Khan Saharonim to Sapir
with Al–Hashvil, guided by Elyashiv Weiss
Photos: 2026-02-25/26 Israel Trail
Much to my dismay, the Middle East once again erupted in war, just two days after I returned from this Israel Trail hike. Since family members, including a newborn grandson, have taken refuge with us (our home has a built-in bomb shelter), it took me a week to find the time to sort and edit my photos. It took another week for me to complete this blog post. Sirens and other interruptions have impeded my contemplations and creative juices.
Day 1
Khan Saharonim to Gev Holit Campground
After trekking by car to Beer Sheva, and by hired bus to Khan Saharonim, we began hiking mid-morning.
One of my first impression on the trail were the bursts of blossoms and green growth. The abundance of rainfall this winter has created a “super bloom” across the southern Negev and Judean deserts. This phenomenon occurs about once a decade, and was truly a highlight of the hike.
The greatest challenge for me on the first day was the steep ~150 meter climb up Mount Haririm early in the hike. As much as I tried to keep my pace and pulse steady, I needed to stop several times to bring my heart rate back to normal.
Once I reached the top, the view was magnificent.
I spent a lot of time looking down over the two-day hike, for a number of reasons:
- To keep the sun off my face, due to a recent medical skin treatment.
- To make sure I was placing my feet securely on solid ground.
- To contemplate the variations of the terrain we traversed.
- To enjoy the colorful wildflowers.
- To avoid scanning the horizon and feeling overwhelmed by the distance remaining in the hike.
I had an easier time reaching the mountain top on the second major climb of the day.
Going down also requires a certain technique. I tend to stay at the back of the pack on the downhills.
I don’t mind the rock-climbing type of ascents. Always happy for a helping hand up, and grateful that my long legs give me an advantage. And when feeling the need, I will sit on my tush and slide down.
We reached our campsite just as the sun was setting. Omry, our jeep escort driver and all-around logistics coordinator, had already pitched all our tents. As we organized ourselves for a night under the stars, the Al-Hashvil team prepared a sumptious dinner over the campfire coals .
Day 2
Gev Holit Campground to Sapir
Whereas the hike on day one started around 10 a.m., on day two we started moving shortly after 7 a.m. A very long day lay ahead – 20 kilometers.
On this segment, the trail heads in and out of several nahalim (Nekarot, Tzvira, Eshborn, Karashets), and up and over several mountains and ridges (Har Yahav, and others unnamed), eventually reaching the Arava.
Warming up with a brisk walk at the start of the day.
The first major climb of the day offered a stunning view of the landscape.
Throughout the day we had more encounters with beautiful wildflowers.
In Nahal Tsvira the blossoms and shitta (acacia) trees decorated the desert landscape.
As the sun beat down on us, we welcomed the occasional shade of trees and clouds.
After a lunch break at the Nahal Tzvira campground, we headed towards the second major climb of the day.
By early afternoon, the Arava was now in sight.
Yet many more kilometers awaited us.
As the hours and trail stretched on, we began fantasizing about the trail leading into the Sapir village. I imagined we would hit a solid jeep track.
Only to be fooled.
We still had one technical descent and a short walk to reach the bus that would take us back to Beer Sheva and our cars.
Photos: 2026-02-25/26 Israel Trail
Even the local press has reported Rare desert blooms appear amid war
https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/systaknyzg
