Kibbutz Lotan

Kibbutz Lotan, established in 1983 in the Arava Valley, is a globally recognized pioneer in ecological sustainability and environmental education. Part of the Reform Jewish movement, the kibbutz integrates religious values with a deep commitment to modern ecology. At its heart lies the 'Center for Creative Ecology,' a research and training hub where innovative techniques such as natural mud building, greywater recycling, and organic permaculture are practiced. The community features an Eco-Campus that hosts international students and volunteers dedicated to learning sustainable living practices. Due to its strategic location along a major migratory bird route, Lotan is also a premier birdwatching destination, attracting ornithologists from around the world. The kibbutz employs solar energy for its operations and maintains extensive organic gardens, demonstrating that thriving in harsh desert conditions is possible through ecological mindfulness. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly guest houses and participate in hands-on workshops focused on regenerative agriculture and green building.

Nearby cities

Ashdod

Ashdod is a major coastal city and home to Israel's largest port, handling the majority of the country's cargo.

Beersheba

Beersheba is the largest city in the Negev desert, often referred to as the capital of the southern region.

Ashkelon

Ashkelon is a coastal city in the Southern District, featuring a rich history spanning thousands of years.

Eilat

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.

Rahat

Rahat is a predominantly Bedouin city in the Northern Negev, being the largest Bedouin settlement in the world.

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that lets you float effortlessly and mineral-rich mud.

History & landmarks

Makhtesh Ramon

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert is the largest erosion crater in the world, captivating visitors with its dramatic cliffs and colorful…

Nature

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is an endorheic salt lake located at the lowest land elevation on Earth, famous for its extremely high salinity.

More places

Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve

A reserve in the Arava Valley dedicated to breeding and reintroducing endangered biblical desert animals.

Timna Park

Timna Park in the Arava Desert impresses visitors with spectacular rock formations and the remains of the world's oldest known copper mines.

Paran Valley

The widest wadi in Israel, carrying gigantic masses of water through the Negev Desert after heavy rains.

Eilat Botanical Garden

A unique ecological garden in the desert designed with historic stone paths and water streams.

Port of Eilat

Israel's only port on the Red Sea, providing direct maritime access to markets in Asia and East Africa.

Mount Karkom

A desert mountain in the southern Negev where numerous ancient rock carvings and archaeological sites have been discovered.

Underwater Observatory

The Underwater Observatory in Eilat offers visitors the unique opportunity to observe the colorful life of the coral reefs in the Red Sea…

Arava Valley

Part of the Great Rift Valley, stretching from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south.