Private day tour
Mitzpe Ramon & Life in the Desert
Into the heart of the Negev — Ben-Gurion’s grave above the Zin Valley, the world’s largest erosion crater, and how life thrives in one of Israel’s most dramatic landscapes.
Journey into the heart of Israel’s Negev Desert and discover how life thrives in one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.
The Zin Valley
On the way south, we’ll stop at Ben-Gurion’s grave, overlooking the breathtaking Zin Valley, and explore his vision of making the desert bloom.
Makhtesh Ramon
We’ll continue to Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon): the world’s largest erosion crater and a remarkable geological phenomenon unique to this part of the world.
Life in the desert
Throughout the day, we’ll explore the challenges and innovations of desert life, from agriculture and renewable energy to the wildlife and ecosystems that have adapted to this harsh environment.
For a two-day desert experience, we can add a night hike beneath the desert stars, experiencing the silence and darkness of the Negev after sunset.
Add to your day
The desert holds more than the crater. Any of these can be built into the day. Tell me what appeals and we will shape the route around it.
Bedouin experience — In the land of Israel lives a people who follow the rules of the desert, with their own system, their own customs, and a real influence on Israeli society. Come drink tea, make pita, and learn about the Bedouin.
Alpaca farm — How did a herd of alpacas and llamas leave the mountains of South America and end up in the Negev desert?
Ein Akev — Can you picture swimming in a cool natural spring in the heart of the desert? A short, pleasant hike and you are there.
ATV ride — Race through the desert on an action-packed ATV adventure, with incredible views across the Land of Israel.
A night hike beneath the desert stars — For overnight tours only. The silence and darkness of the Negev after sunset is its own experience.
Practical notes
A full day, roughly eight to ten hours. Mitzpe Ramon is a long drive south, so this is a driving day with walking at each stop.
Heat is the constraint. The Negev is exposed with very little shade. Bring far more water than you think you need, a hat and sunscreen. October to April is far more comfortable; in summer the day is built around the early morning and late afternoon.
Desert nights and early mornings are cold, even after a hot day. Bring a layer.
The crater rim and the viewpoints are roadside; walking further into the crater depends on the group.
- Swapping options
- A night hike beneath the desert stars as a two-day experience, and a visit to a local alpaca farm
