Neot HaKikar Desert Lodges
About This Place
Neot HaKikar is a small moshav (cooperative agricultural settlement) at the southern end of the Dead Sea, founded in 1970. It sits at the point where the Dead Sea gives way to the northern Arava Valley, with Jordan visible across the water and a ring of desert hills on every side. The community of around 230 people earns its living from greenhouse agriculture — peppers, melons, and organic Medjool dates grown in salty soil with saline well water.
Alongside Shkedi’s Camplodge (covered separately on this site), the moshav hosts a small cluster of private guesthouses and self-catering bungalows run by local families. These range from simple rooms with kitchen access to private courtyard bungalows with jacuzzis and mountain views. Public data on individual operators is sparse — specifics marked [TO CONFIRM] should be verified directly with each property before booking.
Amenities
PARKING
WIFI
Shared Kitchen
Hot tubs
Outdoor Seating
Known Operators in Neot HaKikar
Mul Edom Dead Sea Apartments offers two individually decorated guestrooms with private spa tubs, LCD televisions, private patios, and kitchens with full-sized refrigerators, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Tripadvisor rates it 4.5 out of 5 and has ranked it among the top B&Bs in Neot HaKikar. Specific rates and availability.
Gordon Family Guestrooms is a family-run property in the moshav offering guestrooms with a bedroom, living room (convertible to twin beds), equipped kitchen, satellite TV, and coffee machine. Outdoor amenities include a hammock, spacious deck, outdoor cooking and BBQ area, and a Jacuzzi. Views are of the desert and surrounding mountains. Specific rates and availability.
Zimmer Belev HaKikar is a guesthouse in Neot HaKikar described by guests as very clean and well maintained with kind and accommodating hosts. Further details including room count, capacity, amenities, and rates are.
Additional self-catering bungalow rentals are periodically available through platforms such as Airbnb and Tripz. These are typically private courtyard properties with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a full kitchen. Availability is seasonal and operator-dependent — check current listings directly.
Who This Property Suits Best
Neot HaKikar suits travelers who want to genuinely escape: no hotel lobbies, no crowds, no Dead Sea spa strip. The moshav is as remote as it gets in Israel. You are likely to have the Arava desert largely to yourselves outside school holiday periods.
The guesthouses work well for couples seeking privacy with a jacuzzi and mountain views, small families comfortable with self-catering, and hikers using the moshav as a trailhead for wadi and canyon routes. This is not a place for guests who want easy beach access — the Dead Sea shore is a 30-minute drive north.
Budget travelers are better served by Shkedi’s Camplodge, which is in the same moshav and offers more affordable dormitory and tent options alongside a social atmosphere.
Key Facts
| Location | Moshav Neot HaKikar, southern Dead Sea, Israel. Approx. 37 km south of Ein Bokek; approx. 30 minutes by car. |
| Getting there | Private vehicle recommended. No reliable public transport to the moshav beyond an infrequent bus from Ein Bokek — confirm schedule locally. Road access via Route 90 (Dead Sea Highway) south. |
| Accommodation type | Small private guesthouses, self-catering bungalows, and B&B rooms run by moshav residents |
| Units / rooms | known operators include Mul Edom Dead Sea Apartments (2 units confirmed), Gordon Family Guestrooms, and Zimmer Belev HaKikar. Other family-run rentals may be available seasonally. |
| Rates from | aggregator data indicates approx. USD 103–151/night for self-catering bungalows. Mul Edom listed from approx. USD 70 on some platforms. Verify with each property directly. |
| Check-in / check-out | varies by property; contact individual operators directly. |
| Best season | October to May. Summer (June–September) is intensely hot; some properties may reduce availability. The Arava winter evenings are cool and clear with exceptional stargazing. |
| Kosher / religious | no kosher certification confirmed for any individual guesthouse. Self-catering kitchens are common. Nearest kosher dining options |
PARKING
WIFI
Shared Kitchen
Hot tubs
Outdoor Seating
Location and Surroundings
Neot HaKikar sits at the extreme southern tip of the Dead Sea, close to the Jordanian border, where the Arava Valley begins. The moshav was established in 1970 on land that had previously hosted a cattle farm and, before that, a military base. Its hot, arid climate makes it one of the more demanding desert locations in Israel — and one of the most rewarding for visitors who come prepared.
The Eco Desert Park visitor centre at the entrance to the moshav serves as the starting point for family tours, bicycle trips, wadi hikes, waterfall walks, and more challenging desert routes. Nearby natural areas include the Fifa Nature Reserve across the border area and several wadis accessible by 4WD or on foot. Mount Sodom is a short drive north. Ein Bokek and the main Dead Sea resort beach strip are approximately 37 km north via Route 90.
FAQs
Is Kfar Hanokdim kosher?
Yes — the property is listed as Kosher. Confirm full kashrut certification and supervising authority directly with the property before booking for strict religious reasons.
Do I need a car to reach Kfar Hanokdim?
A car is strongly recommended. Bus lines run to the city of Arad from major Israeli cities; from Arad you can take a taxi. Note that no public transportation operates from Friday noon until Saturday evening.
Is Wi-Fi available at Kfar Hanokdim?
No Wi-Fi is provided — this is a deliberate choice to enhance the desert experience. Partial mobile reception exists for Partner network subscribers.
Can I visit without staying overnight?
Yes. Kfar Hanokdim offers a Day in the Desert package including camel rides, Bedouin hospitality, and a Hafla dinner — no overnight stay required.
What is the cancellation policy?
More than two weeks before arrival: approx. 50 ILS flat fee. One to two weeks prior: 50% of total cost. Less than one week or no-show: full cost charged. Confirm current policy at time of booking.