"Splendid Views Mixed with History and Vision" Sede Boqer by iblatt

Sede Boqer Travel Guide: 15 reviews and 47 photos

View over the Tzin Canyon from Sede Boqer

View over the Tzin Canyon

Sede Boqer is built in one of the most beautiful spots in the Negev desert: The plateau of the central Negev is broken by the wide canyon of Nahal Tzin, and right on the clifftop lies Sede Boqer.

From the promenade on the verge of the canyon the views are stunning, and invite the visitor to go down into the canyon and discover its hidden secrets. There are many trails which will take you to beautiful spots all around the area. The weather in Sede Boqer is relatively cool in the hot summer months (and cold in winter!).

Ben Gurion's Vision

Ben Gurion's bedroom in his Sede Boqer hut

Sede Boqer Farm was established in the early 1950s, and soon became a kibbutz, a collective settlement. However, its claim to fame came in 1953: David Ben Gurion, the legendary first prime minister of the young State of Israel who had just resigned, decided to make Sede Boqer his home. He joined the young kibbutz as a member, worked with the commune's sheep, and lived humbly in a wooden hut like any ordinary kibbutz member in those days.

Ben Gurion did not choose Sede Boqer just because he wanted to escape politics and city life. He had a vision: The Negev desert should be settled and developed, the desert will be made to bloom, and will also become a center of learning and education. Ben Gurion hoped that many young Israelis would follow his own personal example and would make his vision come true.

Sede Boqer Today

Student dorms in the Center for Desert Studies

Has Ben-Gurion's vision materialized? The answer is complex, and you are welcome to visit the Negev and see for yourself. Sede Boqer, for sure, has greatly developed and is becoming an educational center as Ben Gurion envisioned.
There is a unique Center for Desert Studies (affilated to the Ben-gurion University in Beer-Sheba), with research fields like solar energy, water economy and a lot more. There is another research center also affilated to the Ben-gurion University. The institute for the heritage of Ben gurion is also located in Sede Boqer (naturally!). There is also a high school which emphasizes environmental studies. Then there is the kibbutz itself, which has preserved the communal way of life to this very day. And, last but not least, the Sede Boqer Field School which promotes traveling in this beautiful region and getting to know it thoroughly.

Last visit to Sede Boqer: Nov 2008
Intro Updated Nov 30, 2008
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (8)

Buffet dinner in the Nachal Boker Ranch - Sede Boqer

Desrt wine and Desert Fish Restaurants (1)

Around Sde Boker there are several private ranches, each with its own distinct character, which provide good home-made... more travel advice

Terrarium: Get to know the Negev snakes! Things to Do (6)

In the Sde Boker Field School there is a collection of desert animals, mainly reptiles. Our visit there constituted the... more travel advice

Ein Avdat Things to Do (6)

This is one of my favorite spots in the Negev. A canyon, a spring, a natural pool reflecting the beautifully layered... more travel advice

Tzin Canyon, view from the Ben Gurion Promenade - Sede Boqer

The Ben Gurion Promenade Things to Do (6)

Walk along this promenade, on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Tzin Canyon, and be inspired like Ben Gurion by the... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Geofun Desert Cycling Center

Been to Sede Boqer?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
cachaseiro Nov 7, 2009 at 4:09 AM

Interesting page you made there. I used to work in a Moshav not far from there when i was a teenager back in the 1980´s.
Reply
- Report abuse
phil200578 Dec 3, 2008 at 12:45 PM

lovely pics even though I wasnt really impressed by BG's house.
Reply
- Report abuse
lionreb Dec 3, 2008 at 11:23 AM

Past 80 l Ben Gurion used to walk 8 kilometers a day; do yoga, and stand on his head!