Planning a vacation at the Dead Sea? Beyond the mud mask, floating in the Dead Sea, and luxurious hotels, the area offers unique natural landscapes, visitor centers, and lesser-known hiking trails. Here are some recommendations for day trips that will enrich your desert experience:
The Salt Mushrooms: South of the Ein Bokek hotel area, you can discover a rare natural phenomenon: The Salt Mushrooms. These are dome-shaped crystalline salt formations created through geological processes in shallow waters. It’s a surreal and unique sight, perfect for photography. Note: To reach the mushrooms themselves, you need to walk a few dozen meters into the water, which can reach waist depth.
Nahal Bokek: This stream is a refreshing desert oasis in the heart of the arid landscape. You can take an easy and family-friendly trail, approximately 2.1 km long, leading to clear water pools. Walking along the stream is a great way to relax from the desert heat.
Shahar Lookout: Named after Brigadier General Aryeh Shahar (of blessed memory), this lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Moab mountains and Dead Sea facilities. There is an audio guide explaining the history of the industry in the area, accessible to the visually and hearing impaired.
Ein Plutite: This is a small and magical spring located near Neot HaKikar. The spring, whose waters are fresh but not drinkable, offers a quiet and refreshing spot. It is named after a figure from an ancient legend and is sometimes called the "Love Spring." It’s a great place for a short, rejuvenating stop.
Sedom Salt Flats: In this area, near the natural lake that has formed, you can enjoy a unique birdwatching experience. The lake serves as a habitat and stopover for many waterfowl throughout the year, including cormorants, stilts, and ibises. It’s a paradise for nature and bird enthusiasts.
Moshe Novomeisky Visitor Center: The center offers a unique and integrated activity for the whole family, telling the story of the founder of the Dead Sea industry. Using advanced technologies such as multimedia and VR, the center presents the fascinating history of the area, the contribution of ICL, and the Zionist significance of the factory. The tour is accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.
Price: NIS 15–30.
For details and scheduling: https://www.deadseanovo.co.il/
During holidays, the center conducts guided short tours (about an hour and a half) to hidden points of interest in the area, such as the Sedom Salt Flats and the Monks’ Caves, accessible by private vehicles.
And what about food in the area?
Near the hotels, there is an abundance of restaurants (about 15 km from the locations mentioned above). You can also contact local culinary businesses in advance, such as the guesthouse "The Lowest Place on Earth" in Neot HaKikar (a 15-minute drive). Even if you are not staying there, you can order a variety of sandwiches to take with you on your trip or enjoy a luxurious farm-to-plate breakfast based on local vegetables and fruits. For reservations: Michal 054-543-7446, https://lowestplaceonearth.com/
Michal – Food Made with Love: Michal, a resident of Neot HaKikar at the Dead Sea, invites you to discover the flavors of her desert kitchen – homemade, carefully prepared, and delicious. Tourists and visitors in the Sedom area can enjoy a variety of meals: From rich and indulgent breakfasts, including fresh bread baked on-site, to customized meals for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary sensitivities. Michal’s kitchen combines surprising flavors, all made from high-quality fresh ingredients. Meals are prepared to order and can be picked up directly. In addition, boutique meals are available – an intimate culinary experience for up to 25 guests at her welcoming home, in a warm and authentic desert atmosphere.
For reservations: 052-4081233 or via the website.