A Local's Guide to the Negev Highlands.
The ultimate and complete guide for visitors to the Negev – everything you need to know to fully experience the Negev Highlands
Mitzpe Ramon used to be the kind of town young people leave at the first opportunity. It was conceived by central planning (soviet style) in the 1950’s and built in the middle of nowhere. Initially it served as a base for mining companies,
Ein Akev is a four to six hour circular hike (12 km) which starts about 400 meters from Krivine guesthouse. It is not challenging; it contains two easy descents and one gradual ascent. The charm of this hike is that at exactly the half-way mark
We are not Isrotel, we have four rooms. But still we need to identify them. “Take two towels to the green room”, my wife commanded me. “You mean the blue room”, I said. She is a little colour blind, my wife.
All year round coachloads of Israeli schoolchildren, soldiers, scouts and pensioners arrive to pay homage; it is an essential stop for TAGLIT groups (Birthright) and one of the few offficial locations for military ceremonies. In less than one hour they are coached in and coached out and are probably not aware that this is a university campus and that 2000 real people live here.
If you arrive at least a couple of hours before dark, this is an easy stroll to stretch your legs after the drive to the desert, a taste of what’s to come. Early morning before breakfast is also a good time for this short and level walk (one hour) but take a peaked hat as the sun will be in your eyes.
The Negev has been branded the Friendly Desert because of its scale, its moderate temperature range, and its accessibility.
You are coming to Israel this summer and you are going to skip the desert because of the heat? That makes absolutely no sense.
When I came to Israel from England 33 years ago, I stumbled into this village, a university research campus with a ridiculous view into the desert, the people were kind, unspoilt and welcoming.
Because on top of it’s own merit, Sde Boker is the heart of the Negev highland.
From here you are never far from all the attractions in the area, so by putting down your suitcases at Krivine Guesthouse for a few days you will be able to do much more than exploring the immediate surroundings.
