Jeep Tour: Zin Valley – Ein Akev

Trip description

Meeting point will be coordinated with you at Kibbutz Sde Boker or Midreshet Ben-Gurion, where you’ll leave your vehicles - unless you stay nearby, in which case we'll pick you up from the hotel. We’ll begin with a short orientation, introductions, and a restroom stop as needed before the tour starts.

The route starts with an eastward drive toward the Zin Cliffs Nature Reserve (Nahal Zin). On the way, we’ll pass Kibbutz Sde Boker’s olive groves, which replaced the orchards of stone fruits (apricots, peaches, nectarines, etc.) that once grew here. Through fascinating guidance, you’ll learn about desert agriculture, weather, soil, and water — including how and why it works — from chicken coops and olive groves to vineyards and cherry tomatoes.

We’ll continue to the Zin airstrip (for light aircraft and helicopters), passing by the ancient Zin Fortress, which once guarded the trade route from the Transjordan to the Mediterranean coast (the Darb al-Sultan). On our left, we’ll see a vulture feeding station and learn about this impressive bird, critically endangered due to modern threats. We’ll also explore some of the unique wildlife of the Zin Cliffs Reserve: Nubian ibex, wild asses, oryx, hyenas, wolves, foxes, birds of prey (eagles, hawks), and more.

The route descends Ma'ale Zin, crosses Nahal Tzror and Nahal Zin, and includes a technical climb before turning south toward Ein Akev. Along the way, we’ll see impressive geological formations made of ancient marine sedimentary rocks — limestone, marl, flint, chalk, and more. Ahead stands the striking “Hod Akev” ridge, at whose base lies the most stable desert spring in the entire region: Ein Akev, whose water collects in a magical natural pool in the heart of the desert.

After about a 45-minute drive from the kibbutz, we’ll reach the jeep parking area. From there, it’s a 10-minute (700-meter) walk to the spring. We’ll enjoy about 30 minutes of wading and relaxing at the spring, then walk back to the jeeps (another 10 minutes).

The route then leads back into Nahal Zin, surrounded by the multicolored cliffs of the reserve. In the western distance, we’ll spot Midreshet Ben-Gurion, where David Ben-Gurion’s grave lies. After another 30-minute drive, we’ll pass a drilling well on the right, continue 15 more minutes through the streambed, and return to Kibbutz Sde Boker. Along the way, we’ll pass the Serpentine campground, Ein Avdat, Ben-Gurion’s grave, and Midreshet Ben-Gurion. The tour ends at Sde Boker, with restrooms available.