Near Gevulot, a historical trail leads to nearby Mitzpe Gvulot. Guided tours are offered there with storytelling, and guided activities bring stories from the pioneer era to life. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between Mitzpe Gvulot and Kibbutz Gvulot as two separate places.
Mitzpe Gvulot: Observation Post and Pioneer Era
The Mitzpe Gvulot outpost was established on May 12, 1943, as the first of three observation posts in the Negev. Its buildings stood empty until they were reconstructed in 1996. The current site of Kibbutz Gvulot was established after the Israeli War of Independence, when the kibbutz was relocated; it lies about 1.5 kilometers northeast of Mitzpe Gvulot. Thus, two distinct local histories come together: the establishment of the observation post and the later relocation of the kibbutz.
Guided activities at Mitzpe Gvulot include stories about the site and the pioneer era, with costumes, as well as building with mud bricks. Advance booking is required for the guided activities. The storytelling and hands-on activities offer different points of focus: you can learn about the historical context or explore building with mud bricks.
More Historic Sites in the Southern District
The wider Southern District destination offers additional historical themes. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the route of the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. Masada offers a different focus: the site 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. Remains include Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.
To visit Masada National Park, advance registration in the visitor coordination system secures a place for your chosen visit date. Check the current requirements before planning, as operational conditions may change.
Nature and Activities in the Southern District
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, and flowing streams. The animals found there also include ibex and rock hyraxes. A hiking trail along Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, leads to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Trail conditions may change after floods; check them before your visit.
Besor Park (Eshkol) lies on the eastern bank of the river, at the Ein Besor spring. As an oasis, it offers extensive lawns, picnic facilities, and playgrounds for children. There are also signposted cycling trails and a disc golf course. Nature and activity take center stage here, while Ein Gedi is defined by its springs, waterfalls, and the trail along Nahal Arugot.
Ashkelon National Park also combines archaeological and natural themes. The Canaanite Gate was built from mud and kurkar bricks, dates to 1850 BCE, and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. The southern part of the national park is a nature reserve for the distinctive flora and fauna of the sand dunes.
At the Ramon Crater, the visitor center combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its distinctive natural phenomena. Advance registration in the visitor coordination system secures a place for your chosen visit date. Check the current requirements before planning.
Discover more destinations: Kfar Vradim, Kiryat Anavim, Amuka, Malkiyya, Amirim, Beit Alfa, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion.
For the overview of the wider destination: Israel.
