Fauna
The variety of habitats in the Ramon park also means rich and varied animal life. The size of the makhtesh, its isolation, and the INPA’s meticulous management of nature protection have made possible the reintroduction of animals that had become extinct or nearly so, such as the wild ass. Nubian ibex, another formerly engendered species, thrive in the cliffs near the top of Makhtesh Ramon. Other large mammals in the Negev highlands include the spotted leopard, hyena, Dorcas gazelle, wolf, red fox, Blanford's fox, caracal, Ruppell's fox and hyrax. Rodents, such as the fat sand rat, the garden dormouse, and the golden spiny mouse are more difficult to spy in the wild, as are the many reptiles. Visitors can enjoy a peek at these elusive creatures and many others at Bio Ramon (see below).
Remnants of the past
During some prehistoric periods the Negev highlands were rainier than they are now. These conditions attracted hunters to the region, as attested by the remains of a 50,000- year-old hunting camp discovered near Sde Boker in the Negev highlands. Remains of human settlement have been found going back 10,000 years at Mount Harif, Mount Horsha and in the vicinity of the Ramon park.
Climatic changes later led to the inhabitants to abandon the Negev. However, in the Middle Bronze Age (2200–2000 BCE), people returned, as revealed by the remains of groups of oval dwellings, which experts believe were a kind of village.
In the Iron Age (11th and 10th centuries BCE), Israelite rule was strengthened in the Negev with the establishment of a network of fortresses near settlements along the Negev's roads, as well as the water collection installations such as the Lotz Cisterns and Hamat Cistern that the inhabitants created near their communities.
From the fourth century BCE, the Nabateans began to take control the Incense Route, along which their camel caravans brought costly spices perfumes out of Arabia via Petra, through the Negev and on to Mediterranean ports. The ruins of the cities the Nabateans left behind attest to a flourishing culture and great wealth. Forts and guard towers were built along the portion of the Incense Route that crosses Makhtesh Ramon. These include Neqarot Fort, the Sha'ar Ramon station and Mahmal Fort.
During the Byzantine period (the fourth to the sixth centuries) the Negev became an important Christian center, with churches and study centers attracting pilgrims and monks. The Arab conquest in the seventh century eventually led to the collapse of settlement in the Negev, and wandering tribes took control of the region until modern times.
In addition to touring these and other sites in Makhtesh Ramon by car or on foot, the visitors center with its fascinating displays and view of the makhtesh and the Bio Ramon zoological center, where small desert animals can be seen close at hand, and opportunities for hands-on activities geared to families round out the visit.
The INPA Ramon Visitors Center
The visitors center, located on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon in the city of Mitspe Ramon is the gateway to the makhtesh, the largest formation of its kind in the world.
As visitors ascend the ramp through the building, they view displays that present ‘windows’ on to the geography, geology, flora, fauna and history of the region from prehistoric to modern times. The display leads upward to a breathtaking view of the makhtesh through a floor-to-ceiling window and the rooftop. A film explains how the makhtesh was formed and a three-dimensional interactive model helps bring home an understanding of the topography of this unique region. The visitors center personnel provide information on trails, conditions and other aspects of a visit to the region.
Bio Ramon
Bio Ramon offers an exciting peek at the rare and shy creatures that inhabit the makhtesh, in surroundings that simulate their natural desert homes. Bio Ramon has some 40 species of small desert creatures, as well as snakes, rodents, porcupines, lizards, scorpions and turtles. Guided tours are offered to all visitors. Its botanical-ecological garden presents six characteristic habitats including typical plants, rock formations and landscapes
Hands-on activities
For family fun at no extra charge, be “detectives" in a game in the visitors center and Bio Ramon. At the end of the game, children are made "honorary rangers." At an additional charge, For groups of families, Bio Ramon offers a scavenger hunt and hands-on craft activities. Yetsiramon: hands-on activities with natural materials including filling bottles with multi-colored sand, producing paint and make-up from powered rock, sandstone sculpting, and more.
Geological and archaeological park
A display of the special geological features of Makhtesh Ramon, including prisms, rocks with fossils and conglomerates. Six stops in the archaeological park reconstruct the past in the Negev. No extra charge.
The Be’erot campground
The only overnight campground in the makhtesh, located in the heart of its most beautiful trails. Facilities include toilets, shade structures made of palm-fronds, picnic tables, cooking corners, sinks and an area for tents. Campers can also sleep in an authentic Bedouin hospitality tent. The Bedouin hospitality experience includes coffee, tea and pita bread (for groups, by reservation).
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