Who says summer has to be spent at the beach? The Jordan Valley is offering a slightly different alternative for the hot vacation season: Trips among natural springs, birdwatching tours, desert sunsets, night safaris, and stargazing - all part of a single festival that invites travelers to get to know the region from less familiar angles.
The Wet Valley festival, which has opened and runs through August 18, offers a variety of tours and activities for the entire family at a price of NIS 10 per participant. The festival is organized by the Jordan Valley Regional Council and the Jordan Valley Field School, in cooperation with Eshkolot.
Nature Tours, Springs, and Birdwatching
One of the wet tours offered as part of the festival will take participants to the hidden waterfall in the northern Jordan Valley. The tour will begin with a panoramic view from the Shoval Lookout, featuring explanations about the area and its springs, before travelers continue to a wet route suitable for families.
Another tour will lead to Herod's Pool and the Petza'el Springs, along a route that combines a farm visit with a dip and splash in the restored pool - one of the historical initiatives in the area.
Birding enthusiasts can join a birdwatching tour at Lake Tirza in the wetland habitats of the Jordan Valley during twilight hours, when the birds are particularly active.
Sunset Adventures, Night Safaris, and Local Farms
Those who prefer traveling after the sun has set will also find plenty to do. As part of the festival, sunset tours will take place in the Jordan Valley badlands, set among the marl formations, caves, and date palms that paint the area in unique shades during the late afternoon and evening.
Another activity awaiting travelers is a night safari in Shadmot Mehola, where participants will learn about nocturnal wildlife through interactive guided stations.
And for those already in the Valley, looking up at the sky is a must: As part of Journey Among the Stars, experiential stargazing sessions will take place at the Jordan Valley Monument on select evenings during August, in cooperation with Eshkolot and KKL-JST.
Alongside nature and scenery, the festival also offers an introduction to the agricultural side of the region. Tasting tours on local farms will guide participants through regional agriculture, giving them an up-close look at farming in the Jordan Valley, opportunities to meet the farmers, and the stories behind the local produce.
The program also features a sunrise hike to the summit of the Sartaba, taking place in the early morning hours and offering views of the sun rising from the east over the landscapes of the Jordan Valley.
Activities take place on various dates throughout the festival, so visitors should check each tour's schedule in advance and register accordingly. The organizers note that all activities are approved by security forces.
Participation costs NIS 10 per person. Full details regarding tour dates, activities, and registration are available on the Jordan Valley Tourism website.