Exploring the Negev

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A March 2000 trip to Israel by thianne

Quote: Lesser known highlights of the Israeli desert region

Desert Cities in the Negev

Attraction | "Exploring the Negev"

Quote:

Mitzpe Ramon, Sde Boker, Ein Avdat, Dimona, Tel BeerSheba, Tel Arad, Subeita (Shivta), Museum of Bedouin Culture${QuickSuggestions} ${BestWay} Rent a car (Beer Sheva has several car rental agencies). Buses in the Negev are neither frequent nor cheap, and as with the rest of the country don't run at all on Friday nights & Saturdays.

Desert Cities in the Negev

Israel

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Ein Avdat

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Follow the Wilderness of Zin nature trail. This is an easy but beautiful hike, along a stream, up some rocky cliffs (there are steps, no climbing required), to a beautiful vantage point overlooking the waterfall. The more adventurous can hike further up, making the hike as short as one hour or as long as 4.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Maktesh Ramon

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Attraction

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The crater is amazing (it's huge - 40km by 8km by 300m deep) like being on Mars (or so I would imagine Mars to be like). You can pretty much start walking in any direction and be assured of a fabulous hike, there are lots of marked trails, but if you want to be more informed (and should be, especially if you plan any serious and/or overnight hiking), SPNI has an office in the Har HaNegev Field Study Centre on the edge of the crater with maps of the crater and various trails & sights. There are lots of trails in this area, not just through the crater. It's fun to camp out in the crater and hike out in the early morning. In general, sunrises & sunsets are great times to be at/near the top. There's ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Bedouin Market

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Every thursday morning (starting at sunrise) the Bedouins have their market, usually ending by 11:00am. If you're in Beersheba, it's worth checking out, especially since the Bedouin is a dying breed.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Museum of Bedouin Culture

Attraction

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A museum documenting the culture and lifestyle of the Bedouins. Somewhat controversial, since the development of the Negev is changing the Bedouin lifestyle. Many of the Bedouins, traditionally nomadic people, have now been settled in permanent urban settlements, and with access to education and other cultural encroachments, many are entering mainstream Israeli culture. Still, it's interesting to learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of these people. One can also simply look out and see the many settlements (look for large, black oilcloth tents) while driving through the desert, as well as individuals on the backs of camels herding their livestock.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Sde Boker

Attraction

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This is the kibbuts where David Ben Gurion chose to live after his first term as prime minister in 1953. His home there where he lived with his wife is maintained almost exactly as he left it when he died in 1973, and serves as a museum documenting his life. There one can learn about his life, the history of Israel, and read personal correspondance between Ben Gurion and other famous world leaders. An important place for anyone to go who wants to get a feel for the essence of the Israeli spirit, particularly the early kibbutznik pioneers. After visiting the home one gets the sense that they've truly gotten to know Ben Gurion personally.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Hebrew Israelite Community

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A commune of people (sometimes referred to as Black Hebrews) originally from North America (mostly Chicago), who believe that they are the original jews expelled from Palestine 4000 years ago, and were living in Africa until they were brought to America by the slave trade. They make their own clothing (all natural fibers), shoes (which you can have made based on your foot measurements), jewelry, and food (all vegan). They welcome visitors (by appointment, they prefer you not to just show up), will give you a tour of the community, tell you about their history and lifestyle. They have a great, all natural, all vegatarian restaurant, as well as food store (where one can buy all natural, vegan product...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 21, 2001

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Beersheba

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Beersheba's not a typical tourist destination, although it is the fourth largest city in Israel. It's rapidly growing in size, thanks in part to Ben Gurion University, which is particularly strong in fields of water desalination/preservation and health-related fields. The large university (15,000 students) makes it a good place for study-abroad, with a fairly active nightlife (2 bars on campus, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs downtown), a large student union with shops, interest groups, travel agents, bookstore, bazaars, and a variety of lectures and film screenings typical of a university town. There are very few Americans here (as opposed to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, & Haifa, wh...Read More

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An archaeologists dream

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One of the amazing things about Israel is the ancient history everywhere. One can hardly go anywhere without tripping over a Tel, which is a site on which many civilization have lived throughout the milennia. Tel Beersheba, for example, has ruins which are categorized into 9 known layers, the oldest excavations going back 4000 years (much of which is explained in the Negev Museum for those interested). Tel Arad is primarily known for its representation of the early Bronze Age, with well marked excavation sites and written explanations. Subeita (Shivta) and Mamshit are two lesser-known towns created by the Nabataeans (usually credited for the awe-inspiring Petra in Jordan) with archaeological ...Read More