Our Negev
A Vast Variety of Primeval Panoramas, Hiking Routes, and Attractions
The Negev Highlands offer a vast variety of magnificent primeval panoramas. Some of the most magnificent sites are in the area of the craters. These are a unique natural phenomenon where visitors can see nature in all Her glory. The craters are the largest nature reserve in Israel, and contain a fascinating variety of fauna and flora. The Negev Highlands are filled with numerous hiking trails, cycling paths, and many other attractions.
The modern Negev is identified with David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister. His famous declaration: “It is in the Negev that the People of Israel will be tested” shows the vast importance that he attributed to the Negev during the early years after the formation of the State of Israel. Ben Gurion’s vision was delayed while the country invested many resources in other areas, but in recent years there has been an amazing trend of settlement in the Negev in the spirit of Ben Gurion’s vision. Families are coming to the Negev inspired by ideology and Zionism and are traveling the routes that were paved by Ben Gurion. These include new communities, religious towns, single family farms, moshavim of farmers who are motivated to deal with the many difficulties, and groups intent on settling in the development towns, Many residents are willing to open their homes and allow visitors to discover the lifestyle that led them to settle in the Negev.
The Negev has been a paradise for adventurers since the establishment of the State of Israel. Hikers with knapsacks wandered alone in the desert without seeing another living soul. Drivers of four-wheel-drive vehicles were drawn to the rugged open spaces. Cyclists discovered goat trails and converted them into exciting single cycling paths, and horseback and camel riders rode over the desert sands.
The Park of Rock Drawings and Salam El Wadj’s Bedouin Tent
A 4.5-kilometer circular hiking path from the farm crosses through the park of rock drawings and continues to Salam El Wadj’s Bedouin tent and back to the farm. The hike takes 2-3 hours and the path is marked with pictograms of ancient rock drawings carved into the rocks. The end of the path connects to a dirt road leading to Salam El Wadj’s tent. Visitors can rest in the tent and purchase a light meal of Bedouin tea, pita, and labaneh (flat bread and cheese)
Visitors can also walk up the path from the farm to the Lifa Gal Lookout Point and continue to the park by a shorter route of 1.5 kilometers and return to the farm after an hour’s walk.
Cycling Paths and Hiking Routes Near Mount Arkab

Cycling Paths and Hiking Routes Near Mount Arkab
1-4 hours, Moderate to Difficult
This is a new and exciting hiking area that has recently been marked and opened to the public. The area offers a variety of attractive cycling routes and hiking trails that are suitable to hikers and cyclists with varying abilities ranging from rugged hiking paths for experienced hikers to easy paths suitable for families with children.
The area includes numerous archeological and historical attractions and ancient rock drawings, 4,200-year-old burial sites, ancient farms, and other attractions.

Hike to Nachal Haverim and Ein
Leave the farm on the dirt road and cross the road to the eastern side. Walk northward on the dirt road that runs parallel to the main road. At the end of the descent turn right until you enter the Nachal Haverim Riverbed. The route is marked in red. And further on the route is marked in black. Follow the black markings southward to Ein Avdat. Walk south along the road to the entrance. There is an entrance fee . Check the visiting hours before you take this hike. Walk along the canyon past the spring and pool and then climb the stairs carved in the rock through the poplar grove. Then climb the iron ladder past the Monks’ Caves to the top of the canyon. Visit the lookout point at the top of the 200-foot Ein Ma’arif waterfall. From there you can walk across the flat back to the farm. The route back is not marked.

The Ramon Crater
The Ramon Crater is the largest crater in the Negev and is known for its spectacular panoramas and unique geological phenomena: sand dunes crossed by dikes that are millions of years old, multi-colored sands, flowing streams, canyons, cliffs, and “the Carpentry Shop” – a group of prism-shaped quartzite rocks that look like the backyard of a carpentry shop.
The Ramon Crater is a 20-minute drive from Carmey Avdat.

Ben Gurion’s Cabin and Grave
Children on school field trips, youth groups, and tourists from all over the world embark on pilgrimages to Ben Gurion’s cabin and grave. The humble simplicity of the cabin on Kibbutz Sde Boker where David Ben Gurion and his wife Paula spent their final years, and their tremendous spirit and vision that inspire all of us offer visitors a sense of longing and nostalgia.
The graves of David and Paula Ben Gurion at Midreshet Ben Gurion are surrounded by a beautiful park overlooking the breathtaking view of Nachal Zin. It is best to visit the site at sunrise or sunset.
Ben Gurion’s cabin and grave are a 10-minute drive from Carmey Avdat.

