The Negev and Mitzpe Ramon
Stunning scenery, unique geological formations and the resting place of a desert dreamer.
The shape of the day
We head into the Negev, the desert that makes up more than half the country and that Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, believed was its future.
The centrepiece is Makhtesh Ramon, the Ramon Crater, the largest erosion crater in the world (not a meteor strike or a volcano, but a geological rarity).
We stand on the rim, then drive down into the vast canyon floor, exploring unique geological features and collecting coloured desert sands.
After a local lunch, we head to Ein Avdat, a green canyon of springs and pools cut into the desert rock, keeping an eye out for the ibexes who live in the area.
We’ll then stop at Kibbutz Sde Boker, where Ben Gurion lived out his last years and is buried on a cliff above a stunning desert view.
Time allowing, we take in Avdat, a Nabatean city on the ancient incense route and now a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sites we visit
- The Mitzpe Ramon viewpoint
- Makhtesh Ramon (the Ramon Crater floor)
- Ein Avdat
- Sde Boker & Ben Gurion’s grave
- Avdat (the Nabatean city)
Who it’s for
This day is for anyone who wants the desert at its grandest: the scale of the crater, the surprising green of a desert oasis and the story of how Israel tried to make the desert bloom.
There’s some walking, including down into Ein Avdat, with steps and a climb, set to your pace. It’s best in the cooler months; high summer is fierce (but we can adapt).
FAQ
How does it differ from the Dead Sea and Masada day?
Different desert entirely. That day is the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, with Masada above it. This is the high Negev to the south: the crater, the springs and Ben Gurion’s wilderness. Plenty of people do both.
How hot does it get, and when should we go?
The Negev is fierce in summer, so we start early and carry plenty of water; autumn to spring is the sweet spot, and the desert is glorious then. Bring a hat and sun cover whatever the season.
Can we add stargazing, a jeep tour or a desert overnight?
Yes. Mitzpe Ramon has some of the darkest skies in the country for stargazing, and there are jeep routes into the crater and lovely desert lodges if you’d like to stay over and slow the day down. Tell me what appeals and I’ll build it in.
How much walking is it?
The main effort is Ein Avdat, a canyon walk with steps; the rest is short walks and viewpoints.
We can make it gentler or more active depending on your group.
Make this itinerary yours
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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