The beauty of the red granite mountains towering over Eilat matches that of the coral
reefs thriving beneath it. The SPNI Held School, across from Coral Beach (bus #15), is an
essential stop for independent hikers. It sells extensive trail maps and provides good
advice on hikes. Many of the sites are accessible
by northbound bus #393,394, or 397. Buses fill up fast during high season and on Sun-
days and Fridays-make reservations at the central bus station two days in advance.
There are countless safari companies, which offer jeep tours. These include
Egged Tours , in the
Marine Bridge House, and Red Sea Sports , also in the Bridge House.
Half-day tours cost NIS80-190. Camel Ranch , inland from Coral beach,
offers half-day camel excursions (NIS155; book one day in advance).
MT. TZFAHOT. The hike to Mt. Tzfahot is convenient and offers great views. The
green-and-white trail begins at the left end of the fence separating the highway
from the field school complex. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes. From
here, the blue trail heads north, ending at the Club Inn Hotel near Aqua Sport
beach. The round-trip takes about two hours and makes a good evening outing. If
you wander too far on paths leading south, you may end up in Egypt.
RED CANYON. The most exciting and accessible terrain north of Eilat includes Ein
Netafim, Mt. Shlomo, and Ha-Kanyon Ha-Adom (Red Canyon). Buses will stop nearby
upon request. From Red Canyon, hike to the lookout above Moon Valley, a pocked
canyon in Egypt, and to the unusual Amram's Pillars. These hikes are not advisable
in summer; October through April is the best hiking season. Before attempting any
of these hikes, consult SPNI (see Tourist Offices, 21). SPNI also runs guided
hikes to Moon Valley; call its Tel Aviv office for details .
TIMNA NATIONAL PARK. Timna National Park is another hiking destination. The
6000-year-old Timna copper mines remain a fascinating destination. Some people
believe the Israelites passed through here on their way out of Egypt. The park
houses remains of workers' camps and cisterns dating from the 11th century ВСЕ.
The sandstone King Solomon's Pillars dominate the desert from a height of 50m near
the 14th-century ВСЕ Egyptian Temple of Hathor. The park's lake offers camping
facilities (including showers) and a restaurant on its artificially created shores.
(Most buses that go to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem will stop at the sign for Alipaz. Don't get off at the
Timna Mines signpost; the entrance is 2km away, which is too far to walk in summer. Open daily 7:30am-6pm. NIS27, ages 5-18 NIS21.)
HAI BAR BIBLICAL NATURE RESERVE. Most northbound buses will stop at the Hai
Bar Biblical Nature Reserve, a wildlife park designed to breed animals indigenous
in Biblical times, many of which have become rare in the region. The reserve has
an impressive predator center, where 11 native predators can be seen in their hab-
itats. There is also a nocturnal room, where nighttime animalia can be viewed. The
bulk of the preserve is a game park, home to ostriches, wild asses, antelopes, add-
axes, and oryxes. (The center is a 20min. walk (very hot in summer) from the bus stop. The
entrance to Hai Bar is opposite Kibbutz Samir, 2km south of Yotvata. ъ637 60 18. Open Su-Th
8:30am-5pm, F-Sa 8;30am-3pm. NIS30, children NIS14, plus NIS5 for a mandatory guide. Those
without cars can only see the predator center and nocturnal room. NIS18, children NIS5.)