Exploring the desert after sunset sounds like something out of a novel, but this guided night tour in Eilat makes it a real and memorable adventure. For those keen on discovering Israel’s southern landscapes under the stars, this experience offers a blend of wildlife spotting, star gazing, and authentic local flavors—all wrapped into one evening.
What sets this tour apart? We love the off-road jeep ride that whisks you through the mountains, the chance to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, and the opportunity to see the starry desert sky with a telescope. Plus, the local picnic with pita and cheese adds a warm, authentic touch.
A potential drawback? As with all outdoor night experiences, cloud cover can impact the star viewing, and some reviews mention a bumpy ride and dust, which might not appeal to everyone.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural bites. Whether you’re a keen photographer, a star enthusiast, or just looking for a different way to experience Eilat, this experience promises something special.
Key Points
- Authentic Nighttime Adventure: Combines jeep rides, wildlife spotting, and star gazing.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Alex and Kobi bring passion and local insights.
- Great Value: For around $63, guests get a comprehensive experience including guiding, food, and activities.
- Authentic Local Picnic: Enjoy pita, labneh, and herbal tea around a campfire.
- Stunning Views: Panoramic sights of the Gulf of Eilat and neighboring countries.
- Mixed Reviews: Some found it less rewarding due to weather or dust, but many praise the guides and scenery.
An In-Depth Look at the Night Desert Experience
The Itinerary and What Makes It Special
The tour begins with a hotel pickup, which is convenient and ensures you don’t have to worry about transportation—an important detail when venturing into the desert at night. From there, you’ll head into the Eilat Mountains, where the real magic begins. The jeep ride is designed to be more than just a drive; it’s an adventure packed with moments to spot nocturnal animals like foxes and gazelles, which are often seen lit by a flashlight as the guides scan the environment.
Guests like Gilli Cohen praise the guides, Alex and Kobi, who “were amazing” and made the ride enjoyable with their expertise. They truly bring enthusiasm to the experience, sharing stories and explaining the wildlife and geology of the region.
Wildlife Spotting in the Darkness
While some travelers mention that animal sightings can seem “pointless” or limited—especially if clouds obscure the stars—others highlight the thrill of seeing small animals like foxes and gazelles during the night ride. The use of flashlights makes the experience more immersive, although it’s worth noting that the Desert’s wildlife isn’t always guaranteed to be visible. Still, the guide’s explanations add context about the local ecosystem, making the journey educational as well as exciting.
Star Gazing with a Telescope
One of the tour’s key moments is the star observation stop, where you’re invited to look through a telescope and learn to identify familiar constellations. Reviewers like Thammy describe it as “a fantastic experience,” especially if the weather is clear. However, some guests, like Ariane, mention cloud cover and a fire that was cut short, which can diminish the star-gazing part. Still, having a guide who can point out the most prominent stars and tell their stories is a big plus.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Picnic and Fire
After the wildlife and star observations, everyone gathers around a small campfire for a delicious picnic featuring pita bread, labneh cheese, and herbal tea. The fire adds a cozy touch, and some reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the authentic local snacks, which feel like a warm invitation into Israeli culture. Laurie notes that Alex “prepared us tea and pita with labneh on a wood fire,” creating a memorable atmosphere.
The View of the Gulf of Eilat at Night
As the tour wraps up, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Gulf of Eilat, lit up under the night sky. This offers a stunning end to an adventurous evening, giving guests a chance to reflect on the desert’s quiet beauty and the night lights of neighboring Jordan, Israel, and even Saudi Arabia if you stop at certain viewpoints.
Practical Details and What to Know
The tour, priced at $63 per person, includes the jeep ride, guiding in either Hebrew or English, a short picnic, star gazing with a guide, and the breathtaking night view. The relatively moderate cost makes it a good value, as it combines multiple experiences into one evening.
It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially given the desert environment. Participants should note that luggage or large bags are not permitted, and alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited. The tour is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or babies under one year.
Timing-wise, expect around 2-3 hours of activity, with pickup and drop-off included. Since the experience depends on weather conditions, cloudy nights might limit star observation, but the overall adventure remains worthwhile.
Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback
The majority of reviews highlight the expert guidance and stunning scenery as the tour’s highlights. Laurie describes Alex as a “passionate guide” who made the experience both educational and fun, while Thammy calls it “a must-do” for anyone visiting Eilat. The jeep ride itself is described as exhilarating—some liken it to an “Indiana Jones experience,” thanks to the off-road excitement.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some guests mention dust and jolts, which can be uncomfortable, especially for those sensitive to rough rides. Ariane’s comment about clouds obstructing the stars is a reminder that nature’s unpredictability can sometimes dampen the experience, but even then, the guides’ explanations and the overall setting still make it worthwhile.
The Balance of Value and Experience
At roughly $63, this tour offers excellent value, especially when you consider the included guiding, food, and scenic stops. It’s a well-rounded experience for those interested in desert landscapes, nighttime wildlife, and starry skies. It’s particularly appealing to travelers looking for something different from daytime desert excursions, providing a peaceful yet adventurous evening.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and star gazers. It’s ideal if you want an evening activity that combines wildlife spotting, stunning vistas, and local food in a single package. It’s also a good choice for travelers who enjoy guided experiences and don’t mind a bit of dust and bumpy rides. However, those seeking a very comfortable or quiet experience might want to consider the possible downsides mentioned.
FAQs
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours, including pickup, activities, and drop-off.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While there’s no explicit age restriction, the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year or those with back problems. Children should be comfortable with a night outdoor adventure.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. It’s also wise to bring a light jacket if it gets chilly at night.
Can I see animals on the tour?
Some guests report seeing small animals like foxes and gazelles lit by flashlights, but sightings can be unpredictable and depend on weather.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers the jeep tour, guided explanations (in Hebrew or English), a short picnic with pita, labneh, and tea, star gazing with a guide, and scenic viewpoints.
Are there any restrictions?
Luggage or large bags are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back issues.
What if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover might limit star viewing, but the wildlife safari and scenic jeep ride still offer plenty of fun and insights.
Is the tour flexible with payment?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.
Final Thoughts
This Eilat night desert tour offers a compelling blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It balances guided expertise with authentic local experiences—like the pita picnic and panoramic views—that make it stand out. While weather can sometimes impact the star gazing, the overall experience still delivers on excitement and insights, especially given its reasonable price point.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this tour provides a memorable way to see Eilat after dark. It’s particularly suited for those who crave an active, scenic, and cultural evening out in the desert. If you’re after a mix of wildlife, breathtaking views, and a taste of local flavors, this tour will likely be among your favorite experiences in the area.
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