Ezuz is a small ecotourism village situated on a hilltop on the Israeli side of the mysterious Sinai desert.
The village overlooks a Biblical landscape of little desert valleys with distant high mountains on the horizon. The area is very rich in archeology from the Stone Age to the Ottoman period and boasts evidence of the Children of Israel who wandered for 19 years in this area of Kadesh Barnea on their way to The Promised Land.
Ezuz is home to 18 families and, though it is only a 1 hour drive from Beersheva, is probably the most remote village in Israel. It is populated by builders, artists and organic farmers from many different backgrounds who came to this isolated place to live their dreams. The result is a colorful mosaic of guestrooms, art studios and cafes that appeal to the traveler who wants to get off the beaten track to enjoy the peaceful Negev desert spaces.
Ezuz is a paradise for those who like to walk or hike in open nature. There are also bicycle routes mapped out (a short 10km route and a long 25km route) that crisscross the paths of the ancient Hebrew people. Jeep and camel tours are also available.
Birdwatchers from around the world come to this area to see the Macqueen’s Bustard and other lifers. The early morning tranquility and array of different local and migrating birds make it a bird watching utopia.
So whether you just want to kick back and breathe in the open spaces, travel in nature, eat a culinary delight or be inspired by one of the artisans workshops, Ezuz is the place to do it. Come and live the past in the present with vision for the future!
Café Ezuz: Highly recommended for breakfast or a dairy meal. Great atmosphere and tasty food! www.cafe-ezuz.co.il or call Eyal Tubul: 054-4226330
Pottery Studio: Come and see Shachaf Gibon’s lovely ceramic handcrafts or organize (in advance) a pottery workshop with her. Shachaf: 054-2224908
Jeep or walking tours of the area can be arranged with Gilboa Golan: 052-8039312 or [email protected]
Chan Beerotayim: For camel safaris or a tasty meat meal in an authentic Spice Route setting: 08-6555788
Tson Beerotayim: delicious organic goat cheeses and yoghurt available in Ezuz from Celia
Studio Tobiana: professional theatre mask-maker – Pierre 054-7937766
The Karon: a variety of handcrafts on sale with the option of doing a craft workshop. Call Soizik: 052-8481469
Yehudit’s jewellery – amazing bead-work : 08-8609713
A 10 minute drive from Ezuz are the Nizzana Hillocks (white chalk-stone formations fun to explore with children), the Nizzana cave and Tel Nizzana (ancient Nabatean ruins on a hill).
In Kadesh Barnea – Beit Hadvash /The Honey House invites you to see inside their hive with glass sides. Their little shop sells delicious honey and other bee products.
The Ramat HaNegev Winery also in Kadesh Barnea has excellent local wine.
Shirat Ha Midbar Herb Farm in Beer Milcah (a 20 minute drive from Ezuz) offers tours of their medicinal herb farm, natural cosmetics and workshops for children. Call Golan Cohen 052-7021650 to organize a tour.
This is also the sand dune area – great fun for children!
Shivta is Nabatean ruins (situated a half hour drive from Ezuz) well worth visiting. Ami and his family live in part of the ruins where they offer delicious meat meals in their little restaurant. Advance ordering is essential. Call Dinah: 050-7383802
Mizpe Ramon with the famous Ramon Crater is one to one and a half hour’s drive from Ezuz. On the way to the crater one can stop at Ben Gurion’s desert home in Sede Boker and enjoy the spectacular view of the Tzin valley from Ben Gurion’s grave at the Ben Gurion College. There is also the desert oasis of Ein Ovdat and the ruins of Ovdat.
