Bucket List: Self-Drive in a Desert

Negev Desert, Israel

The Negev Desert is located in the southern region of Israel. The largest city in the area is Beersheba (a.k.a. Be'er Sheva). Generally unpopulated, except for Beersheba, nomadic Bedouins do live here in temporary accommodations whilst moving with their livestock according to the seasons.

A Bedouin and his livestock, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

This was my first visit to a real desert. In this trip, my travelling companions and I opted to self-drive. Moving in two separate vehicles, the eight of us explored the desert, marvelling at the natural beauty of the area. Along our drives, we stopped frequently and disembarked from our rented vehicles to marvel at the picturesque sceneries and also for those selfies.

The desert, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

The desert, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

The desert, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

The desert, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

The desert, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Desert road, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

One of our rented vehicles, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Me and my "obligatory" selfie as evidence of myself having "Been There, Done That", Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

We viewed from afar the nomadic Bedouins herding their livestock. To me, the whole scene was surreal, almost feeling myself being "time-transported" back to biblical times. After all, this area was a pastoral region since the times mentioned in the Bible. 

Bedouin herding livestock, Negev Desert, Israel (2017) 

Bedouin herding livestock, Negev Desert, Israel (2017) 

Near Mitzpe Ramon, we had encounters with wild Nubian Ibex. Numbering less than 300 in the Negev Desert, this sub-population of the Nubian Ibex is considered endangered. Besides taking photographs of this beautiful animal from a short distance, we resisted attempts to get too close. Wild animals are best left as they are, with as little physical human interaction as possible.

Nubian Ibex, Negev Desert, Israel (2017) 

Nubian Ibex, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Nubian Ibex, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Sign reminding the visitors not to litter or feed the wild Nubian Ibex, Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

After our desert drives, we stopped at Mitzpe Ramon for a short break before heading back to Tel Aviv for a good rest. It has been a great day out at the desert. 

Completing this trip, I had not one but two travels bucket list items checked. First item was to self-drive in and explore a desert. Second item was to encounter and photograph wild Nubian Ibex in the Negev Desert.

And the experience of seeing the nomadic Bedouins herding their livestock in the desert are unforgettable. This is the main reason why I love travelling. To see and experience what I would never come across in my daily routines back home.

Near Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017) 

Near Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Paved road leading to Mitzpe Ramon and exit from the desert, Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Both of our rented vehicles, Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)