A Family Sukkot Vacation at Har HaNegev Field School

Photos: Yoss Steibel, Rotem Arviv, Hagai Gutwein, Tomer Avni, Mirit Kashles, Hillel Peleg, Dudu Katzin

About the Activity

The holiday of Sukkot is an opportunity to pause for a moment, take a break from routine, and enjoy quality family time in the heart of the desert. Har HaNegev Field School invites you to a vacation combining hikes through the landscapes of the Ramon Crater, an introduction to the world of animals and stars, hands-on experience with ancient crafts, and quality family time in a desert atmosphere.

Friday – Welcoming the Holiday with a Desert Sunset

15:00 | Arrival and room check-in

17:00–18:30 | Sunset tour around the field school

We will set out on an easy walking route around the field school to a high lookout point to the west. We will depart from Ma’ale Yael, hear Yael’s story, and learn about ibexes and the importance of protecting nature and desert wildlife. We will end the day facing the desert landscapes at sunset.

19:00 | Festive dinner in the sukkah / dining room

20:30–21:30 | An evening of nature, animals, and stars

We will learn about the desert’s fascinating animals and the ways they manage to survive in extreme conditions. Then we will look up at the desert sky and learn about the solar system, stars, and constellations visible at night.

Saturday – Hiking in the Heart of the Ramon Crater

08:00–09:00 | Breakfast and packed lunch

09:30 | Departure for a hike in Nekarot Horseshoe and Ein Saharonim

We will descend into the heart of the Ramon Crater for a family-friendly route through desert landscapes. We will walk through Nekarot Horseshoe between impressive rock walls, reach Ein Saharonim, and learn about the desert environment and the remains of the ancient Nabataean inn.

14:00 | Arrival at the field school

14:00–16:30 | Time to rest and freshen up

Time to enjoy the desert atmosphere, rest, and freshen up before the next activity.

16:30–18:00 | Ancient crafts workshop

We will travel back in time and learn about life in the desert in the past. We will try out ancient crafts and techniques and create together in a shared family activity.

19:00–20:00 | Dinner in the sukkah / dining room

20:30–22:00 | Scorpion tour in the orchard

After dark, we will set out for a nighttime tour in the field school’s orchard. Using special lighting, we will search for desert scorpions and get a close-up look at the fascinating nocturnal natural world of the Negev.

Sunday – Final Morning in the Desert

08:00–10:00 | Breakfast

11:00 | Vacating rooms and check-out

Includes accommodation, dinner, breakfast, packed lunch, and, of course, high-quality professional guidance based on intimate familiarity with the nature of the area.

The Vacation Includes Full Hospitality at Har HaNegev Field School

🔹 Air-conditioned ground-level accommodation rooms, each with a shower and toilet

🔹 Kosher kitchen and dining room (there is no self-catering kitchen)

🔹 Air-conditioned classrooms equipped for instruction, study days, and conferences

🔹 Clubhouse with a coffee/tea corner and television

🔹 Synagogue

🔹 Campfire area, a sheltered outdoor seating area, and a view of the Ramon Crater

🔹 Friday – holiday dinner; Saturday – breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner; Sunday – breakfast.

Please note: payment for a room is required for a minimum of 2 adults.

For questions and inquiries regarding the vacation: [email protected]

Important Information

Activity area:
The Negev

Target audience:
Families; suitable for baby carriers

Difficulty level:
Easy

Walking duration:
Easygoing – flat terrain with a gentle climb

Route length:
Approximately 4–5 km

Required equipment:
Comfortable, closed walking shoes; hat; water; sunscreen.

Please Note

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel reserves the right to cancel or change the activity according to weather, security, and safety conditions, and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place subject to a minimum number of registrants. Notification will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Children up to the age of 2 are free of charge. Please indicate the number and ages of the children at checkout.