The Ancient City of Avdat
Avdat was a major city on the Spice Route that led from Gaza to Yemen as well as the center of the ancient winemaking industry in the Negev. Caravans carried grapes to the winery in Avdat during the harvest season. The wines were stored in the wine cellars and storerooms that were carved into the limestone slopes before being transported to all areas of the Nabataean Kingdom by caravan.
The ruins of the ancient city of Avdat are a five-minute drive from Carmey Avdat.

Ein Avdat
Ein Avdat is the largest spring in the area of Sde Boker. The spring flows through its majestic canyon throughout the year and is an essential place to visit for anyone touring the Negev Highlands. Ibexes can be seen scampering along the steep walls of the canyon or drinking from the spring. Hikers can climb the walls of the canyon using the iron ladders to visit the monks’ caves, the waterfall, and a poplar grove of impressive trees.
There are several more springs at Ramat Avdat such as Ein Akev, Upper Ein Akev, Ein Zik, and Ein Sharav that can be reached only with a four-wheel drive vehicle or by hiking on foot.
Ein Avdat is a 10-minute drive from Carmey Avdat.

The Ramon Crater Visitors’ Center
The visitors’ center is located at the entrance to the Ramon Reserve. Visitors can view an exciting sound and light show about the area as well as films that show interesting places to hike and explore. The information station provides visitors with recommendations of places to hike, current weather reports, conditions in the area, and other places to visit
The visitors’ center is a 20-minute drive from Carmey Avdat.


The Negev was once considered an isolated and desolate area with few possibilities to offer visitors. Today the Negev offers numerous attractions that cater to many different interests. Contact the hosts of any of these activities for more information.
Shachar Argaman: Yoga lessons on the farm
0509060722
Geofan Bicycle Rentals
052-5891099 (Available on WhatsApp)
Geofan Website
Midreshet Ben Gurion and Mitzpeh Ramon
Ayelet Kogel offers massage Treatments in her clinic at Midreshet Ben Gurion.
052-5364966
Midreshet Ben Gurion and Mitzpeh Ramon
Kobi Bar-Or – Massage Treatments – Available on the farm
054-4660588
Midreshet Ben Gurion
Haim Berger – Stargazing, Jeep Excursions, Camelback Hikes, and Night Safaris
054-5343797
Near Mitzpeh Ramon
Moshe Gallantz – Beer Workshop, Stargazing
052-7276100
Yeruham
Noa Brant – Smartphone Photography Workshop
052-3691730
Pitchat Nitzana
Irus Hayun – Photography and Medicinal Herb Workshops
052-3691730
Mitzpeh Ramon
Rinat Bar Netzer – Ceramics Workshop.
050-2036923
Midreshet Ben Gurion
Ella Milo – Jewelry Making Workshop.
050-3303251
Kamahin
Bedouin Hospitality
Many Bedouins live in the Negev. Some still adhere to their traditional lifestyle of living in tents, herding camels and sheep, and cooking their meals over an open fire. There are several Bedouin tents in the area that offer tourists the opportunity to experience Bedouin hospitality, drink tea prepared over a campfire, and eat pita (flatbread) and labaneh (cheese), and learn about the Bedouins’ way of life. There are also several families who receive guests in their family tent and offer an even more authentic experience.
Yahala Salm Camp (Hosted by Salam)
054-3510824
Visit an authentic traditional Bedouin tent in the heart of the desert. Enjoy warm Bedouin hospitality and learn more about Bedouin life in the past and present from Salam. Enjoy authentic food prepared by Najakh.
Eid El Kashakhar’s Tent
053-7762166
Experience traditional Bedouin hospitality and learn about the Bedouins’ lives in the past and present. Join camel hikes, trips to archeological sites in the area, stargazing, and workshops for preparing wool to create handmade rugs and jewelry.
These restaurants are located in our area. We recommend that you call to verify if the restaurant is open and make a reservation.
Hechavit Bar and Restaurant
📍Mitzpeh Ramon
Open Sundays to Thursdays, 1:00 – 10:00 PM
08-658-8226
Susomia (Mediterranean Cuisine)
📍Mitzpeh Ramon
Open Sunday, Wednesday – Saturday, 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Call 055-318-2300 to make reservations.
Pub Haberech (Bar and Restaurant)
📍Mitzpeh Ramon
Open Monday – Saturday 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
052-697-5971
Café Gina (Coffee house and Restaurant)
📍Mitzpeh Ramon
Open Tuesday – Saturday
050-6492151
Café Kibbutz
📍Mitzpeh Ramon
Open Sunday to Friday
050-6062652
HaKnaniya (Coffee House an Deli)
📍Midreshet Sde Boker
Open Sunday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM
058-727-4965
Pub 40 (Bar and Restaurant)
📍Kibbutz Tlalim
Open 7 days a week from 12:00 – 11:00 PM
058-501-1712
This information is provided as a service. We are not responsible for the quality of service.
