Lotan Kibbutz Reserve & Birding Guides - Israel

Welcome to one of the world's greatest migratory flyways. Kibbutz Lotan nestles amidst the beauty of the sun drenched Arava Valley in southern Israel, home to stunning desert birds such as the Little Green Bee-eater and Hooded Wheatear. Here the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa converge, forming a natural land bridge that sees literally hundreds of millions of migrants each year. In the heart of it all, the tiny community of Kibbutz Lotan has become recognised not only as an 'oasis' like migrant hotspot, but also an ideal facility committed to the enjoyment of desert birding, offering a diverse range of services.

The reserve has an excellent website with details of birds to be seen and its history etc. The year 2000 marks a turning point in Lotan's young history as a birding centre. From humble beginnings in 1995, we currently host well over several hundred birders each year. Our bird reserve has three observation hides with drinking pools, and attracts some very exciting migrants. The new ringing station, based in the reserve, will be managed by a team of professional ringers to ensure the best possible handling of the vast numbers of migrant birds passing through our area each year. Unfortunately at the present the hides are not accessible at all for wheel chairs. We have written plan to change that, but can not give a specific date yet. On the kibbutz itself there is an enormous number of species and it is all accessible. On our guided tours we take birders only to places that have good access. All in all the reserve is very accessible and staff (contactable by email) are very helpful. Here is to some great birding from all of the team at Lotan.

We are especially able to cater to disabled guests. Almost all of our services are accessible without having the need to use stairs. The grounds are flat with paved paths and a parking lot close by. We have widened the entrances to our guest rooms to enable entrance of wheel chairs.

Importantly, our birding tours cover the length and breadth of the country, and we have developed an especially successful itinerary for Northern Israel.

Few would deny that desert bird watching has an inexplicable mystique. Add that to some of the greatest migration spectaculars on earth and you have a fantastic recipe for a wonderful week (or two) of bird packed experiences. We will make every effort to ensure that your birding holiday in Israel is a relaxed, enjoyable and highly informative experience, delivered with a level of attentiveness that cannot be matched elsewhere.

The support for birding tours on Lotan stems from their strong links with nature, along with a strengthening ecological direction that has brought the Kibbutz a good deal of positive publicity including The Israel conservation award for the year 2000. The eco-projects go hand in hand with our birding, and both have been important to the successful development of the bird reserve.

Contact: Tel: 972-7-6356935 Fax: 972-7-6356827