The Negev desert, is a beautiful rocky desert in Southern Region of Israel, but actually it covers more than half of the country’s land.
The origin of the word ‘negev’ comes from the Hebrew, meaning ‘dry’.
To commun surprise, the Negev Desert is full of life place. Traditional nomadic tribes have been living here for centuries, moving seasonally from one place to another. According to scientist, the nomadic life in the Negev dates back at least 4,000 years, if not even 7,000 years!!! ?
Nowadays there are modern Israeli communities can be found in such towns like Mitzpe Ramon or Sde Boker, from where one can admire a magnificent view over the rocky desert mountains or to start a trail between the rockies.
The starting point can be Avdat National Park, a beautifully reconstructed ancient city that used to be the most important one after Petra on the ancient trade route, called “Incense road”, crossing the Arabian Peninsula from Petra to the port of Gaza and further to other parts of Roman Empire, between the 1st century BC and the VII century AD but was absolutely abandoned in 630 AD. It served as a seasonal camping ground for thousands of Nabataean camel caravans, travelling along the deserted Petra–Gaza road with precious spices, incenses, accompanied by security guards, food & water supplies.
Now one can find only ruins of magnificent churches that were built here, as well the caves & sophisticated water storage systems, constructed in that way, that until now the scientists cannot understand the technologies that were used !!!
I would recommend to join the guided tour organized by the Visitors’ center every other hour, as well as the crafts master class for kids & adults if you have a chance! As well as to visit Ein Avdat creek. But don’t be too late to come, the territory of the park closes at 3.45 p.m. on the enterence.
Next destinstion after Avdat can be Makhtesh Ramon Crater, 30 minutes drive from Avdat.
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*Even though Makhtesh Ramon means “Ramon crater” in Hebrew, it is not the crater from meteorite, nor from volcanic eruption. It is the world’s largest natural “erosion crater” .
Hundreds of millions of years ago, the Negev desert was covered by an ocean. Due to tectotic movements the ocean started to move to the north, leaving behind a steep cliff.
In this way, approximately 5 million years ago, the valley started to form with rivers carving the inside of the crater much faster than the surrounding walls because of its softer rock.
The crater gradually washed out, reaching the deepest point of 500 m (1600 ft) below the sea level.
There is only one settlement in the Ramon crater area, the small town of Mitzpe Ramon. Its name means “the viewpoint over Ramon crater” & it suits it very well since you may see this amazing sunrises over the crater right from the edge of the town!
There are no “working hours” of Ramon Crater, but there is a Visitors center, as well as several restaurants & hotels around so you can stay here for a night to enjoy the desert, the sunset & the sunrise in this magic place!
