One of the most unique overnight experiences in Israel is a Bedouin village experience. During our time in Israel, we knew that’s what we wanted to do! Not only is it a unique sleeping arrangement (in tents), but the food is delicious, and we get to learn about the Bedouin lifestyle.
One of the reasons we picked Kfar HaNokdim is because it offered all the aspects of the Bedouin experience with indoor plumbing which is important to me. Additionally, it has camel rides which we really wanted to do. Below we will detail our experience with them.
Everything You Must Know About The Bedouin Experience in Israel
History, Information, and Tradition of the Bedouin People
The Bedouins are a group of nomadic people who have lived in Israel’s Negev Desert for hundreds of years. Their heritage is traced back to the traders on the ancient Spice Route, which crossed the region. Today, many Bedouins continue to live in traditional ways in Israel.
Bedouin hospitality includes camel riding, Bedouin food, and, of course, the traditional Bedouin tents. From Tel Aviv it is a quick 1.5 hour drive to Kfar Hanokdim to experience this Bedouin hospitality. It is located in the Dead Sea region of Israel, very close to Masada.
Kfar HaNokdim in Israel
Arriving at Kfar HaNokdim is pretty straightforward from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. As you drive down the desert mountains into the Dead Sea region, you’ll see the palm-tree oasis that is this stay. Cars are not allowed on most of the property, so you must park, check-in, and then go get your stuff so you’re not walking around with it all.
One of the most important aspects of Kfar HaNokdim to know is the lack of WiFi and cell service. Phones are essentially glorified bricks. They have walkie-talkies in locations throughout the property for emergencies or questions/requests. You are genuinely secluded out in nature here, which makes star gazing even more amazing.
What is the Customer Service Like?
At the Bedouin Experience in Israel
Arriving at the Bedouin Experience, we were a little nervous, given our booking experience, but the staff was absolutely incredible. Upon arrival at the parking lot, the security booth staff opened the gate, and we were directed to a parking spot. Then, we walked in to search for reception.
There are some signs that point you to the reception desk. The Lobby is not where you check in (but you can have a dance party here). Behind the lobby tent is a reception “cargo” box.
Here, you check in, get your keys, and then your assigned host will bring you to your room. The host will also give you a tour of Kfar HaNokdim. They are so helpful and patient. She even gave us a rundown of the day’s schedule.
Booking the experience
Kfar HaNokdim allows you to book online entirely. You get a discount by booking directly on their website. One of the main issues is that the website states that an overnight stay, camel ride, and meals are a package deal. Well, that turned out not to be true.
When booking the room, we learned that you had to add the camel ride. A week before we needed to check in, we learned that we needed to add a meal package ($50 for each person) and that there weren’t meals available on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. It would have been great to know this ahead of time.
They do have dinner on Friday nights and breakfast on Saturday mornings, so Shabbat isn’t a worry here. Camel rides do not occur on Sundays. While it was very frustrating, they reached out via WhatsApp to help us reschedule to get meals and camel rides.
Activities at Kfar HaNokdim
Camel Rides
This is the main reason we wanted to go to a Bedouin experience in Israel. We really wanted to ride camels at least once while living in Israel. It was such a fun experience.
There is a safety briefing that goes over what to expect during the camel ride and how to mount a camel. Camels are ridden in pairs. Then, we were taken into the desert for a ride.
Water Tent
This is an activity we didn’t know about! Bring your bathing suits and hit up the water activity tent. There is a stream to play in, some hammocks under sprinklers, and other water features.
This tent is really used chiefly by kids. The water tent is especially great in the summer when it’s hot out.
Night Time Scorpion Tour
After dinner, the staff will take groups on a nighttime scorpion tour. The tour has a bonfire, and the tour talks about the desert and the animals found there. Then you trek through the desert to find scorpions and learn to catch and pet them.
What are the rooms like?
Bedouin Tents
Desert-style accommodations in a “sukkah” or tent. The sukkahs are made with woven goat hair, and the floor is made of wood. You will sleep on a futon. Additionally, there is an elevated platform where you can enjoy the desert views or lie on a hammock.
The sukkahs offer coffee-making facilities, a small cooking area, a patio to relax, and a campfire area. The sukkahs have shared bathroom facilities. Fortunately, they also have air conditioning.
