Updated February 2021
Take a Jeep Tour Through Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater)
The Makhtesh Ramon is a crater not formed by impact but, rather, from erosion. The Crater is 250 million years old and was once filled with ocean waters. There are seven Makhtesh Craters world-wide, five of which are found in Israel. The Makhtesh Ramon, located in Southern part of Israel in the Negev Desert, is enormous and offers plenty to do in see in an around the crater for families.
Schedule a jeep tour for the morning through the crater. The guides will stop along the way to point out various interesting facts about the crater itself. They are knowledgeable and enthusiastic when explaining facts. When we were there, the crater had recently experienced rains and flooding. The crater was in bloom with wonderful desert flowers. We were also told to look out for fossils. I searched like crazy and came up with none. The kids however, found fossils all over and were shocked to learn of their age. As old as two hundred and fifty million years. We didn’t keep them–they are part of the preserve–and left them for the next visitor to stumble upon.
The jeep wound through the desert, up and down hill, over larger rocks and through areas that were once streams of water created by flash floods. Kids enjoyed the bouncy ride. I enjoyed the scenery. They do stock the jeep with plenty of bottles of water as well as other refreshments to cool off with.
Authentic Bedouin Hospitality
In the Bedouin tradition, guests are welcomed with a small cup of coffee and sit on the ground in a tent as hot coals burn away in a fire pit. This is just what we experienced and much more. We were welcomed with tea and black coffee and listened to one of the village elders tell us about life in a Bedouin village. His kids ran in and out in bare feet; Bedouin kids are taught from the beginning to walk around without shoes to get used to the heat and rocks of the desert.
As we sat and listened, our kids took turns grinding coffee by hand in a large mortar and pestle. The village elder went on to make traditional charcoal-bread (libbe), by forming dough in a thick, round circle and burying it under the hot coals, letting it bake in the ash and heat. He served us dates and hot tea as we waited for the bread to cook. Get to know more about traditional Israeli food and the depth of their flavors and history.
The elder also told us about tapping into the national irrigation systems in order to bring water to the village, which they discovered was far quicker and easier than digging a deep well. In the background, we heard chickens, goats, and sheep all vying for a shaded areas in their pens as the desert heat.
Rappelling Down Crater Cliffs
You cannot have a fear of heights for this adventure. You must have a certified guide for the rappelling and it takes place in an authorized spot on the crater wall. Our kids flocked to the site, each wanting to be the first to rappel. No fear, just pure excitement.
After they were outfitted with gear, the guide gave them some instructions and locked them in. As they leaned back off the cliff, with a straight, long drop off; they slowly rappelled down the cliffside. The expression of accomplishment was well worth watching our kids rappel down a rock. I’m not a huge fan of heights and after rock climbing in North Carolina, decided I would live vicariously through them. My husband did it, though, and was proud of his accomplishment.
Visit An Alpaca and Llama Farm
Right in the mist of the dry desert you can find an alpaca and llama farm to visit. Upon entering the farm, a guide gives a brief introduction to their farm’s history and what they do with the animals; using the wool for weaving clothes. The workers also explain the differences between llamas and alpacas. Did you know llamas and alpacas are related to camels? They have even cross-bred the two animals.
After our introduction, we were all given small bags of food to feed the animals. Some of the llamas and alpacas roam free, others are in pens. Be careful, though, as they tend to spit at one another in order to get to the food. The spit can hit you. There are also goats and we spotted a very large, very sedentary pig taking an afternoon nap. The farm is home to some dogs and while we were there, one of the dogs had recently given birth, so the kids were lucky enough to get cute puppy time in as an added bonus.
Ein Avdat
Throughout the desert are natural springs. Ein Avdat is a park with natural pools of water created by a waterfall located in a deep canyon carved out by water. It is a source of life for many animals of the desert as well as many large poplar trees. Much to the dismay of the kids, swimming is not allowed as the pools of water are reserved for wildlife. We loved the fact that it was right in the middle of the desert, surrounded by hills of rock, sand, and not much more. A true oasis in the Negev Desert.
There are two points of entry, a lower parking lot and upper parking lot. We started at the lower lot and then circled back to the car. It is a fairly easy hike, but bring plenty of water a there is not much shade and it can get hot. The temperature 109 degrees Fahrenheit when we went.
Star Gazing
The desert–more specifically the Makhtesh Crater–serves as a perfect spot to star gaze with the right equipment. There is very little light pollution, few cars, no streetlights, and few people. We hired a guide who started out the evening with a campfire and a great explanation of our solar system and beyond. He went on to point out the different astrological symbols in the stars and finished with giving the kids marshmallows to roast before bringing out the telescopes.
