Desert Landscapes and City Trails
The Medabrium Desert Animal Park brings a touch of nature to Beersheba. Covering 140 dunams, it is home to around 100 species of desert animals adapted to the climatic conditions of their surroundings. The approximate number of species may change over time.
The park is divided into four habitats: Canyon, Arava, Oasis and Savannah. There is also a dedicated area called “Encounter Between Humans and the Desert,” the Khan.
The Be’er-Sheva ‘Ring Trail’ is an approximately 40-kilometer hiking trail that circles the city and is divided into five sections. Each section is marked with its own color, in accordance with the tour map and the markings on the official Israeli hiking map. This route is therefore different from visiting a single site: it is designed as a circular trail around Beersheba.
History and Culture
Until the outbreak of the War of Independence, Bet Eshel served as an agricultural settlement and farm. During this time, the site withstood heavy bombardment by the Egyptian army. The Jewish National Fund restored and renovated Bet Eshel, which was declared a national monument.
The Negev Museum of Art presents changing exhibitions of modern Israeli and international art. Since the exhibitions change, it is worth checking the current program when planning your visit. Tzalmania also offers a photographic perspective: its visitor center includes a photography gallery with changing exhibitions by local and international artists. The municipal photo archive is also located on the premises.
The Performing Arts Theatre in Beersheba offers music concerts, plays, and Israeli and international shows. Alongside exhibitions, visitors can also choose from a program of live performances.
Visits and Interpretation
A visit to Abraham’s Well International Visitors’ Center includes a visit to the ancient well and a photography exhibition; there is also an audiovisual experience and guided tours.
A visit to the ANZAC Visitors’ Center includes a guided tour, museum objects and an audiovisual presentation. Check the latest visitor arrangements in advance.
Child Theater Beersheba offers performances, plays and theater workshops for children aged 6 to 18.
Rides in electric golf carts for four or six people are one activity option at Be’er-Sheva River Park. Check whether they are available on the day of your visit.
More Perspectives Across the Wider Destination of the Southern District
The Southern District offers other independent destinations with different thematic perspectives. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve includes Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls and flowing streams, as well as ibex and hyraxes. Masada stands as a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. Also preserved there are the remains of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.
Discover more destinations: Eilat, Mishmar HaNegev, Be’er Ora, Ein Bokek, Ein Gedi, Sde Boker, Elifaz, Ein Tamar
Back to the regional travel overview: Southern District.
