Eilat and the southern Arava
Ancient copper mines, returning desert wildlife and the silence of the desert.
The shape of the day
We begin our day at Timna Park, a huge site where copper mining began around 6000 years ago.
We’ll learn about the ancient mining techniques, explore beautiful red sandstone formations like Solomon’s Pillars and discuss the significance of the remains of an ancient temple.
At the Yotvata Hai-Bar reserve they connect the ancient with the present, working to reintroduce biblical species back into the local landscape. We’ll drive a short safari through the reserve to get up close with the animals.
The nearby Yotvata kibbutz is famous for manufacturing the most popular chocolate milk in Israel! We’ll stop by their cafe for lunch and enjoy some of their delicious local ice cream for dessert.
We’ll then explore the desert as a space for innovation at Kibbutz Ketura, a pioneer in solar energy development along with unique algae with remarkable health benefits.
We’ll conclude our day at the tiny artists’ commune of Shacharut, with a stunning look out over the desert and the mountains of Jordan.
Sites we visit
- Timna Park (Solomon’s Pillars & the ancient temple)
- The Yotvata Hai-Bar reserve
- The Yotvata dairy café
- The Ketura solar field
- The Shacharut viewpoint
Who it’s for
This day is for the curious traveller who wants the far south beyond the beaches of Eilat: ancient industry, desert wildlife, renewable energy and big empty views.
Timna involves some short walks on uneven ground, and potentially a bit of clambering if it’s of interest. The rest of the day we drive from spot to spot with limited walking.
It’s possible to add in more serious desert hiking if that’s of interest.
FAQ
Where does the day start from?
It’s built for the far south, so it works best if you’re staying in or near Eilat, or as part of a southern leg of a longer trip.
Tell me where you’ll be and I’ll plan the logistics around it.
How hot does it get?
Eilat and the Arava are hot for much of the year, so we start early and keep the walking sensible; winter is the comfortable season down here, and lovely.
Can we add the Red Sea, or cross to Petra?
Both. Eilat has world-class snorkelling and diving on the Red Sea coral, and Petra is just across the Jordanian border, an add-on I can arrange.
Tell me if you’d like either and I’ll build it in.
How much walking is it?
Mostly short walks at each stop, with the option of more at Timna if you’re up for it.
It’s the driving and the heat, not the walking, that shape the day.
Make this itinerary yours
Tell me who’s travelling, your dates and where you want to focus. I’ll put together a personalised proposal.
For urgent bookings, send me a WhatsApp
If you are going to Israel, you would be mad not to give him a call.
Amol Rajan, BBC presenter and broadcaster
Having been on trips in Israel with seven different tour guides, Samuel stood above all the rest.
Seasoned Israel traveller
Samuel is one part walking encyclopedia, one part storyteller, one part stand-up comedian.
Berkeley Haas Business School student