Trips in the South

The Golden Trail at Lahav Forest - to the Sternbergia Blossoms There is a short path marked by the KKL-JNF called "The Golden Trail" (in early November, the Sternbergias blossom all around the slopes west of the trail). It is a circular trail marked in yellow, and all sites along it have explanation plaques. Getting there? Turn east at Dvira Junction. 2.4 km after the entrance to Kibbutz Dvir, turn south (right) on a dirt road (accessible to all vehicles). After 1.6 km, turn left. Drive 650 m and find a well on the right side of the road. It is called Be'er Tilla. The entire route is well-signed. Along the slope, yellow flowers gleam in an impressive golden bloom (in season). You can reach the blooming Sternbergias directly by turning right (east) from road 3255 at the signs toward Khirbat Abu Hof. Continue straight until you see a sign directing you on the left...

The Shaked Commando Unit Park, which covers about 6 thousand sqm, is located in a lovely ravine that forms the Ofakim stream. The KKL-JNF began planting it in 1987, and it is one of the most unique forestry sites in Israel. The loess soil and rainfall regime, about 200 mm a year, are similar to large areas in the Negev, so the KKL-JNF established a research station there to draft interfaces for the continuation of planting and grazing in the Negev. The station is managed in collaboration with researchers from Ben Gurion University and is sister to two other stations in Lahavim and Sde Boker. Ridges and ravines formed after the rain cut off the park's main road from the iron bridge. However, you can get there by private car from the road on the west side of the iron bridge. Remember: Sometimes, walking a short distance to the observatory and...

Getting there: The Shikma trail is located between Or HaNer and Ibim jJunction - drive on Road 232, which connects Givati ​​Junction to Sha'ar HaNegev Junction. At Ibim Junction, turn towards the entrance gate to the complex. On the right side, in front of the gate, we can see a dirt road maintained by the KKL-JNF that leads towards the Ibim parking lot. The Shikma Creek Trail, where we are now, is part of a larger project connecting our route with a longer axis to conserve the "Shikma Region" - a space featuring landscape and environmental values: shifting sands, ravines and eolianite ridges, streams, desert landscapes, open countryside and agricultural fields. Continue with the trail until you reach the entrance to Kibbutz Or HaNer. Then continue on the road winding right and see the impressive channel of Shikma Creek, fruit-bearing fig trees, and a vast pasture on the left side. If you visit...

Around 18 km of scenic routes paved with the help of the KKL-JNF between the HaBsor National Park (Eshkol Park) and Kibbutz Tze'elim. The road passes through a nature reserve. Recommended Season: All year round (in Winter and Spring the sights are simply spectacular). Region/Nearby Settlements: Kibbutz Magen in the North, and Kibbutz Tze'elim in the South. Difficulty level: Low - Medium. Tour Duration: About half a day. General information: The route is 18 km long, suitable for any vehicle. There is no drinking water along the route. Therefore, it is recommended to stock up beforehand. The route description is from north to south, from Road 241 (there is a signpost for Derech HaBsor), but it can also be driven in the opposite direction. Main sites along the route: At its beginning, the dirt road passes through the Loess Cliffs. You can see ​​Eshkol Park and the stream's ravine on the left.  Continue south to reach the dirt embankment which...

Bitronot Ruhama - hiking/biking route Tour type: Mounted/biking (short/long) trail, and an observation point  Tour duration: Approximately 2 hours. Difficulty level: Low - Medium. Rest Rooms on-site: in Ha-Rishonim ba-Negev Site Possible picnic points: Picnic tables courtesy of  the KKL-JNF in Ha-Rishonim ba-Negev site, adjacent to Ruhama. Getting there: For those arriving from Road 6, drive south to Bet Kama Junction. Then, turn right to Road 293. After about 2.5 km, turn north (right) to Road 334 - "Derech Eretz HaBitronot," towards Ruhama and Sderot. After 6 km, you will reach a right turn, marked with a brown sign - "Bitronot Ruhama." For those arriving via Road 232, turn east to Road 334, pass Kibbutz Dorot, and after turning to Kibbutz Ruhama, you will find the brown sign on the left reading "Bitronot Ruhama." Opening Hours: Open all year round, any time. WAZE: Bitronot Ruhama, Kibbutz Ruhama Highly recommended : it is worth incorporating biking on the well-marked routes...

