Geological formation

Unique in the world, is Israel’s Grand Canyon, and it’s just about as breathtaking.   There are two other, major

makhteshim, the  “small” and the  “large,” and  ha-Makhtesh ha-Katan (“the Small Makhtesh”) is in some ways more spectacular because you can see the whole formation in one glance, and get a better understanding of  how  the geology works.  There are only seven makhteshim in the world, five in the Negev and two in the northern Sinai. In 2009, I had the pleasure of meeting and touring with guide Adam Sela, who specializes in tours of the Negev, with a particular focus on the natural and ecological aspects of the

central Negev highlands.  He lives in Midreshet Ben-Gurion, just outside Sde Boqer, the kibbutz made  famous as the adopted home of Israel’s founder, David Ben-Gurion.   I cannot recommend Adam highly enough – in two days, he showed me a side of Israel and the Negev that I not only had never seen but could never  have  accessed without someone like him.  I had heard of “off-road jeep tours,” but had no idea that one could drive a jeep where he took us!  We went up mountainsides and down through winding, dry wadi beds.   Adam

showed us the Makhtesh Ramon – and really made me understand for the first time the unique, geological process that created it.  He also showed us the remnants of the Nabatean, Roman, and ancient Israelite presence in the region over the centuries, and spectacular vistas that I would never otherwise have found, let alone be able to get to.  The jeep tours are not for the faint of heart, but they are unforgettable and totally worth it.  He is also delightful to spend time with.  For more information, see  www.adamsela.com, e-mail office@adamsela.com,  or call him at (050) 530-8272.  In the picture above, Adam is in the center with the gray hat  – not a great picture, but it was an unforgettable day of touring with Trip Advisor friends!