Eilat & Southern Arava

Eilat region > Israel

The most important watch point to enjoy and study bird migration along the eastern flyway between Eurasia and Africa!

Added* by Itai Shanni
Most recent update 22 February 2020

Description

The dramatic outline of the Rift Valley, and the variety of natural and man-made habitats serves as a corridor for millions of migrant birds and home for some 400 species which includes near-eastern specialties and extreme desert species like Sand Partridge, Striolated Bunting, Blackstart, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Desert Lark and Crowned Sandgrouse. And full array of amazing migrants.

Details

Access

Best explored by a combination of driving and walking. Cycling is also possible. You can visit the Eilat Birding Center, Access to the Eilat Birding Center: From the Arava Highway (Route no. 90, between kilometer markers 14 and 15) turn eastward in the direction of the Arava border terminal. Shortly before reaching the terminal, turn right (southward), following the signs, and continue for about half a kilometer until you reach the entrance to the park.

From Eilat: Head north as you leave the city and drive towards the Arava border terminal. Turn right and follow the signs to the park.

The park (free entrance) includes a number of paths flanked by “hides” that enable visitors to observe the without disturbing them and which, like the park itself, are open to the general public every day of the year.

Terrain and Habitat

Reedbeds , Dunes , Sea , Valley , Plateau , Agriculture , Desert , Steppe , Canyon/cliff , Mountain , Plain

Conditions

Mountainous , Flat , Rocky , Dry , Open landscape , Dusty

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round , Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration , Winter , Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Israel’s Arava region is an important bird migration route between Europe and Africa, and it is estimated that between five hundred million and one billion birds traverse its skies during the migration seasons. En route many of them stop over in Eilat. In the autumn, on their way to Africa, the birds pause to rest and regain their strength before crossing the deserts that lie before them; and in spring, on their journey to Europe, they stop to recuperate after their desert odyssey.

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