Kfar Hanokdim
About This Place
In the Kana’im Valley, tucked between the city of Arad and the ancient fortress of Masada, Kfar Hanokdim rises from the Judean Desert like a mirage that happens to be real. Founded in 1991 and inspired by the nomadic Bedouin people of the region, this desert resort has grown into one of Israel’s most distinctive places to sleep outdoors — without giving up comfort. Buildings of hand-cut natural stone, furnishings of wood and iron, rugs and fabrics woven from black goat’s hair, and lamps carved from Dead Sea salt crystals all conspire to make you feel that you have genuinely stepped back in time, while the air-conditioned guest rooms gently remind you that you haven’t.
Your evenings here follow a rhythm older than the desert itself: a Hafla — the traditional Bedouin feast — in the stone dining room, a campfire in one of the Zoola areas, or simply the silence of a sky full of stars. By morning you can ride camels into the Kana’im Valley, lace up boots for the Roman Ramp climb at Masada, and be back at Kfar Hanokdim in time for the lavish buffet breakfast. Day visitors are welcome too, with packages that include camel rides, a Bedouin hospitality session, and dinner. Kosher, family-accessible, and deliberately Wi-Fi-free, Kfar Hanokdim is the rare place where going offline feels like a feature, not a hardship.
Amenities
Air conditioning
Bedouin Tent
Dining Room
TEA
PARKING
Buffet Restaurants
Accommodation
Kfar Hanokdim offers three accommodation styles, each honest about what it is. The en-suite guest rooms are the most polished option: air-conditioned, hand-decorated rooms with beds, fresh linen and towels, and a coffee corner. They accommodate up to five guests and share the same natural-stone, iron-and-wood aesthetic as the rest of the property — just without a television (intentional) or an in-room fridge (a communal refrigerator is available nearby).
The sukkot are the signature experience: hand-built structures that function like private tented lodges, each sleeping up to eight guests. They have a spiral heater and a fan, and share well-maintained communal toilet and shower facilities nearby. For guests who want to sleep closest to the desert itself, the traditional goat-hair Bedouin tents are fitted with colourful rugs and mattresses and open directly onto the starlit landscape. All reservations must be made in advance via the official website, email, or phone (+972-8-9950097); online availability is sometimes limited, so calling directly is recommended for larger groups.
Who This Property Suits Best
Kfar Hanokdim works particularly well for: couples seeking a romantic, genuinely off-grid night in the desert; families with children aged five and up who want the camel ride, the campfire, and the Masada climb all in one base; school and youth groups (the property hosts organised groups in a dedicated area); and solo travellers or small groups who want to hike the Judean Desert trails and wake up at Masada for sunrise without driving back to a city hotel. The property is wheelchair-accessible and caters to most dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan diets, with advance notice.
Key Facts
| Location | Kana'im Valley, Judean Desert — between Arad and Masada West, approx. 15-minute drive from Arad |
| Getting there | Bus lines to Arad from major cities; taxi from Arad to the Kfar. No public transit Fri noon-Sat eve. Car recommended. No road passage between Masada West and Route 90 by car. |
| Accommodation type | Desert resort: en-suite guest rooms, Bedouin-style sukkot (hand-built lodges, shared bathrooms), traditional goat-hair Bedouin tents |
| Units / rooms | Sukkot sleep up to 8 guests; guest rooms up to 5 guests. Total unit count |
| Rates from | contact kfarhanokdim.co.il or call +972-8-9950097 for current pricing |
| Check-in / check-out | Check-in from 15:00; check-out by 11:00 |
| Best season | Year-round; desert climate — warm dry days, cool nights. Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Oct-Nov) ideal for hiking. |
| Kosher / religious | Kosher (listed as Kosher on deadsea.com). Full certification level directly with property. |
Air conditioning
Bedouin Tent
Dining Room
TEA
PARKING
Buffet Restaurants
Location and Surroundings
Kfar Hanokdim sits in the Kana’im Valley in the heart of the Judean Desert, roughly 8 km from the city of Arad and about 11 km from the Masada West (Roman Ramp) entrance. The Dead Sea shoreline is approximately 45 minutes away by car — close enough for a day trip but far enough that the property has its own distinct desert character, quieter and drier than the sea-level resorts to the east. Nearby attractions include the western face of Masada (the Roman Ramp reaches the summit in around 20 minutes of climbing), over 40 mapped hiking trails in the Judean Desert hills, and the city of Arad with its own archaeological sites and services. Note that the road from Masada West does not connect to Route 90 by car — plan your route accordingly if combining Kfar Hanokdim with Dead Sea beach visits.
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.
