At the start of 1954 David Ben Gurion announced that he would be resigning from politics and would move to Sde Boqer. This astounded the Israeli public, not the least the young pioneers who had created the the communal farm three years previously. His immediate entourage also had one or two reservations.
Category: Essentials
Hikes, sights, activities you can not miss while touring the Negev Highland.
Renting a bike
I have a confession to make. I am not exactly a lover of the great outdoors. In fact, before we started writing this blog, my idea of a perfect and well spend day involved a good book and comfortable mattress.
The Sculpture Park in Mitzpe Ramon
Because you can never get enough of this view
I wrote a separate post about the Albert Promenade (the red line on the map), a scenic walk that runs the length of Mitzpe Ramon along the rim of the makhtesh, a one hour hike, and I mentioned in that post that this walk has an extension that leaves the town behind and runs through a sculpture park. I referred to it as the fifth stretch. Well, this is it (orange line on the map).
The Nabateans
Masters of the incense route
From time immemorial, there was a demand in Europe for spices and precious items from the East. The only route (via Yemen) to Europe (via Gaza) was overland, across 2200 km of empty desert as there was no economic sea route.
A Scenic Walk along the Cliff at Mitzpe Ramon (including the Albert Promenade)
A three km walk along flat, even surface with optional side-climbs. The Ramon makhtesh is so huge that just seeing it from a single vantage point would be a shame. Bring a pullover and binoculars. This walk should not be undertaken in conditions of extreme heat or extreme wind. A sunny cool day in winter (November – March) or late afternoon in summer; early morning in the summer is also an option but you will have the sun directly in your eyes.
Ein Avdat National Park
Of all Israel’s National Parks this is one of the most striking, most accessible. An easy hike of 15 minutes each way, suitable for all ages, it brings you to a spectacular spring at the junction of two towering cliffs of limestone which are home to dozens of nesting birds.
Top 10 things to do in Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon
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,
Hike to Ein Akev and Magda’s tent
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
A Stroll Along the Cliff to Paula and David Ben Gurion’s Grave
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.
A Stroll along the Cliff to the Sculpture Park
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.
