Negev jeep tours 4X4: Mitzpe Ramon area, the Ramon Crater, Wadi Zin (Tzin Valley) and the Spice Route

3 day Negev jeep tours 4X4: Mitzpe Ramon, the Ramon Crater tour.  Jeep trips to Wadi Zin (Tzin Valley) and the SpiceRoute & Karkom Mt.

"Here I possessed nothing in the world. I was no more than a mortal strayed between sand and stars,... 
and yet I discovered myself filled with dreams." 
Wind, Sand and Stars, Antoine De Saint - Exupery

 

{related From Jerusalem to Eilat: Options|Dead Sea & Masada Tours|Jerusalem to the Judean Desert jeep tour}

 

The New York Times is recommending Desert Eco Tours' desert trips.



We received the 'Tripadvisor Award of Excellence' of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

 

Ibex at the Ramon Ccrater
Ibex at the Ramon Ccrater
 

Mitzpe Ramon - Getting there;
Rental car, public bus via Beer Sheba or the more expensive option, by taxi.
The cost of public bus from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon return ticket is about 30$ p.p.
 
 
4x4 and hiking Desert tours in Mitzpe Ramon tips; 
The three places most worth a visit are; The Ramon Crater -  Nahal Zin and it's springs - The Incense Route.
In addition, after the spring rains, some areas of the desert come into bloom and that is also a sight worth getting out to see. 
We  recommend spending a min. of full day touring the area but for those people who don't have that much time, half day (four hour) tours are also available and touring the Ramon Crater is the better option for those shorter tours.
The popular and recommended full day (8 hour) tour from Mitzpe Ramon is taking in the sights of the Ramon Crater and the fabulous Nahal Zin is a superb way to see the best of the MItzpe Ramon desert scenery. 
Whether touring for a full day or half a day, it is always wise to select tour times that take in the fabulous desert sunset, Apart from the colors, these are the cooler and more comfortable hours for enjoying the desert views. In the summer months a full day tour from 12;00 till 20;00 is the best option. 
To really take in the full experience of the area with it's enchanting scenery and sublime desert ambiance we suggest spending a night before or after the tour in the area. 
 
 
Spring in the Negev Desert
Spring in the Negev Desert


1/2 Day Negev Jeep Tour- Mitzpe Ramon Crater (Negev jeep tours in Mitzpe Ramon)
This half day jeep tour from Mitzpe Ramon heads deep into the Mitzpe Ramon Crater. The tour begins with a ride along the edge of the crater's cliffs taking in the fabulous views. We descend the crater walls to the spring of Sahronim. Moving on to the Canyon of Paresat Nekarot where we hike in the canyon. From here its back onto the 4x4 trail to the dramatic Noah ascent which works its way up the sides of the Ramon Crater along a scenic 4x4 trail and towards Mitzpe Ramon. Returning after 4.5 hrs to Mitzpe Ramon town. This Negev tour is a private jeep tour and can be booked for morning, afternoon or sunset.
Jeep tour Price: 2 people - $495 total, 3-5 people- $545 people or more $95 each

Mitzpe Ramon Area 1 Day Tour- Best Option
Combining  days 1 and 3 of the 3 days tour program bellow into 1 day tour. That will cover the Ramon Crater and Zin Valley together into 1 full day tour 

Tour Price: 2 people- $650 total, 3-4 people- $720 in total, 5 pax- 790$,  6+people or more- $145 each. not incl lunch.
Incl. jeep and guide
not incl lunch $25 p.p. per lunch

 

Mitzpe Ramon Area 2 Day Tour- Best Option
Combining all 3 days of the 3 days program bellow into a 2 full day tour
Two day Ramon crater tour Price: 2 people $650 per person, 3-4 people- $1440 intotal 5 people: $1580, 6 people or more: $290 p.p.
Incl. jeep and guide
not incl lunch $25 p.p. per lunch

 

