Judaean Desert Safari Private Tour

This exhilarating desert safari tour is available every day except Mondays and Saturdays. Your day will start at the Inn of the Good Samaritan where you’ll meet your guide and head back to Mishor Adumim where your off-road experience begins.

The 4x4 jeep will take you into the desert where you can enjoy the unique landscape up close. Along the way, your private guide will explain about the surroundings and the point where the lowlands become desert. The first stop is at Upper Og Stream, this enchanting stream in the northern part of the Judean Desert flows through a narrow gorge flanked by steep limestone cliffs. Your private guide will tell you about the desert plants, animals, and the local Bedouin people who manage to survive in this harsh environment. As you drive through the desert landscape you’ll see small Bedouin camps, caves, camels, and herds of goats watched over by young shepherds. 

Continue to Mount Muntar, the highest mountain in the Judean Desert. On the summit of Mount Muntar, your guide will tell you about the history and legends associated with the mount, and you can enjoy views across the Judean Desert, Jericho, the Dead Sea, the Moab Mountains, and Jerusalem.  According to Jewish tradition, Muntar is the biblical site of Azazel. On the Day of Atonement, a scapegoat was pushed to its death from Azazel to atone for the sins of the people. 

We continue south to Mar Saba Monastery (Holy Lavra or Great Laura of Saint Sabas). St. Sabbas was one of several Christian hermits who went into the desert to seek solitude and a stronger connection with God. The Greek Orthodox monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the world established in 488, and the monks living here still keep their ancient traditions. For example, no women may enter the main compound. Although they may enter the “Women’s Tower” near the monastery entrance. 

After a coffee or tea break, we continue east and drive to Hyrcania Valley where an ancient fortress was built by the Hasmonaens, later used by King Herod, and hundreds of years later became a monastery before being completely abandoned. We cross the valley from south to north and reach Nabi Musa. According to Muslim tradition, this desert mosque is believed to contain the tomb of Moses (Musa). 

At this point, we leave the desert trails behind and return to the road. Stop at the Dead Sea to relax, and unwind after a thrilling desert adventure. Enjoy floating in the waters and covering your body in the mineral-rich mud. From here, return to your hotel after an amazing day.

Note that while it was compiled by our experts, this itinerary is just one suggestion; you can customize your tour and see much more of the Judean Desert's splendor: Hike along the Havarim Stream in the Almog Kibbutz area, see Dragot Stream, visit the Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens, explore Qumran  and more (see FAQ section for details)