TREK IN RAMON CRATER (Makhtesh Ramon self-guided)

Makhtesh Ramon is the largest geological crater in the world and unique to Israel. The crater was created by erosion of water throughout millions of years. Entering the "time tunnel" of the crater, we will go back to geological eras and view 50 million years old natural phenomena. We will take paths that will enable us to examine the special features of the crater, learn about the desert way of life and walk on ancient Nabatean routes that crossed the crater.

Trip Highlights

Mitzpe Ramon –the highest town in the Negev Mountains
Makhtesh Ramon Visitors' Center
Colored sands in the crater
A Bedouin "hafla"-feast in the crater
The famous Nabatean Spice Route

Day 1 - Sunday - Arrival and Reception

Drive from Tel Aviv to the ecological desert inn near Mitzpe Ramon. Meet the Medraft representative for briefing and receipt of the tablet with GPS, containing points of interests and recommended routes. Commence the hike on the edge of the crater, Gamal Mountain and the unique Makhtesh Ramon Visitors' Center. Overnight at an ecological desert inn in Mitzpe Ramon.

Arrival at Mitzpe Ramon –the highest town in the Negev Mountains.
Hiking on the edge of the crater and views of the crater from the Gamal (camel) Mountain.
View the interactive display of the formation of the craters in the Negev at the Makhtesh Ramon Visitors' Center.
Overnight at an ecological desert inn in Mitzpe Ramon.

Accommodation: Good tourist/First class

Meals: BB

Time: 3 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Day 2 - Monday - Descent, Unique Natural Phenomena, and Bedouin Hafla(feast)

Descend into the huge crater on the Israel Trail, arrive at the "Sawmill"-prism like rocks-a unique geological feature in the special land formation of Makhtesh Ramon. Arrival for overnight in a Bedouin tent at Beerot Camping Site.

Descend into the depths of the largest geological crater in the world
Unique natural phenomena such as prism-like rocks at the "Sawmill"
Colored sands in the crater
A Bedouin "hafla"-feast in the crater

Accommodation: Bedouin tent

Meals: BB

Difficulty: moderate

Distance: 20 km

Ascent: 150 m

Day 3 - Tuesday - on the Ancient Nabatean Route and Return to Mitzpe Ramon

Continue the hike and join the famous Spice Route as we ascend Ma'ale Mahmal Pass to the summit of the crater, and from there proceed to the Israel Trail leading back to Mitzpe Ramon.

The famous Nabatean Spice Route
Ma'ale Mahmal –the pass that led the route from the crater to the sea.
Conclude the trek at Mitzpe Ramon.

Difficulty: moderate

Distance: 23 km

Ascent: 400 m

From $548

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Upcoming Dates

Flexible - Up to your choice.

Including

Your Contact person from MEDRAFT staff will meet you at the airport upon arrival or at your hotel
Assistance and briefing at the airport or at the hotel upon arrival
Virtual guide kit which includes: Maps, vouchers and a tablet loaded with the maps and GPS orientation of the itinerary with virtual guiding at all the sites and points of interest.
Accommodation - 1 hotel nights including daily breakfast in good tourist/first class hotels according to your choice
Accommodation - 1 Bedouin Tent nights including breakfast
Rented car –intermediate category - Mazda 3 or similar (upgrade at your choice)