University of Michigan Trip to the South

We began our trip early leaving the hotel and heading south to the Negev Desert. Once arriving to the Ein Gedi National Park, we hiked along the David riverbed, and got our feet a little wet in the waterfalls of the riverbed. We saw hybexes, and ibexes as well. At Masada, we took the cable car up to the top and explored the remains and the story of Jews rebelling against the Romans. We hiked down the snake path. We spent the end of the day at the Dead Sea, where we bought some Dead Sea products, had lunch, and enjoyed the salty waters. The day ended with our drive back to Tel Aviv.

We had a great time together, and got a nice break from our hard work and studies. The trip was a unique opportunity to see something different from the other places we saw during the trip, such as the central part of Israel and the northern coast. It shows us the wide variety of climates, landscapes, animals, and people who live in Israel.

Other things to do in the area

In Ein Gedi, there are many other trails to hike along, such as the Arugot Stream, and the Dry Canyon. The Catholithic Temple and the ancient synagogue are ‘must- see’ sites. At Masada, you can hike the Roman ramp, the way Roman soldiers made it up to the top of the plateau. You can also try the Runner’s Path, but wake up extra early to avoid the hot hours of the day.

Other places to visit in the area are:

• Qumran
• The Botanical Gardens at Kibbutz Ein Gedi
• A Bedouin Experience