The Blue Road
The fastest road to go from our guesthouse to the Dead Sea is via Yeruham and Dimona (in blue on the map). It will take you an hour and twenty minutes to reach Ein Bokek. A bit more if you are going to Ein Gedi or Massada. But fastest doesn’t always mean the most interesting.
Yeruham and Dimona are two development towns created from nothing in the 50’s. Going through them shouldn’t leave a huge impression on you. The story of the new immigrants (mainly uneducated people from Morroco and India) who were dumped in these places really needs to be told and some efforts are being made in this direction. But it is only the beginning and unfortunately, for the moment, these efforts are only aimed at the Hebrew speaking public. Which is why we intend to write a post on the subject shortly.
An interesting community in Dimona is the Hebrew Israelite community. Afro-Americans from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and other northeastern cities, believing themselves to be ‘lost tribe’ Jews returned to Israel in the late 1960’s. Not knowing what to do with them the authorities sent them to Dimona in the full expectation that they wouldn’t last a month. 50 years later they have grown and prospered in Dimona, Mitzpe Ramon and Jerusalem, vegan, clean living, cohesive and confident. We tell the full story elsewhere.
The Orange Road
But for those who are not always looking for the shortest and fastest way to get from one point to the other, we always suggest a short detour in order to experience the Yeruham Makhtesh and the Small Makhtesh.
Although Makhtesh Ramon (Crater) is by far the biggest and the most visited, it is not the only Makhtesh in the Negev. There are two other erosion cirques of the same kind and by driving through the orange road on the map, you go through one of them.
The Green Road
We used to suggest that our guests take the road marked in green (#227), but it is now closed because of flood damage and it could be a while until it re-opens. It is a shame as it could very well be the most scenic road in Israel. Actually, we were there today and for the first time in months, it looks like they might be preparing for some repair work. We will, of course, keep you posted.
Going down to the Dead Sea
Whatever road you chose to take, you will always be on for a beautiful descent. Since the Dead Sea in situated 500 m below sea level, you will understand that going down to the Dead Sea is not just a figure of speech.
Ramon Crater vs Yeruham Crater
The Yeruham crater is not on the international tourist map and is virtually ignored by foreign visitors. This is a shame as it offers some of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in Israel and is well loved and appreciated by the locals. For serious hikers, these hikes are actually full day undertakings. One is the ‘Karbolet‘ known to be the most beautiful and most difficult section of the Israel National Trail. Another is Nahal Hatira which crosses the whole crater. Neither of these hikes are loops so there is some logistics involved.
Don’t think that because they are both part of the same geological phenomenon, it will be an exact replica of the Ramon crater, just smaller and less interesting. The walls, the colors, the textures… They are indeed quite different
The Yeruham Crater being much smaller, you are able to see the bowl in it’s integrality, from wall to wall. Also, it is like a smaller and more concentrated version, much hillier.
A few ideas for stopping on the road
There are a few places where you could stop. They are all short stops so you could choose to make one stop or several (for a full day), depending on the time you have. We will write about each of these activies in the future.
1. Lookout from Mount Avnon
2. The colourful sands and the Small Fin (with children) or the Great Fin (more challenging). Between 1 and 2 hours.
3. The spring of Ein Yorkeam (15 minutes from the road)
4. Gev Yamin (dunes and water), 1h30
5. Mamshit (Nabatean city, hike in the riverbed of Mamshit, Mamshit Camel Ranch)
6. The Hebrew israelite Community in Dimona (vegan restaurant)
7. Irus Yeruham Park (February March, blooming season). About half an hour.
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