There were four very powerful telescopes set up to view different parts of the sky. We witnessed all of the planets and even saw the rings around saturn. We also saw plenty of shooting stars pass through the sky. It is one of the best places to star gaze and the kids enjoyed seeing the planets and the milky way.
Take a Dip in the Dead Sea
A trip to Israel should include a visit to the famous Dead Sea. There are designated areas for visitors to swim, actually float in. Be aware, if you are there in the summer, the area may be closed due to the heat. If you are going to go, make sure you have no open wounds or the pain of the heavily salinated water. Use an old bathing suit, the water will destroy the fabric.
Our visit into the Dead Sea lasted only 15-20 minutes. That’s as much time our bodies could handle the heat and the thick water. The only thing we could see for miles was desert. The dead sea left our bodies feeling soft and yet somewhat dry. Immediately after getting out, we washed off under the outdoor showers located on the beach. One swim is enough, it’s not the most pleasant experience.
Important Tips When Visiting the Negev Desert, Israel
- Make sure you have plenty of water. You will dehydrate quickly and without realizing it. Drink lots.
- Wear a hat. There is very little shade in the desert. The cliff walls of the crater offer some, but not much else.
- Cover your shoulders. You do not want the sun bearing down on them.
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. The sun is hot and you will burn if you are not careful.
- Animals like the ibex blend in, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings or you will miss out.
- Temperatures drop in the evening. Even in the summer it can go down to the 60’s.
- Flash flooding. If it rains (yes it rains in the desert), the water does not soak into the ground and the waters move fast and without warning.
- Hire Deep Desert Israel for jeep tours and star gazing. They are knowledgable and make the tours exciting and interactive.
SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD
I love your photos! The desert looks beautiful.
Wow, thanks for all the information. Honestly, Israel was never really a place I thought about visiting. However, your post has made me think twice. You gave so much great information and tips. It really feels like you are passionate about this place.
I’m gonna add Israel (and these activities) to my travel list!
Israel has been in my bucketlist, I want to bring my parents there someday. I’m pretty interested in rappelling down (I’m afraid of heights but experience > fear). I also want to hug an alpaca or llama even if I get spit on me 😀
It won’t disappoint and the food is a big plus!
Your pictures really made me feel as if I was there, the view is amazing!^^
I love the part about the fossils, it must’ve felt like a dream come true when your kids found some (at least I always hope to find some, maybe one day, haha) 🙂
What I love even more is that you left them there for other adventurers to find… You really set the right example for your kids.
What a beautiful place to visit. I love deserts already so I’m sure I would enjoy. Had not expected to see the alpacas there though, they are a long way from their native home! The rapelling looks like a real adrenalin thrill!
The desert has a wild kind of beauty which is so enthralling. The adventures that a desert offers are unparalleled. Negev desert seems to be a medley of experiences. Rappelling and star gazing sound really nice activities. The other thing that sounds absolutely fascinating is the visit to the Alpaca and Llama farm.
I want to hike with the alpacas! That looks like a total blast to me. Putting this on my bucket list for sure.
You guys seriously have some of the most interesting adventures. The jeep tour looks fun. But I think my kids would flock to the alpacas and llamas.
My kids loved the alpacas and now want to adopt one!!
Isn’t it funny how, we as adults can look for fossils and not see any, yet the kids find so many? Rappelling Down Crater Cliffs is on my to-do lists. Good job for your husband for doing it.
A fossil could’ve hit me on the head and I still wouldn’t find it.
Wow what an incredible trip! I bet the star gazing was amazing!
Thank you for such a thorough post. Honestly, Isreal has never been on my travel bucket list, but after reading your experience I’m definitely adding it. Great tips too! Especially to be aware of the animals 🙂
I hope you get there!
What an amazing adventure – I bet this is one that you will always remember. Israel is on my someday list …
Your post gave me a big case of wanderlust, looks like you had an amazing time!
I was just thinking of a desert vacation this afternoon! This is beautiful post, very inspiring! You make me want to pack my bags and go! Love that last photo!
Thank you. Deserts were never on my radar. I was missing so much.
Awww, best compliment!
How amazing! I would definitely love to do the rappelling and the star gazing!
It seems like quite an adventure. Israel is definitely on my travel list. Adding negev desert to my future israel itinerary!
I’ve never realized there could be so much to do in a desert! It was so interesting to read. Thank you! Oh! I’ve heard about llama, camel, and alpaca spit! I heard it is really gross. lol My cousin gave me an alpaca shall, shucks I can’t remember where she got it from but it’s so soft and warm! What led you to go to Israel?
The spit is gross, but became a game for the kids. My husband has some family there so it was a wonderful excuse!
