Page 19 - Discover Israel Magazine - UK edition 2020

Leoni Jesner

pproximately one third of the earth’s spectacular stargazing by night, the Negev Incense Route in southern Israel, a UNESCO
surface is canvased with desert is the world’s most friendly desert, given its World Heritage Site, which connected Arabia
landscape, which inhabits one safety, accessibility, ease of travel and reliable with the Mediterranean during the Hellenistic-
Apercent of the world’s population. cellular coverage, with the best nearby Roman period from 323BC. The section
Despite its barren climate, deserts across the medical rescue units on hand. From all the was a passageway for Nabataean farmers
globe horde a multitude of striking discoveries deserts in the world, there is no region safer and traders to transport incense, spices and
and local folklore, attracting tourists from far than the Negev. luxury goods, which travelled through many
and wide. towns where innovative agricultural remains
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been from that time still exist today.
One desert in particular, The Negev, named poured into a project coined ‘Blueprint
a top world destination by travel guide Negev,’ initiated by the Jewish National Fund Visit the breathtaking oasis of Ein Advat in
magazine Lonely Planet, presents a myriad of to develop and help ‘bloom of the desert’. the center of the Negev at Zin Valley, where
exceptional experiences for all types of traveler. In recent decades, the flourishing Negev nature, hiking and panoramic desert views
An expansive stretch of land occupying over region has been transformed into a hub of await. The Ein Advat National Park, which
half of Israel, the Negev is a study of wonder, activity, where hiking, biking and nature trails forms part of Zin Valley, the longest wadi in
where nature lovers, adventure seekers, have been carved, bird watching lookouts the Negev spanning over 60km, contains
historians and fitness buffs alike can unravel established and a network of guided tours a magnificent spring amidst the barren
its majestic beauty amid ancient backdrops, has been established. landscape, where a 15 meter high waterfall
meticulously developed into a destination and eight meter pool below are the source of
safe for the modern day explorer. A backdrop of breathtaking beauty amid livelihood of many animals in the region. Just
rocky terrain, deep craters and picturesque outside the park is the Ben Gurion Memorial
The Magic of the Negev mountains, interspersed with a magnitude of site, the burial place of David Ben Gurion,
Extending from Beersheba, the largest city deep wadis (valleys), the Negev’s splendour Israel’s first prime minister.
in the northern Negev, to Eilat in the south, spans ancient sites and archaeological ruins,
the desert’s arid climate can reach extreme impressive geological formations, stunning Experience adventure cycling through desert
temperatures of over 48°C (118.4°F) during plains and sweeping mountains. The Negev terrain throughout a plethora of routes
summer and experiences a mere 24mm of also maintains what is indigenous to the designed for bike enthusiasts of all levels.
rainfall a year. Despite this, the Negev boasts land, including the welcoming, hospitality of As the sport grows in popularity within the
a thriving agriculture, due to drip irrigation nomadic Arab tribe the Bedouins, and an region, more services to assist bikers have
technology developed in the 1960s, utilizing abundance of fascinating wildlife. become available, including bike rental
limited water resources to grow crops, from centers, repair services, tour guides and
olive groves, fruits and vegetable plantations, The Negev invites you to… accommodations throughout sections of
as well as fish farms. Discover the largest Makhtesh in the world the trails. Spectacularly adventurous, yet all
at The Ramon Crater, a strikingly unique the while safe, families can enjoy trails such
What’s more, the Negev is the heart of Israel’s geological phenomenon created from millions as the 4km cycle around Yerhuam Lake on
solar energy industry and one of the globe’s of years of water erosion. Forming Israel’s one of two routes designed to showcase the
biggest renewable energy projects, having largest national park, the Ramon Nature beauty of the region. The experienced rider
recently developed a multi-billion dollar Reserve, located at the peak of Mount Negev, can tackle the 300 km southern segment of
initiative across a four part project, featuring contains the impressive crater which spans the Israel Bike Trail throughout eight carefully
the world’s tallest solar tower, a wastewater 40km long and between two-10 kilometers developed sections across mountains,
plant and three momentous solar power wide. At the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center, craters and valleys.
plants, all in view to visitors from scenic exhibitions highlight its history and geology,
looking points in the region. and also present a memorial museum Wine taste on the remarkable Negev Wine
dedicated to Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first Route, revived with the help of Ramat
Located in close proximity to Europe, the astronaut who tragically died during the fatal Hanegev Council, which provided the land
Negev is one of the most attractive tourist Columbia Space Shuttle mission in 2003. and agricultural expertise. Located along
deserts in the world, welcoming visitors from route 40, between Beersheba and Mizpe
all walks of life experience, a stark contrast Travel the Nabataean perfume and spice Ramon, visitors can learn the stories behind
to city life. From traditional events and route on a Jeep Safari tour through a region the wineries, witness remains of the ancient
accommodations, Jeep Safari and bike tours, containing remains of Nabataean towns. wine industry and discover more about the
camel and horse back riding, rappelling and 4X4 Jeep tours transport visitors along the wine making process itself across 25 farms.

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