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Mitzpe Ramon

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globetrots
globetrots
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4 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Mitzpe Ramon

  • November 19, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by angelsil from Clifton, New Jersey
Mitzpe Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon is a huge erosion crater that lies midway between Eilat and Jerusalem. It's a long, dusty drive and isn't frequented by many tourists - as they usually take the more popular route via the Dead Sea. In Hebrew, the crater is known as Maktesh Ramon. There isn't much in Mitzpe Ramon except for the crater. A small university outpost, a wonderful youth hostel, and a few restaurants and a gas station are all that you will find. People don't come here for the culture; they come here for the chance to see an 8-mile-wide and 40-mile-long crater in one of the most remote outposts Israel has to offer. Popular activities include hiking the crater, off-road jeep tours, and nature walks. Obviously, given the remote nature of the crater and the desert climate, it would be wise to pack plenty of water for your journey. Adventure travelers can participate in rock-climbing as well, but I was far too chicken! Reaching Mitzpeh Ramon is best done by rental car. You can catch a bus here from Be'er Sheva, but they are infrequent. At the top of the crater is a welcome center that offers restroom facilities, a small gift shop, and a cafe. The welcome center also offers a presentation explaining the history of the crater and an excellent observation point directly over the crater edge. The official park site can be found in English here. The admission fee to the center's presentation is 23NIS for adults or 12NIS for children, but there is no charge to park at the center and enjoy the view. If you are planning on staying the night, consider the excellent youth hostel, one of the best in Israel. The youth hostel also sponsors nature hikes and camel rides. The youth hostel is located directly behind the visitor center.

From journal Jerusalem Dreams

Editor Pick

Mitzpe Ramon

  • July 17, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by globetrots from Nashville, Tennessee
Mitzpe Ramon

The sprawling Negev Desert is a patch of quiet calm in the south. The most impressive area is Mitzpe Ramon. This is the town perched on the lip of a 8 km wide by 40 km long natural crater known as Maktesh Ramon. It's a breathtaking sight to be sure, but visitors who have the time can delve into the geological wonders within the crater by hiking, taking a jeep, or going on a horse or camel safari. The Ramon Inn offers a variety of exploration programs, as does the Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel (SPNI).

Lying a few miles out of town is one of those incongruous spots that's worth visiting just because it's there. It's a working alpaca farm containing over 300 alpacas, 50 llamas, and a dozen or so camels. It was started nine years ago by a couple who dreamed of owning a farm. They brought a boatload of animals over from Chile and began breeding them, a slow process since the animals only produce one child at a time. The owners eventually began selling wool, making and selling sweaters, and hosting groups of curious visitors and school groups. They also do trips into the crater, with llamas carrying the children and camels carrying the adults.

From journal Israel: Beyond the Tour Buses

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