Hatzeva: Arava Landscapes and Farm Experiences

Hatzeva can be explored through two very different themes: the Arava landscape in the surrounding area and agricultural experiences at Bein Hashitin Farm. Tours and lectures at the Vidor Center round out the experience. For vacation planning, this means you can choose between nature, insights into agriculture, and topics related to the Arava.

Landscape between nature reserve and route

Near Hatzeva, the Nahal Shizaf Nature Reserve protects habitats typical of the Arava. These include reddish desert sands, acacia trees, and rare plant species. The scenic Derech HaShalom route runs along the Israeli-Jordanian border through the eastern part of the reserve and is accessible by private car. The reserve and the route offer different experiences: one focuses on habitats and plants, while the other is a scenic drive you can take by car.

Hike at Hatzeva Hill

Nearby Hatzeva Hill offers an easy hike for the whole family, with scenic views; visitors can roll down the dune. A route recommendation published in 2019 describes this option. The starting and ending point of the marked red trail is at Ein Hatzeva (Ir Ovot). Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Arava topics and farm activities

The Vidor Center offers tours and lectures on a range of topics related to the Arava. From Route 90, you can reach the center at the Hatzeva Junction via the eastern entrance toward Moshav Hatzeva. This gives visitors a dedicated way to explore topics related to the region, distinct from the nature and landscape activities in the surrounding area.

At Bein Hashitin Farm, tours take visitors through the cultivated fields; activities include tasting vegetables and hands-on agricultural work. Visits must be arranged in advance. During cooking workshops, participants gather and harvest vegetables from the farm and prepare a meal together with the farm team. The workshops are tailored to the character and purpose of the group. The activities therefore differ: tours focus on the cultivated fields and tastings, while cooking workshops focus on harvesting and preparing food together.

On Fridays, the farm hosts a farmers' market and tours; a coffee cart is also open. Since this activity is described as recurring, it is best to check with the farm about current operations. If you are considering Hatzeva as a place to stay in a vacation rental, these distinctions can help with planning: farm visits need to be arranged in advance, while the nearby reserve, route, and hike offer different ways to experience the landscape.

More to explore in the wider Southern District destination

The wider Southern District destination offers other distinctive nature and cultural experiences. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve includes Israel's largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, ibex, hyraxes, and flowing streams. Masada is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. The site preserves remains of Herod's palaces, as well as intact Roman siege works that are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.

Discover more destinations: Ashdod, Merhav Am, Ein Bokek, Dimona, Eilat, Sapir, Mitzpe Ramon, Mishmar HaNegev.

Back to the wider travel guide: Southern District.