Eilat and the Negev Sights

Shopping Nightlife Performing Arts

1. Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

This popular, safari-like nature preserve (you need a car to fully explore it) is a natural habitat for biblical-era animals and birds. Roaming around are stripe-legged Africa wild asses, Dorcas gazelles, Arabian oryx, and other desert herbivores. Try to be here in the morning, when the animals are most active. There are audio players available for rent if you want a 45-minute "guided tour." A second section, the Desert Night Exhibition Hall, is a darkened room where you can observe the habits of nocturnal animals such as bats and barn owls. An upgraded ticket allows you into the Predator Center, where feeding time is a highlight. Carnivores, including feral wolves, foxes, leopards, jackals, birds of prey, and striped hyenas are kept in enclosures.