The surprising beauty of the Negev Desert

 

When we typically think of a desert, we think of a desolate and foreboding place. One of endless sand dunes, harsh windstorms, and emptiness.

Isreal's Negev Desert is indeed a foreboding and rugged place, but it is also so much more. It is a place of natural beauty and surprises. A land rich in history and significance. A place of rocks, and outcroppings, waterfalls and caves. It's might not be a place everyone wants to visit, but the splendor of God's craftsmanship and design awaits those that do.

Covering nearly half of Israel's total land mass, understanding and appreciating the Negev Desert is a part of understanding and appreciating Israel itself. While the land is harsh and can be unforgiving, with temperatures exceeding 40c in the summer time (one of the reasons it is sparsely populated, with only a little over 550,000 people living in the total area), it is also a place of great beauty, internationally recognized for its unique ecology. Lonely Planet has named it one of the top 10 Best in Travel lists for "adventure and activities off the beaten track."

The reason for its popularity lies in the sheer diversity of the area. Long low plains or red dirt stretch out for miles, only to give way to majestic mountain faces and beautiful cliff sides. These ranges are themselves are dotted with hidden caves and alcoves, yawning canyons, and even small patches of green. Springs and groves are interspersed among the rocky surroundings, the occasional small oasis in the desert. The mix creates a magical feeling to the land, the kind of place that normally is reserved for story books and the imagination. But, the Negev is real for anyone who wants to experience it for themselves.

There are a surprising number of sites to see in the Negev. While you might not think a desert would have much in the way of attractions, you need to remember that this is Israel, a land steeped in history and natural wonders.

For example, the Ramon Crater is a naturally occurring site that begs for exploration. Originally assumed to be the result of a massive meteor strike, the crater is actually the result of large scale geological shifts over an extended period of time. The 40 kilometer crater made of striking yellow and red hued earth forms a large part of Israel’s largest national park and boasts a number of natural treasure for intrepid explorers to discover. Sites like Shen Ramon (Ramon's Tooth), a ridge of jagged rocks created by hardened magma, or the "Carpentry Shop,” a naturally occurring formation of prismatic columns of quartzite have an other worldly feel to them. 

The desert is also home to Tel Be'er Sheva, the site of the biblical town of Beersheba. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these ancient ruins have been preserved over the past centuries, providing a unique view into the history of the Holy Land. Many landmarks are still identifiable throughout the time ravaged foundations and crumbling walls, including the old town gates, the city tower, and Abraham's well. 

As beautiful as the Negev Desert is, it is still a place of wild nature and needs to be treated as such. Exploring the Negev can be done safely, but it requires some thought and preparation. For most people, the best idea would be to join an organized tour or hiking group. These groups have per-determined trails that will highlight the beauty of the area while also providing the security of numbers and assistance should anyone twist an ankle or start to get a little too much sun. 

If you do decide to join a tour, remember to bring plenty of water!