. Reservations needed.
Out-of-this-world ice cream.
Neot Semadar
A kibbutz in the south, famous for its winery.
Great and quiet place for free camping. Includes a BBQ, star gazing during the night. It even features places with roof, even though not many, so arrive early if you prefer them.
Great location for a start next day down the crater or for finishing the hike up from the highway/along the Israel National Trail and through the crater. There is an army camp nearby (400 m), where you can get water in urgent cases.
Identified by a sign and accessible to any car.
This traveler's khan (a traditional Middle Eastern inn) consists of a glorious, gigantic and very authentic Bedouin community tent for dinner parties and communal sleeping, plus a group of modern, very simple but bright and clean motel-like private units, for those who may not want to sleep in the tent. The Bedouin tent is an ecological wonder-warm in winter; cool, and catching every possible desert night's breeze in summer. The inn can be a quiet experience of semicamping in the desert, with a simple Bedouin breakfast, lunch, and dinner available; or it might consist of party groups and a Bedouin feast that you can join up with-barbecue, tons of Arabic specialities, plus music and dance. There are central restroom and shower facilities for those who overnight in sleeping bags provided by the Chan in the tent. The Chan also offers a range of activities, including tours with camels and off-road vehicles, mountain biking, and Bedouin entertainment and hospitality day or night. A possible favorite for kids who may be dazzled by the view of the galaxies and falling stars; and a favorite for everyone who will be charmed by the hospitable Bedouin. Call to see what booking conditions will be before making a reservation.
Interesting idea and location.
They do not rent tents, but have three large “desert igloos” available, with mattresses if required. Otherwise you can just set up your private tent.
Member of ILH.
Shvilim
Sleep “under the stars” in a “Sinai style tent”. They also have AC rooms with TV and private bathroom. Otherwise kitchen, showers, WiFi are available. Part of ILH .
Sde Boker
Family guesthouse in Midreshet Ben Gurion, famous for its canyon and exquisite views. Spacious lounge including kitchen, bedroom, large bathroom. Close to Ein Avdat, Ein Ekev.
By train
Israel Railways connects Tel Aviv, Haifa and Ben Gurion airport to Be'er Sheva, with an extension to Dimona, but no further. A longer train line from Tel Aviv to Eilat is in the planning stages.
By bus
Be'er Sheva is served by bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Buses to Eilat travel from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa.
By bicycle
Riding down from the Dead Sea to Eilat (Route <90>) is a pleasant (though uphill) desert experience for most of the way.
By thumb
Hitchhiking in the Negev is relatively safe. North of Mitzpe Ramon, and particularly around Be'er Sheva, there is a large Bedouin population.
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Eilat · International · ETM
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Sde Boker is a kibbutz in the central Negev (the south of Israel), most famous for being the past residence of the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, who moved there after he left his office in order to live his ideals of settling the Negev. The name Sde Boker also commonly refers to the nearby ecologic settlement and educational complex, the Ben-Gurion College, at the edge of which is the tomb of the late prime minister and his wife, set on the ridge overlooking the mighty Zin Valley.
Yerucham is a town in the Negev, Israel.
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