Family/Lodge Rooms
For those of us who don’t want to stay in a tent, head over to the 46 desert-style rooms. The rooms are furnished by the indigenous people and made from local materials and Dead Sea salt crystals.
Each room has air conditioning. These rooms have en-suite bathrooms, beds (with linen), towels, and a coffee making area. They have a patio outside near cooking areas and bonfire spots.
Camel Bus Rooms
Another fun option is staying on a bus that has been converted to guest rooms. These buses have en-suite bathrooms, beds (with linen), towels, and a coffee making area. Each room has air conditioning. There are seating patios, a bonfire area, cooking areas, and a kitchenette at the Camel Bus.
Kfar HaNokdim’s Grounds
The grounds for Kfar HaNokdim is pretty expansive. It looks like an oasis in the middle of the Negev Desert. The group tents are found near the front of the grounds, the smaller tents are near these large tents. There are shared bathrooms near the large tents.
The Lobby is next to the reception, across from a little shop and concession stand. Next to the store is the water tent. Behind the water tent is the starting area for the camel riding.
On the other side of the little store is the most extensive shared bathroom with showers. Following the path, you get to the dining room. Passed the dining room is the most beautiful views of the Negev Desert and has some bonfire spots.
From the main area in the middle of the resort grounds, you can go to the little animal petting zoo area. There are camels, donkeys, and peacocks. There are additional animals running throughout the resort. People can even bring their dogs.
The majority of the resort ground is used for tents and sleeping areas. Each building/tent area has its own sitting area. There are plenty of kitchenettes, grills, bonfires, freshwater fountains, and bathrooms throughout. There are also lots of hammocks and seating areas.
Dining at The Bedouin Experience in Israel
Dinner
Dinner is served buffet style at Kfar HaNokdim. The dinner is meat kosher. There are plenty of options; it really made it so hard to choose what to eat.
There is roasted chicken, hummus, tahina, libbe (Bedouin charcoal-bread), and lots of salads. Larry really liked the beef stew and the fishballs. I liked the roasted chicken, tomato salad, and spicy hummus. Truly, though, we enjoyed everything we tasted.
Of course, dessert was super important! There were so many different options ranging from Turkish delight to brownie bites. Most importantly, there was ice cream!
Breakfast
Breakfast at Kfar HaNokdim is dairy kosher. The breakfast is just as plentiful as the dinner. There are many salads, cheeses, cereals, and pastries to choose from.
They also had a massive bowl of Nutella to make sandwiches. Additionally, there were yogurts and a coffee station. For warm food, there was shakshuka, potatoes, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, and jachnun. The variety made for a great breakfast, but don’t fill up too much as you’ll want to enjoy the day and not be laid up in bed.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Bedouin Experience in Israel
Is there Parking at Kfar HaNokdim?
Yes, there is! You cannot drive your car to your room; it can be a hike. They recommend leaving your stuff in your car until after you check in so you know where the room is. Some trolleys help bring stuff from your car to your room/tent.
The parking is free. At night, the parking lot is closed for safety and security and patrolled by a guard.
Where is Kfar Hanokdim in Israel?
This Bedouin experience in Israel is about 44 minutes west of the Dead Sea. It is 15 minutes away from the West Side of Masada.
When is the best time to visit Kfar Hanokdim?
The Negev Desert gets very hot in the summer. If you want to enjoy the Bedouin experience in Israel, we recommend avoiding the summer months. You need to wake up very early or become nocturnal, which is when the weather is nicest.
January is a rainy month, which means you wouldn’t be able to get your camel ride. So we recommend February- April and October-December. Also, be sure to avoid Jewish holidays like Pesach because they are the busiest.
Are Bedouin Experiences a good romantic getaway?
While Kfar HaNokdim is a fun weekend getaway, it is not exactly set up for romance. It can be romantic to stay in a Bedouin tent under the desert stars in Israel. There are no spas or special romance packages, but you can ride a camel together!
Kfar HaNokdim’s Overall Experience
Overall, it was such a fun and unique experience. Given that the Bedouin people and their villages can only be found in Israel, it is a worthwhile experience. Kfar HaNokdim is an excellent way to relax and unwind for a weekend.
Put away your phone and experience the world around you. The food is incredible, the staff is kind, and the stars are brilliant. We would definitely go back (and ride the camels again).