Negev 3 days tour (Mitzpe Ramon area)
Mitzpe Ramon is in the heart of the Negev desert south of Be'er Sheva. It is home to the largest of the Negev desert's craters- 'The Ramon Crater'. The Ramon Crater is one of Israel's' major tourist attractions, this extremely picturesque  and unusual geological formation is an ideal year-round option for nature lovers. Tours are tailored according to season and to visitor's personal requirements. Just north of Mitzpe Ramon is the Zin Valley, another scenic and highly popular desert route with visitors to the area. It has flowing springs and rock pools even during the hot summer months and in the winter months it represents the Negev desert at its finest. This is the perfect area for people wishing to experience the best of the Negev Desert.  The following three day itinerary explores the best tour routes of the Mitzpe Ramon area. The tour is by 4x4 and involves some walking.  Visitors on a limited schedule may choose a one or two day tour option from the itinerary below. Days may also be split between various sites, for example a popular option for a one day tour includes half a day spent in the Ramon Crater and the remainder of the day in the Zin valley and pools of Ein Akev. (A combination of day one and day three below.)

 

The Negev desert: Ramon Crater area
The Negev desert: Dead Sea Valley

 

Day One:  We explore many of the highlights of The Ramon crater entering through the Nekorot Valley on its western side. This Valley cuts through the crater and takes in some of the best scenery in the area. This valley is the main drainage valley of the crater during times of rain and it has a wealth of features associated with that rainfall including gorges, canyons and rock pools. The tour includes 4x4 adventure and some walking, we visit Mount Ardon, Mount Karbolet Haririm and the lowest point of the crater,  which is also the craters' only natural water source - Ein Saharonim (Saharonim Spring). We enjoy a short walk along the southern cliff edge of the crater wall and enjoy the breathtaking views. We exit the crater on its eastern side following the 'Spice route', an ancient Nabataean trading route which merchants bearing wares from Asia to Europe tread on their perilous journey to the Mediterranean coast.  This day of 4x4 adventure and hiking includes some of the craters' most dramatic scenery, its natural highlights and major historical sites. 
Accommodation choices include outdoor camping, desert Khan, guesthouses or hotels - according to preference. 
 
Day Two: We cover the western side of the crater from north to south taking in the best highlights through the Ayelot Valley and the Lotz Valley, viewing on the way the remains of the ancient agricultural systems that existed here thousands of years ago. This area is particularly scenic and depending on season, boasts a wealth of flora and fauna, some of which is unique to the area. The area is rich in Atlantic Pistachio trees some dating over 700 years old. We continue on a dramatic 4x4 route through the Lotz Valley to the Arud ascent and its spectacular views from the western side of the crater. 
Overnight according to clients preferences
 
 
Day Three; we spend the day exploring the area's largest desert Valley, the Zin Valley. Here we experience the desert at its finest. The Zin Valley is one of the most popular choices for visitors wishing to get the best of their desert experience. Its serene atmosphere and delightful views attract visitors year round. Highlights of the Valley include the Ein Zik and Eik Akev desert springs. We reach the Zin Valley via Sde Boker where we stop briefly to visit the Ben Gurion memorial on the edge of the valley walls. This day can include a visit to the Avdat ruins upon request, for those particular interested in the historic sites. This tour is an excellent year-round option and is especially suitable for families.
Meals, lunch is a hearty picnic lunch in the great outdoors. Breakfast and evening meal depend on accommodation type selected.

Trip Price:
Hotel or desert camp accommodation on HB basis available at a supplement.
3 day Ramon crater tour Price: 2 people $950 per person, 3-4 people- $2160 intotal 5 people: $2370,  6 people or more: $420 p.p.
Incl. jeep and guide
not incl lunch $25 p.p. per lunch
 
 
Tours to the Negev desert: Zin Valley
Tours to the Negev desert: Zin Valley
 

 

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Jerusalem to Eilat via the 
Negev desert
 

 
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