Frequently Asked Questions
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Group Size Requirements
A mimimum of 6 participants is required for a tour to depart. The maximum group size is usually 12 participants, excluding leaders.
When would be the best time to join a tour?
An impossible question to answer since each season
has its own 'jewels'. Late March-early April will give you a very
varied species list, while the autumn has more specific target birds.
November and February/March is a very good time to visit Northern
Israel, whilst mid-winter in the south gives an opportunity to find
some species not usually found in migration seasons, such as Striated
Scops Owl. However, our main season is from mid October to mid April,
with tours going out on most weeks in the autumn/early winter and
in spring. The majority of tours begin on the Sunday or Monday of
each week in season. Northern tours can be arranged to start on
other days for customised trips.
What is included in the trip?
We cover all the ground costs of a full week’s
birding tour of southern or northern Israel. These include: guiding,
food and accommodation, transport, and airport transfers.
What is excluded?
We do not include any night excursions with additional
local guides because of the sensitive nature of the species involved.
However, we are happy to arrange these trips for you, and have good
relationships with the guides. Personal items such as beer, wine,
and beverages (outside of meals) are also not included.
What is a typical day like?
Most days begin early, soon after first light.
Guests take their breakfast around 8 :00, usually in the Kibbutz
dining room, but sometimes in the field. More often than not, we
return to the Kibbutz at lunchtime, and take a siesta after our
meal if it is very hot. We are back out in the cool of the afternoon
and usually bird through to dusk, returning home in plenty of time
for a shower before supper. The evening meal is usually served at
7:30 or 8:00 pm. We round off the day with the daily checklist.
In spring, a 'birders' pub will also be open 4 or 5 nights per week.
How many species am I likely to see?
The species tally will vary with the season and
the tour program. On spring desert weeks, we generally see between
180 and 200 species, in the autumn between 160 and 180, while a
combined northern and southern tour will give you up to 235 different
species.
Will I keep up the pace of the tour?
Our trips are not designed to be a hectic scorch
across Israel, collecting as many species as possible. We
are much more interested in showing you all the birds at a comfortable
pace. We place a great deal of emphasis in helping your with identification,
and would hope that you get much more out of your trip than 'just'
a big list. We are confident that you will find our trips rewarding
in all respects.
What do I need to bring with me?
Primarily, you will need a good pair of binoculars.
A telescope is certainly useful in many situations in Israel, but
not essential as all our leaders carry scopes in the field. However,
if you do own a scope, we recommended that you bring it, along with
a stable tripod, as the wind can be quite strong. The best field
guides for the region are the recently published Collins Bird Guide
(by Svensson, Mullarney, Zetterstrom and the late Peter Grant.);
The Birds of Europe published by Helm (by Lars Jonsonn);
and, Birds of the Middle East published by Poyser (by Porter,
Langman, Birch, Gayle et al.). A special guide on some difficult
Middle Eastern Groups is also available: "The Macmillan Guide to
Middle Eastern Birds", by Shirihai, Harris and Christie.
Do I need any special clothing?
Weather in spring, autumn and winter can be unpredictable,
and it can rain. Even in mid-winter the midday temperatures can
be quite hot, while the evenings are often cool and we would therefore
recommend a variety of garments. We also recommend gloves for higher
elevations in winter in Northern Israel where it may snow.Throughout
the country, the sun is often very strong, and we try to find shade
wherever possible. However, we recommend sunscreen, a water bottle,
a hat, and sunglasses for your daily preparations for the field.
Biting insects are few, but can be found around some wetland areas.
A good insect repellent can also be useful.
Can we have a private tour?
Yes, these can be arranged for groups of friends,
bird clubs and tour companies. Single clients with specific target
species in mind can also have a private tour at a suitably adjusted
rate.
How do I register for a Lotan Bird tour?
Click on the links to move to a detailed booking form and a price list . Please print the form, fill in the
booking form specifying the particular tour that you would like
to do, and send it to us along with a deposit cheque. We accept
any convertible foreign currency to the equivalent of 115 €.
You will send a receipt and written confirmation of your place
on the tour.
Where is Kibbutz Lotan?
Lotan is about 52 Km north of Eilat and 11 Km
north of Yotvata. You can locate us easily on the map, just east
of the main junction between Routes 90 and 40. Our strategic position
gives great access to all major sites in the southern deserts, plus
we are only 20 minutes north-east of Ovda International Airport.
What is the accommodation like?
Throughout our tours, we use comfortable Kibbutz
guesthouses. The standard varies between locations, but in all cases,
it is good, comfortable, well appointed with en-suite facilities.
All rooms are equipped with air conditioning units, some with TV,
though not on Lotan, and most are appointed with tea and coffee
making facilities, and a fridge. We have chosen each location for
its immediate proximity to good birding habitats, and the friendly
service offered by their staff.
How about the food?
Israel is full of fresh, healthy produce
and an excellent variety of meat and vegetarian meals. Indeed, vegetarians
are especially well catered for because of the Kosher eating practices
of the various accommodation establishments that we use. In most
cases, we can deal with specific dietary requirements with due notice.
The meals are usually buffet-style with plenty of choice.
Do you offer self-guided programs?
Certainly, our facilities are open year round
for those keen on self-guided tours. For others anticipating a more
relaxed approach, our swimming pool is usually open from 1st
March - 30th November.
Wish to contact your dear ones, friends, or business associates?
Problem solved. There are two public phone boots
on the premises (you can purchase phone ards at the tourism office).
There is also a public Internet station from which you can send
and receive email on a user-pay basis. We conveniently located the
station in "The Hide", Lotan birders' pub.
Contact info
Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)