Ah, Mitzpe Ramon, a jewel in the Negev desert, it really is one of the hidden treasures of Israel. Not so much the town of Mitzpe Ramon itself, but the magnificent Ramon Crater that sits on the edge of town.
We recently added a new article about Mitzpe Ramon after spending 3 awesome days there!
And for savvy travelers seeking out eco-tourism hideouts and awesome hiking trails away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy cities, Mitzpe Ramon is definitely one to add to the must-see list.
Mitzpe Ramon is a small town in the Negev desert, and remains a relatively undiscovered eco-tourism destination, but that makes it all the more enticing. With a vast array of accommodation options and a complex network of hiking routes traversing remarkably stunning terrain, even the most jaded tourist will be won over by a relaxing holiday in Mitzpe Ramon.
When in Mitzpe Ramon, the operative word has to be “outdoors”. The picturesque sites in the area, especially those around the massive Ramon Crater (known in Hebrew as Makhtesh Ramon) are best viewed by hiking.
Before setting out on any hike in the area, you should always check with the Visitor’s Center (located at the edge of the crater) about the latest weather and accessibility issues (if any) and always let them know of your route and planned time of departure. Accidents are rare, but it’s always best to be safe than sorry, eh? Also take note that hiking after sundown is illegal, as is wandering off the beaten trail, as many military installations dot the area.
Once you get these technical complications out of the way, feel free to navigate the hiking trails at your leisure. Our personal recommendation is the Har Ardon trail. Though one of the more strenuous paths available, the vast rock formations along the route have their own cruel beauty and are a must-see for any visitor. It’s best to start from the Be’erot camping site. The path might be a bit long for some – about 11 kilometres – so for less able-bodied visitors, jeeps or camels are great ways to see the sights and allow you to pack more trails into one day.
If you’re going to hike, our philosophy is you might as well go the whole hog and bring the camping gear too. The Be’erot camping site in Mitzpe Ramon is very well equipped, including facilities such as clean bathrooms, running water and an open Bedouin tent where local delicacies as well as hot beverages are served.
For those looking to rough it or avoid the maintenance fee charged by the Be’erot owners, check out the list of more basic designated camping sites in the Visitor’s Center. If you have plans to sing songs beside a roaring camp fire remember to bring wood from outside the nature reserve as burning local flora is forbidden.
If you’d rather not camp, the town of Mitzpe Ramon offers a charming range of rustic accommodation. The Isrotel Ramon Inn (+972-8-6588822) is the local luxury hotel with well-furnished rooms and a delicious sense of old-world decadence despite its cosy exterior. For more budget hotels, the Hangar Adama (+972-8-6595190) is a good choice, offering camping sites, bunk-bed dormitories and mudhouses.
Another great attraction to catch is Tel Aviv’s University’s Wise Observatory. The Negev region boasts the least polluted skies in Israel and, in fact, most of the Middle East. Constellations are easily visible, and yes, you could catch a glimpse of many a shooting star. More to the point, standing in the middle of the desert under a sky of such immense proportions, one feels a sense of cosmic insignificance.
One thing we have to point out and remind all visitors to Makhtesh Ramon – remember to practise sustainable tourism! Mitzpe Ramon remains relatively untouched due to a moderate volume of visitors. Do your part to preserve the natural scenery and the local economy, which is becoming increasingly tourism-reliant, by following the guidelines laid out at the Visitor’s Center.
How to get to Mitzpe Ramon
It’s fairly easy to get to Mitzpe Ramon, which is some 85km south of Beer Sheva, and on the road (Highway 40) to the Red Sea resort of Eilat. There are hourly buses to Eilat from Beer Sheva, and almost as many in the return direction. If you’re heading to Eilat, check out our top ten things to see and do in Eilat.
Enjoy your visit!
