An amazing day in Hula Valley Nature Reserve

As a tour guide in Israel, I have to be flexible - and last week, when I picked up my clients from the Sofia hotel in Tiberias, I knew it would not be a regular day trip.

As a word of background, a 'regular day trip' means visiting 3-4 churches around the Sea of Galilee and following the story of Jesus Christ together with my tourists - as most of the visitors coming over to Israel are Christians.

Lisa and her young daughter were a different story. To start with, Lisa said immediately that she and her daughter are non-religious Jews and therefore - are not interested to visit any church or hear any bible stories.

secondly, after visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, they wanted to experience the outdoors and wildlife of Israel.

"Hula Valley it is", was my immediate response.

The Hula Valley Nature Reserve was declared in 1964, and it is the first nature reserve established in Israel - and one of my (and my kids') personal favorites.

It is located in northern Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region-and it is an important stopover for millions of birds during their annual migration between Africa and Europe.

The reserve is home to a wide variety of bird species, including cranes, pelicans, storks, and flamingos.

The Hula Valley is situated in an area that was once a lake, which dried up thousands of years ago. In the 1950s, the Israeli government drained the valley in an effort to control malaria and create more farmland. This led to the loss of many wetlands and the decline of the region's bird populations.

The Nature Reserve was established in an effort to protect the remaining wetlands and restore the area to its natural state. Today, the reserve is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It features hiking trails, observation towers, and educational programs for visitors.

During our visit, we have seen SO many birds and animals. Except for the variety mentioned above, we also met some; huge Catfish, Carp fish (orange-colored ones...), beautiful Ibis, small blue Kingfisher, and even the invasive rodent Nutria (looks like a huge fat water Rat).

My clients were delighted, and I had a good reminder of the beauty of our country :)

For your reference, I'm attaching some great pictures taken at the Hula Valley by my photographer uncle - Jacob Amir.

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Some details: *The entrance to the park closes one hour before cited closing time

Summer hours: Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 17:00 - 08:00 Friday and holiday eves: 16:00 - 08:00 Winter hours: Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 16:00 - 08:00 Friday and holiday eves: 16:00 - 08:00 Holiday eves: 13:00 - 08:00 Yom Kippur eve: 13:00 - 08:00

Entrance fees:

Adult ₪ 35.00

Child ₪ 21.00

Adult in group ₪ 30.00

Child in group ₪ 18.00

Student ₪ 30.00

Israeli senior citizen ₪ 18.00

And some FAQ's:

Q: How can I get to the Hula Valley Nature Reserve?

A: The Hula Valley Nature Reserve is located in northern Israel, about a 2-hour drive from Tel Aviv. On the Rosh Pina-Kiryat Shmona road (no. 90), turn east 3 km after Yesud Hama‘ala. In Waze navigation app (which is highly recommended all around Israel), type: Hula Nature Reserve .

Q: What should I bring with me to the Hula Valley Nature Reserve?

A: It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water when visiting the Hula Valley Nature Reserve. If you are planning to do some birdwatching, you may also want to bring binoculars and a bird identification guide.

Q: Are there any guided tours available at the Hula Valley Nature Reserve?

A: There are self-guided tours available, which include maps and information about the different trails in the reserve.

Q: Is it wheelchair accessibly?

A: Yes. including the parking area, restrooms, visitor center and the floating bridge.

Q: Can I camp in the Hula Valley Nature Reserve?

A: Camping is not allowed in the Hula Valley Nature Reserve. However, there are several nearby accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts.

Q: Is the Hula Valley Nature Reserve open year-round?

A: Yes, the Hula Valley Nature Reserve is open year-round, although some facilities and services may be limited during the winter months. The best time to visit the reserve for birdwatching is during the spring and fall migrations, when the reserve is home to a large number of migratory birds.