Negev
The Negev is Israel’s southern half by geography but a fraction of its population. The posts here include desert hikes (Ein Avdat, Mitzpe Ramon), the Nabatean and Israelite-period archaeology along the old spice routes, Ben Gurion’s settlement vision, and visits to the Gaza Envelope kibbutzim in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
16 articles
16 articles
How to visit the Gaza Envelope area in the wake of the October 7th massacre
A first-hand look at visiting the Gaza Envelope after October 7th — the Nova memorial, Sderot, the Shuva Achim rest stop, and the ethical considerations to weigh before you go.
Family Fun in the Desert Surroundings of Mitzpe Ramon
A family day out in Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater: bakery treats, the alpaca farm, collecting coloured sands, ibex spotting and a small desert nature reserve.
Ein Avdat, Ben Gurion’s Hut and Mitzpe Revivim
A day-trip down to the Negev with a friend: the desert oasis hike of Ein Avdat, Ben Gurion's hut at Sde Boker, the Naot goat's cheese farm and the early-settlement story of Mitzpe Revivim.
Beer Sheva and the Southern Coastal Plain
A long day through the southern coastal plain and into the Negev: Mazkeret Batya, the Museum of Philistine Culture and Ashdod Yam fortress, Ashdod Port, the Rutenberg Power Station and Beer Sheva, finishing at the Monument to the Negev Brigade.
Campus Negev Day 3: from Ovdat to Mamshit
Day 3 of the Negev campus: the Nabbatean city of Ovdat and the hidden Bor Chavarim cistern, a hike up Ein Avdat, Ben-Gurion's grave at Sde Boker and a brief stop at Mamshit before heading back to Tel Aviv.
Campus Negev Day 2: The Ramon Crater / Makhtesh Ramon
Day 2 of the Negev campus in the Makhtesh Ramon: the refurbished visitors' centre in Mitzpe Ramon, the Nabbatean khan at Saharonim, the dykes of Nachal Ardon, the Carpentry Shop and a porcupine or two at Bio Ramon.
Campus Negev Day 1: The Negev Mountains
Day one of the Negev campus. We trace the peaks of the Negev mountains, from Yerucham Park to the Large Makhtesh with its fossilised trees, and on to Ein Yorkeam and the Scorpions' Ascent.
The South in 1948
A field trip along the 1948 southern front: the Ad Halom Bridge that stopped the Egyptian advance, Kibbutz Nitzanim and the Women of Valour Centre, Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, and Kibbutz Negba where Operation Yoav broke through into the Negev.
Campus Eilat Day Four: Timna
The final day of Campus Eilat at Timna Park (King Solomon's Mines): the Arches, an ancient copper mine, the Mushroom, an Egyptian hunting-scene inscription, the Midianite temple and King Solomon's Pillars.
Campus Eilat Day Three: Southern Arava
Day three of Campus Eilat: heading up the Southern Arava — the Eilat Bird Park, the Avrona farms and fugarot tunnels, the Doum Palms, Shechoret Canyon, the Chai Bar and a desert kite, ending with a Chanukah candle lighting back in Eilat.
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