Negev Desert Hiking Tour
Overview
Explore the wonders of Israel’s Negev Desert on this 5-day adventure-packed hiking tour in Israel’s southern district! The famous craters of the Negev Desert are yours to discover on this challenging 80 km hike that connects 3 of the desert’s most famous craters.
This authentic Israeli desert experience will introduce you to some of Israel’s most impressive landscapes and have you conquering the Negev Desert triumphantly on foot.
Hike vast desert plains, climb mountains, and explore deep canyons. Mountain summits and cool desert springs await you on this journey that will have you experiencing Israel in a truly unique way! Book the Negev Desert Hiking Tour today!
Negev Desert Hiking Tour Overview
Explore the wonders of Israel’s Negev Desert on this 5-day adventure-packed hiking tour in Israel’s southern district! The famous craters of the Negev Desert are yours to discover on this challenging 80 km hike that connects 3 of the desert’s most famous craters.
This authentic Israeli desert experience will introduce you to some of Israel’s most impressive landscapes and have you conquering the Negev Desert triumphantly on foot.
Hike vast desert plains, climb mountains, and explore deep canyons. Mountain summits and cool desert springs await you on this journey that will have you experiencing Israel in a truly unique way! Book the Negev Desert Hiking Tour today!
Explore the depths of the largest crater in Israel, the Maktesh Ramon.
Dip your feet in the cool desert spring of Ein Akev, taking in this rare desert waterfall.
Peruse the small desert town of Dimona, immersing yourself in Israeli desert life.
Ascend to the summit of Mount Ardon, finding unparalleled views of the Negev Desert.
Trip map for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
Arrive in Dimona
Welcome to the Negev Desert! Your starting point for this tour is in the small desert town of Midreshet Ben-Gurion, where you’ll get a feel for Israeli desert life and can enjoy some time exploring and soaking up the culture. Get a good night’s rest for your highly anticipated first day of hiking tomorrow!
Horseshoes and Valleys
This morning, a short transfer will take you from your accommodations to the trailhead near the religious community of Merchav Am.
After hiking through Wadi Hatzatz, you’ll descend into the mighty Daroch Canyon—a narrow and exciting section that also features the beautiful Daroch Horseshoe rock formation.
You’ll soon be greeted by stunning views of the Zin Valley sprawling below. Making your final descent into the valley, you can opt to take a 6 km transfer in a Jeep taxi (not included) back to your accommodation, or reach it on foot by hiking the remaining 6 km.
Ancient Avdat and the Akev Springs
Today’s hike starts directly from your accommodation. The total walking distance today is 19 km, however, you can opt to take a desert Jeep transfer (not included) to bypass the first 6 km of the trail.
The first highlight of today is a steep and exhilarating climb to Hod Akev. From a flat plain on top, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Negev Desert. Descending Hod Akev, you’ll be greeted by a magical desert surprise! The Ein Akev spring awaits, a rare deep pool in the middle of the desert with icy waters perfect for a cool-down dip!
Concluding this fantastic day of hiking, you’ll reach the ancient Nabatean town of Advat, where you’ll find intriguing churches and a bathhouse from the Byzantine period. A short transfer will take you from Avdat to your guesthouse in Mitzpe Ramon.
Ramon’s Tooth
Today is all about craters! On the edge of the Ramon’s Crater sits a visitor center that boasts a panoramic observation window and an interactive exhibit. Exploring the center, you’ll have a chance to learn about the history and wonders of this area.
Back on the trail, steep descent to the bed of the crater will have you walking amidst wild desert landscape until you reach the southern wall of the crater. Having reached a major highlight for today’s hike, you’ll ascend Ramon’s Tooth to the Shen Ramon summit where you’ll find astonishing views of both the big and small Makhtesh and the surrounding Negev Desert.
After your descent, a short transfer will take you back to your accommodations in Mitzpe Ramon. Tonight there is a spectacular add-on (not included) opportunity to stargaze in the desert. This is an experience that comes highly recommended!
Views From Mount Ardon
A short transfer will take you from your accommodation to the heart of Mitzpe Ramon, where yesterday’s hike ended. Your first ascent of the day will take you to Mount Saharonim, a knife-shaped ridge that is part of the crater’s wall. Here you’ll enjoy captivating views of Ramon’s Crater.
Descending into Nekarot Wadi, you’ll hike through a beautiful horseshoe-shaped canyon known for its unique colours and rare rock formations. The grand finale of the day is reaching the foot of Mount Ardon. The ascent is tough and steep, but worth every bit of effort! Finishing off this epic journey with views of the surrounding desert and craters, you’ll want to soak up these moments.
Following your descent of Mount Ardon, a transfer will take you back to Mitzpe Ramon.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
This self-guided tour of the Negev Desert is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the pricing always depends on the number of people in your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
Departures on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
- Solo Traveller: from $1,680USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 2: from $915USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 3: from $775USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-5: from $725USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: from $675USD per person
What’s included for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
Meals
Meals are not included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers are included, except those in the itinerary explicitly mentioned as not included. Luggage is transferred daily from accommodation to accommodation.
Also Included
- Detailed briefing via Zoom
- GPS mobile app
- Hiking maps
- Hiking guidebook
- 24/7 phone support
Not Included
- Flights and transfers to the starting and ending points of the trip
- Meals not mentioned as ‘included’
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Extra nights in Dimona before the tour
- Extra nights in Mitzpe Ramon after the tour
- Optional activities:
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- Desert Star Gazing tour in Mitzpe Ramon
- Negev Camel Ranch in Dimona
- Mamshit Ancient Ruins in Dimona
- Nana Estate Winery in Mitzpe Ramon
Accommodation for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
This tour is based mostly in 3-star hotels with one night’s stay in a hostel.
All accommodations offer private rooms. The hotels are equipped with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and pleasant, and the hostel offers basic amenities. Rooms are double occupancy and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up where possible.
Frequently asked questions for Negev Desert Hiking Tour
How hard is the Negev Desert Hiking tour?
We rate this tour a 4/5. Hikers should be comfortable hiking on challenging terrain for up to 10 hours, however there are options to shorten hike times on certain days to lower the difficulty.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
What should I expect when hiking in the desert?
The winter season (December-March) is the best time for this tour, as the weather is generally not too hot and makes for comfortable hiking. While the tour is possible in November and April, there is a higher risk of hot weather during these months. Proper hydration at all times and avoiding peak heat hours (generally late afternoon) is important when hiking on this tour. Additionally, always check the weather forecast for flash flood warnings. In the case of flash floods, changes to the trek route may be necessary to ensure your safety.
Are meals included on the Negev Desert Hiking Tour?
Meals on this tour are not included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Dimona to start this tour?
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv is the closest airport to Dimona. You can take the bus and train from the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transportation from the airport or book airport transfers as part of your tour for an additional fee.
Where does the Negev Desert Hiking tour end?
The tour ends in Mitzpe Ramon, where you can take the bus to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Alternatively, you can arrange your own transportation to the airport or book airport transfers as part of your tour for an additional fee.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Israel?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Israel?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Israel for this tour?
The best time to travel to Negev Desert for trekking is between December and March, as the spring, summer, and fall months can be extremely hot.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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