Freedom Day has arrived, and with it thousands of Israelis looking for a vacation with clear air, wild nature, and a sense of liberation – especially when we are still in the midst of a difficult period, to say the least.
This time, for a change, we head out to the desert: a "museum" of natural, ancient beauty, where nature stars in all its glory - rare animals, spectacular geological phenomena, and unparalleled landscapes.
And if the question has arisen in your mind: "What does a seafarer have to do with desert nature?" – the answer is: ecology, natural migration, and direct connections to the sea, which sometimes also benefit him.
The Negev and its secrets
This time, the journey takes us to the Negev and the secrets of the desert. The north is not only blooming, but in relation to the dry season – even impressively so. The south also hides plants and animals that most of the public is unfamiliar with, as not everyone has had the privilege of experiencing the desert up close – that wild space full of surprises.
Safety comes first.
As with any trip in nature, and especially in the desert, precautions should be taken: be sure to carry plenty of water, wear a hat, and avoid touching or overturning rocks. The desert is fragile, and many lives depend on preserving their environment.
Spectacular landscapes and unique phenomena
The Negev Plateau and the western Negev are home to wadis, cliffs, crevices, and unusual rock formations – all of which present intriguing geological phenomena. Among other things, in the Arava and on the slopes of Sodom, you can still find the desert yam, a beautiful but short-lived desert plant.
Unique wild plants
The Hashel trees, for example, emit salt from their leaves and create a "dead" area around them, where nothing grows. This is further evidence of the uniqueness of the desert flora, which is adapted to the extreme conditions in the south of the country.
Water in the Desert – A Rare Treasure
The fertile Nahal Fora and the Ruhama Stream are well-known among travelers. At their heart is a small lake that, when there is water in it, fills with tiny creatures that appear for a short period of time – a wonder of nature.
Availability, accessibility and experiences
Nowadays, with the technology at our disposal, it is easy and convenient to reach all the places mentioned here. Each destination mentioned is easily accessible via GPS. Encountering nature is not just a hobby, but part of the work and mission – to share with you personal and authentic experiences from the field.
Recommendations for routes
Hol Hamoed is an excellent opportunity to travel in the south. Here are a few particularly recommended sites: Nitzana Sands, Nitzana Hamoki, the Kibbutz Revivim area, Ramat Beka and Nahal Sachar.
Access to Nahal Sachar, for example, is very easy – a few minutes walk from the gas station opposite Ramat Beka to the west. All of these areas – Nahal Havarim, Mashaby Sde, the craters – are teeming with unique life.
A night in the desert – another world
Nightlife in the desert is completely different. For those unfamiliar with the area, it is better to settle for daytime trips. But for the experienced, the desert at night is a breathtaking experience.
Internal migration – up to the north
Some of the insects featured in the article also arrived in the north of the country, as part of internal migration processes - not always desirable, but they are an existing reality.
For example, when locust swarms invaded the country, some of the individuals fell into the sea – and served as food for fish. This is how reports of “good fishing,” as the fishermen call it, were received.
To love – even if it’s scary
Everyone sees nature from a different angle: some are disgusted by insects, scorpions, spiders, beetles, and more. But in nature, every creature plays an important role. In the Revivim area, you can see porcupine burrows – the hallmark is the thorns scattered around them.
It is important to remember: the porcupine is a protected animal, not a pet – and should not be approached.
The stars of the desert night
On the sand dunes, you can find a variety of beetles such as sandflies and anteaters, and sometimes even night-active beetles that are attracted to light.
The hawk may not be handsome in the classical sense – but it is an impressive, useful, and non-venomous animal. It may bite in self-defense, but it is not dangerous.
Scorpions and scorpions – see but do not touch
The Akshovim are active at night and in the early morning hours – for example, around Kibbutz Revivim.
Needless to say: do not touch scorpions – ever.
Among the beetles appearing here in the article, you will also find some of the most beautiful.
In my personal opinion, there are no “ugly” creatures in nature. Scary? Maybe. Repulsive? Maybe, but having said that – every creature is a world in itself.
The Desert – A Living, Breathing Nature Museum
When the sea is calm – I head to the desert. For me, the desert is a dry laboratory and an open museum – a place to learn, explore, and marvel at. I recommend everyone discover the extraordinary beauty of the Israeli desert – completely different from the familiar green north.
Every creature has a role.
Remember that every creature that exists in nature, even if it is tiny or scary, has an important role.
Wishing you a happy holiday, and may we soon receive the return of our loved ones from captivity, and the return of our heroic soldiers to peace.
And finally, a practical note – all the sites mentioned here can be easily located with GPS.
Dear Moti, what an interesting and fascinating article, your recommendations for places to visit, especially during this period and when the children are free, are great! And the pictures of the creatures are spectacular in their own way! It is certainly true that every creature has a role in the world, even a very small one. According to this analogy, we can compare it to a clock with hands, a clock has many very small parts and they all need to work for the clock to function properly. It is enough that one of the smallest screws of the clock does not work - and then the clock will no longer be able to show us the time and fulfill its role! The same goes for the creatures! Everyone has a role! And they fulfill it excellently. Good luck!
Regarding the picture of the locust dropping – in my opinion this is a mistake, the dropping is in a hole 10-15 cm deep in soft, moist sandy soil, and not on the surface.
As always, an informative, interesting, intriguing, and professional article.
As usual, another article by Moti – intriguing and encouraging to go out into the field and have fun.
Wow, Moti, you are a true naturalist with the power of your senses.
And your soul so understands the fun of seeing, discovering, putting even a small insect in it and enjoying it.
Regarding the desert, there is no doubt that anyone who thinks that the desert has one shade of color is in for a complete surprise of colors, life, and incredible richness (I briefly enjoyed this southern beauty).