Orientation and Practical Information Coming from Beer Sheva,there are three turnoffs to the left right after the Halukim junction. The first is the main gate to Kibbutz Sdeh Boker, and the second leads to Ben Gurion’s Hut. The fcrucial step for travelers is the third turnoff to the Ben-Gurion Institute for Desert Research (affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev). Here one can find accommodations, supplies, and access to the Ein Avdat Nature Reserve in the fantastic Xin canyon below.

Get off the bus at the large white gate. The Institute is famous for its research into desert food production, reforestation, and solar energy. The midrasha (college) staff conducts studies ranging from applied geobotanics to iow-water desert architecture and hydroponics. To visit you must call aheatl. As you walk through the gate continue along the road past the Ben-Gurion Research Institute and Archives. On your left you will see a shaded plaza with a post office (open Sun.-Thurs. 9-1 lam and l-2pm, Fri. 9-1 lam), gift shop, supermarket, and cafeteria.

The plaza also houses the office of the SPNI Sdeh Boker Field School (tel. 56 58 28 or 56 50 16). It offers guided hiking tours in the surrounding area, but these must be arranged in advance. Guides cost NIS36O a day, so groups are required. For the more independent-minded, the field school will answer any questions you might have about hiking routes or desert flora and fauna, sell topo maps written in Hebrew, or point out important destinations. Ask to see their snake collection. The school also sponsors a sound and light show about Ben-Gurion’s life and activities at the kibbutz. (Shows in Hebrew, English or Russian; admission NIS6, students/children NIS4. Call 56 57 17 or 56 58 28 for screening times.) Bus #60 runs from Be’er Sheva to Mitzpeh Ramon, passing by Sdeh Boker (every MV2hrv last bus from Be’er Sheva 10pm, from Mitzpeh 9:30pm; NIS9).

The field school runs a hostel on the canyon’s edge; go to the field school office in the plaza or call 035 on campus to make arrangements. Dorm rooms are separated into two areas of three beds each, with spotless, modern, and private baths and incredible views of the Zin canyon. Kitchen facilities are available. The palm-shaded, sand-colored exterior affords interior coolness and surrounds a lovely courtyard. (Dorm beds NIS21.) Arrangements at the roomier Sdeh Boker Guest House should be made at least one day in advance. (Contact Shosh at her home at 56 59 33, or in her office at 56 50 79, 8am-4pm.) Every conceivable amenity. Cavernous common room offers a dizzying view of the canyon. The feature attraction, though, is free use of the swimming pool. Singles US$35, doubles US$40. Next door to the Ben Gurion Hut is the Sdeh Boker Inn (tel. 56 03 79), a snack shop where you can get full meals for NIS16 and stock up on liquids. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-4pm, Fri. 8am-3pm, Sat 8:30am-3pm; food served only up to 3pm.)