HaBsor Springs: On the banks of HaBsor stream - one of the largest streams in Israel, stretches the Eshkol Park, most of which was planted by people (KKL-JNF, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and the Merhavim Regional Council collaborated in the development and operation of the park). Each season "stains" the park and its surroundings in different shades, and in February-March, the entire area is colored in "anemone ruby" - a breathtaking sight that beckns us to leave our homes, go out to nature and smell the blossoms. The entrance to the park is west of Ofakim. You can reach the park from Yad Mordechai Junction, Magen Junction, and Gilat Junction. HaBsor Springs are the water source responsible for irrigation and the well-being of park visitors. The springs emerge at several locations, leading to a series of artificial wells and plunge pools at the heart of the park. In addition, children's playgrounds have been...

  Here you will embark on a unique tour of new settlements and construction efforts. The route takes travelers back to 1982, the evacuation of the Yamit Region settlements, following the signing of the peace accords with Egypt and the establishment of new settlements in the Shalom Region near the Egyptian border. Getting there? Those arriving via Road 232, the Gvulot Junction, drive east and pass Mivtahim Junction, Holit Junction and Avshalom Junction. At the Avshalom intersection, turn to Road 2211 and drive until you reach Moshav Yevul. Then, turn left on the asphalt road to the Peace Grove (marked in red). For those arriving from the Bsor Fields Road (Derech HaSadot): drive straight on Road 2200, and after 2.8 km, turn left into the grove. Our route, in the heart of the desert region called Pitchat Shalom, begins in the Peace Grove, marked with blue trail markings. The grove offers a shaded picnic...

The SWS trail (security-water-settlement) is a vehicle/bike trail connecting 14 fascinating sites that tell the story of the settlement in the Northern Negev from before the establishment of the State of Israel until today. The sites are varied and take travelers through the settlers' hardships bringing water to the Negev, alongside life next to the Gaza Strip over the years. At each site, you'll find an explanatory  sign  and a video clip that brings the place to life and gives a sneak peek into the stories and people behind the names. Moving between the sites can be done by car or bicycle, and can be driven from north to south, or vice versa. General Information: Route length: 30 km. The road is flat, mostly paved, and suits all vehicles. Duration of the tour: 2-4 hours, depending on travelers' choices. The sites (From North to South): Deir Suneid - an old Turkish railway station with an...

A family excursion through "Derech HaSadot" (the fields' trail) Recommended Season: All year long (The Iris Mariae blooms in March) Region/Nearby settlements: Gvulot - Tze'elim Difficulty level: Low. appropriate for the whole family. Tour Duration: About 1 hour. When was the last time you were excited by agriculture, scents and tastes, colors, the earth and the horizon? This trail features the world behind the vegetables, fruit and flowers one would find in your local supermarket. Getting there: The field's trail can be reached from three directions: 1. Kibbutz Tze'elim Gate - drive on Road 222 and turn to the entrance of Kibbutz Tze'elim. Before the entrance gate, turn right and find a directional sign to the trail.  2. Kibbutz Gvulot Gate - drive on Road 222 and turn to the entrance of Kibbutz Gvulot. Before the entrance gate, turn right on the ring road and follow the signage to the field's trail (Derech HaSadot). 3. Hevel Shalom Gate - drive...

Sharsheret Park, Nahal Grar (The Grar River Park) The forest was planted on both banks of Nahal (river) Grar, one of the important tributaries of Nahal HaBesor (river). This section of the river contains water in most months of the year and is therefore an important natural asset for animals in the surrounding area. KKL has marked scenic roads and bicycle trails in the forest and prepared recreation areas with drinking water and wheelchair accessible tables. General Information Track length: The road surrounding the park about 3 km, suitable for all types of vehicles. Tour duration: Between 2-3 hours to a whole day, depending on the level of interest. Cautions: If it rains, the land becomes muddy and should be careful. It is advisable not to pass the river channel on the way while flooding, or even if there is a fear of flood. How to get there: The Grar River Park is between Ofakim and Netivot. The...

A captivating tour among observation points, blossoms and heritage sites. Recommended Season: All year long (impressive blooms at the end of Winter). Region/locality: Kibbutz Nir Am Difficulty level: Low Children: Suitable for the whole family. Tour duration: 1 hour (excluding tourist sites inside the kibbutz) We start the route at the Assaf Siboni Observation Point, located on the other side of the Nir Am reservoir, established in memory of Assaf, a member of Nir Am, who fell with his friends in the 1997 Israeli helicopter disaster. The site features a monumental wind chime - consisting of bells, representing the number of years of Assaf's life. We will return to the road and continue driving slowly south. At the end of the road is a grove named after Aharon (Ahrale) Zukerman, with a beautiful and pleasant roadside parking lot suitable for a short break. Adjacent to the parking lot is a memorial site called "Black Arrow," commemorating the...