In honor of Tu Bshvat, we wanted to highlight three amazing forests in the Northern Negev. These forests are each worth visiting and exploring and are proof that the desert can truly bloom!

Yatir Forest Reservoir

Yatir Forest Reservoir

YATIR FOREST
The Yatir forest, located south of the Hebron Hills on the edge of the Northern Negev, contains more than 4 million trees and is one of the largest forests in all of Israel. The forest has lots of hiking trails, ruins, and outlooks. It is also the site of a number of research studies on combating desertification and other ecological topics.

Located ten minutes away from the forest is the Yatir Winery. The winery is built at the foot of the archaeological site of Tel Arad which is also definitely worth a visit!

JNF Site:
http://www.kkl.org.il/eng/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/yatir-forest.aspx

Haaretz Article:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/travel/tourist-tip-of-the-day/.premium-1.528175

Yatir Winery: http://yatirwinery.com/en/

Tel Arad: http://www.jpost.com/Travel/Travel-News/Sights-and-Insights-Tel-AradAn-oasis-of-archaeology

 

Lahav Forest

Lahav Forest


LAHAV FOREST
The Lahav forest is located 30 minutes north of Be’er Sheva. Containing over 3 million trees, it also has Second Temple period ruins, recreation areas, bike paths, and lookouts.  In the heart of the forest lies the Joe Alon Educational Visitors Center. The center includes a Bedouin hospitality tent where tea and coffee are brewed, a Museum of Bedouin Culture, an exhibit about the Bar Kochba revolt, a presentation on Jewish settlement in the Negev, and a stunning panoramic view of the entire region.

JNF Site:
http://www.kkl.org.il/eng/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/lahav-forest.aspx

Joe Alon Center: http://www.joealon.org.il/Content.aspx?itemId=18

 

Be'eri Forest

Be’eri Forest

BE’ERI FOREST
The Be’eri Forest is located in what is known as the Besor region.  Be’eri is known as a great region for cyclists and there are many trails for various levels.  In the center of the forest is the ANZAC memorial, dedicated to the Australian and New Zealander forces in the British army who helped liberate the area from the Ottomans in WWI. The forest is most popular in February when it is carpeted with “kalaniot” (red anemones). During this season, there are tours, concerts, and festivals under the title of “Darom Adom.”

JNF Site:
http://www.kkl.org.il/eng/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/beeri-forest.aspx

Darom Adom:
http://daromadom.habsor.co.il/

Habsor Tourism:
http://www.habsor.co.il/

GET OUT AND ENJOY THE DESERT TREES!

 

How can we help your Aliyah?

Name(Required)