Have you ever wanted to take a fresh breath or go site seeing at a fantastic location, somewhere your family, friends, or even colleagues would love to spend a vacation? A trip that wouldn’t only feature talks but bring other thrillers like camping, hiking, wild animals, and of course, trying out some local dishes.
Well, we’ve got the right place for you – how about a trip to Makhtesh Ramon.
Makhtesh Ramon Nature Reserve in Mitzpe Ramon, Israel
For folks who just came new to Israel and others planning to visit the country very soon, a trip to Makhtesh Ramon would make you love Israel. In the course of this article, we’re going to be providing some in-depth insight on
- The fun activities in Makhtesh Ramon
- Camping
- Hiking
- The Wild animals
- The stunning meteor rains
Where is Makhtesh Ramon located?
Makhtesh Ramon also popularly referred to as Ramon Crater resides in Israel’s Negev Desert.
What is Makhtesh?
For folks who are just hearing about Makhtesh for the first time, it is without debate the world’s largest erosion crater. The Makhtesh is a landscape that is unique to Israel’s Negev and Sinai deserts in Egypt.
Makhtesh is a Hebrew word, which when translated, means “mortar and pestle” it’s an erosion crater that originated 200 million years ago when the oceans covered the land.
On the other hand, a Crater is a roughly circular depression on land, resulting from a volcanic eruption or impact. There are seven craters in our world today, five of which are located in Israel and two in the Sinai desert in Egypt.
Located on mount Arif are two Makhteshim (craters):
- Makhtesh Hatira: This crater is also called the Big Makhtesh. Though it is not very big compared to Ramon, it is 14 km long and 6 km long. Its depth is about 400m. Makhtesh Ramon, which is the “bigger brother”, is 40km long and 10km wide.
- Makhtesh Hezera: The locals refer to this as the “Small Makhtesh” It around 7km long and 5km wide, but its depth is over 500m. Tourists would find this Makhtesh easy to view due to its small landmass.
Makhtesh Ramon is a habitat for various kinds of wildlife. Tourists will be amazed at multiple amazing creatures living in their natural desert homes. It has more than 40 species of small desert creatures and harbor other animals like porcupines, snakes, scorpions, turtles, and diverse lizards.
It offers a great tour guide for its visitors. You’ll also get a feel of its natural ecological garden, with different species of plants, landscapes, and rock formations.
If you’re a big fan of camps, Makhtesh Ramon has something unique in store for you. If you’re in groups, it would be more awesome – Remember, the more the numbers, the more the fun. They have a beautiful camp called the Be’erot campground.
The campground has hospitable tents that will make you feel comfortable, breathing fresh air, and looking at the beautiful stars at night. It also offers some wonderful treats like tea, coffee, and pita bread for folks who like to keep their mouth busy at night.
What does Mitzpe mean?
Mitzpe originates from a Hebrew word, which means lookout. It refers to the various lookouts in Israel, like that of the Mitzpe Aviv.
How was Mitzpe Ramon formed?
The Mitzpe Ramon happens to be a hump that originated due to water and climatic forces. The Arava Rift Valley, which dates far back five million years ago, was formed when rivers changed their courses.
What is the distance between Mitzpe Ramon from Tel Aviv?
From Mitzpe Ramon to Tel Aviv is about 163km. So, if you’re someone that enjoys traveling long distance or love the silence of the road at night and the embrace of the cool air, this is one trip you’ll enjoy.
Is the landmass of Israel entirely made of a desert?
Close to 70 percent of Israel’s landmass is desert. Israel has four deserts: the Judean, Dead Sea, Eilat, and the Negev desert.
The Negev happens to be the largest of them all and is where the Roman crater is located. Another name the locals call the Negev desert is the southern land because it is located in the south part of the country.
Amazing Camping for tourists who like it simple
Makhtesh Ramon makes everyone feel at home, as tourists can camp in the domes or bring a tent and get a sleeping mattress (like we did, and it was enough!). Well, it wouldn’t be nice to camp on an empty stomach. So, we brought our food ingredients and cooked them over a gas stove. Later on, we lit up a fire and set around it together. It wasn’t like camping in the wild, but sometimes a real toilet could make a difference.
What does the Campsite have for tourists?
- Tourists will enjoy full lighting, drinking fountains, electrical outlets, bonfire areas, barbeque areas, mobile phone charging units, and fixed and movable benches.
- Restrooms: It has nine toilet cubicles for women, while men are provided with ten toilets.
- There have nine shower cubicles.
- You’ll be equipped with a field kitchen with a refrigerator and sinks to wash dishes.
Things tourist will enjoy in Makhtesh Ramon
- Wonderful views
- Calm and perfect weather
- Rays of colors from the mountains
- Hiking
What’s the best time or month to visit Makhtesh Ramon?
During our trip, we noticed that the best time to visit would be the spring and autumn. So, tourist can plan their trip in March or May, you can also visit Maktesh Ramon between September and November.
We believe that you avoid the hot seasons. Remember, Makhtesh Ramon is a desert, and so in some months, the desert can be scorching, so it’s best to plan your visit.
So that’s it, friends, everything you need to know about Makhtesh Ramon. If you want to experience the wild or have the best vacation ever, then Makhtesh Roman is the place you should visit. Do enjoy your time in Israel!