This is so awesome! I LOVE Alpacas!
They were really cute!
Of course only kids can make a game of animal spit. lol. Love it! Visiting family is the BEST excuse!!! 🙂
Mind of a kid
Hadn’t heard of this desert till today. I am glad there are so many adventurous things to do in Negev Desert. I would love rappelling and jeep safari. Alpacas and Llamas so cute, I would love to hug them. Adding this to my must travel destination.
This is so awesome! I LOVE Alpacas! What a great trip and experience!
Israel is one of the places I’m really really interested in visiting! I have some friends that go there each year and I always want to tag along! This is SO fantastic and full of great spots I’d like to check out! Thanks for the inspiration!
Tag along!!! You won’t be sad you did.
Wow! This comes to me as a surprise, never knew llamas and alpacas are there too. I have heard a lot about The Negev Desert and this post just came at the right time to shed some more light to my information and plan a trip to this amazing country.
You will have an amazing time.
Incredible!! This looks like a magical place to be. I’d love to spend some time exploring Ein Avdat. Thanks for this, I’ve added it to my list of where next!
This looks like and absolutely amazing adventure! Quick question: do you have to do the rappelling? How old do you think the little people would have to be to do it? This sounds like such a fantastic experience. I’m adding it to our family bucket list!
Rappelling is completely optional. Our youngest was 8, but 6year olds have done it. It’s very secure and staffed by professionals. I ducked out as I did it in North Carolina last summer and didn’t feel the need to throw myself off a cliff side!!!
Israel has been on our list for a long time and the Negev Desert seems to offer so much. From amazing adventures to hospitality, it has it all. While we make our list of things to do and places to see, this one is on top. Thanks for those suggestions. They will be very handy and making sure we have the right things in our bag.
I love jeep tours in the deserts but the only thing that hinders me from taking them is the scorching sun on our head..I would definitely want to be here but only for the star gazing all night..
They were closed jeeps for that reason. Thankfully 😅
A very informative article. I am surprised at how much we can do in the Negev. And I love your bit on the tips.
Alpacas and Llamas in Israel?! Wow! I’ve seen them in Peru and did not know that they migrated to the Middle East 😉
Anyway, Israel must be an amazing place. I’d love to visit and haven’t done so only for security concerns….
Yeah they brought them from Peru
I am totally all over the Star gazing and jeep tour but rapelling down rocks is like literally my worst nigtmare! Amazing that your kids did it!
Hmmnn…Interesting. Never would’ve thought of deserts as ecosystems for adventure but…hmmmnnn. That rappelling might be a no-no for me, depending on the height…and I’ve done zip-lining. I’d loe to see the llamas and alpacas though. Nice pics!
It’s 35 years since I was last in Israel!! I spent six months there as part of my gap year between school and university. Your article inspires me to return 🙂
A lot has changed especially the food!!
This is spectacular adventure travel! Israel is prettier then I ever imagined! What a wonderful experience for your family!
The desert looks beautiful! I love spots like this with little light pollution where you can do incredible star gazing 🙂
The Negev looks and sounds amazing! What an adventure! I’d love to sip some tea at a Bedouin village and even give the rappelling a try! Sounds like fun! Even though the llamas and alpacas look adorable, I’d most probably give the farm a skip for etchical reasons.
love your post and your photos. what a great family adventure and love how engaged your children are in all you do, from rapelling to experiencing the Bedouin culture. One day … a visit to Israel and Jordan is on the list.
Nice! I never thought about visiting this desert, actually, first time I read something in depth about it. It seems to have its own authenticity and beautiful views. A good place to travel.
If Israel wasn’t compromised of so much desert I don’t know if I would have gone either.
Lovely enjoyed reading this post and it looks like a lovely place to have visited especially the stunning views. Loved your photos too.
Lovely pictures and article. I really enjoyed reading it. Israel wouldn’t have been my first choice to visit but your article might change that.
I hope so it’s a wonderful country.
I love how they are bought up barefoot, it’s so much better for us! Everyone should spend more time in their day without their shoes on. The stargazing sounds incredible too! Around the bonfire in a dessert, such a dream!!
Wow.. Never ever heard anyone having fun in Negev desert. Am a geography fan, so I seem to know about all the deserts in the world but first time hearing about any visiting there. Pictures are great and you make me want to go there immediately.
I would totally do the repelling down the cliffs! How neat would that Be! I would be really scared but what an experience! Seems like you had a great time!!
Excellent, informative post. The food, farming, hospitality, and landscapes are very similar to what I experienced in Morocco. Thank you for sharing!
Happy my post stirred up some travel memories for you. Thank you