Stunning Gem of the Israeli Desert – Nitzana Hillocks | White Rock Dunes
If there was ever something that is the definition of a hidden gem, Nitzana is it. This location is so incredibly dreamy and yet so few people ever visit. It’s understandable, I guess, since it is deep in the Israeli desert, far away from anything and everything. It felt like we were walking on the moon, not just because of the remoteness, but because of the empty, stunning beauty.
Nitzana Hillocks is the technical name written on the signs of this awesome place on the Israeli/Egyptian border. In Hebrew it’s called “Hamukei Nitzana” which directly translated means Nitzana’s curves or bosom. (Nitzana is a female Hebrew name). The rounded, smooth rocks were created by thousands of years of natural weathering from flash floods in the desert.
The rocks look like tall striking sand dunes, but in all reality they are natural chalk rocks. You brush up against it, you sit on it, you walk nearby and you will be covered in white chalk dust.
Visiting Nitzana – Our Experience
When we visited there was absolutely no one there, as it’s quite a bit far from everything, we weren’t too surprised. Visiting on our way to Eilat (link to Eilat post coming soon) at Israel’s most southern tip, this was a perfect stop along the way.
Right across the way from these rocks is the ancient town of Nitzana. We didn’t have time to stop there on this trip but earlier in the morning, we stopped at Shivta (post coming soon) another ancient Nabatean city along the spice route. In Israel there are four such well preserved Nabatean cities: Shivta, Avdat (another post thats coming soon), Moa, and Nitzana. In Jordan there are more such villages, the most famous being Petra.
Here at Nitzana, besides the cool chalk rocks, there is also a special type of quartz that is formed in thin, deep layers within the chalk rock. It almost looks like thin, flaky pieces of white chocolate.
How to Get to Nitzana
The easiest way to get to Nitzana is by car. Depending on which route you take if you drive from Tel Aviv, it’s not too far of a detour from the route to Eilat, which is why this amazing place was included in one of our stops along the way. To see more amazing places to stop along the drive check out this post here (link coming soon)
Photoshoot in Nitzana
Knowing that this is such a dreamy place, we knew the photoshoot here had to be super special. We made this purple ruffly dress specifically for Nitzana! Check out the blog post here: (link coming soon). Endless purple ruffles in this wanderlust land couldn’t be a more perfect fit. And the amazing vintage clip-on earrings that match as if they were made for the dress!
Brooke’s outfit is an authentic vintage muumuu dress from the 70s. The cloud-like floral design complimented the purple so beautifully and also the clear blue skies and the white chalk rocks. It all seemed so unreal.
We also brought along a couple of props-purple and blue vintage books and matching shoes, to highlight the beauty even more. Not to mention how dreamy it would have been to just sit in this remote place and read for hours!
Tips for Visiting
- WALK barefoot if you can. The rocks are so smooth it’s such an amazing feeling to be walking and climbing barefoot. Only try this in the morning or evening though as the desert sun can cause the ground to heat up very quickly.
- REMOTE. Nitzana is in a very remote area. If you happen to be staying at one of the local farming communities nearby like Ezuz, it’s a great day trip option.
- HOT. Nitzana is located deep in Israel’s desert. That means that it’s HOT. Come prepared as there is no form of park entrance (it’s not a park) to this area where you can buy food or water. There is a little shade because of the rock formations, depending on the time of day, but overall it’s pretty barren and the sun will be beating down strongly.
- DON’T FORGET to visit one of the awesome ancient Nabatean cities nearby, whether it be Nitzana right across the way or Shivta (link coming soon), Avdat, or Moa. They are some of the most underrated and amazing places.
Have you ever visited a similar place? Walked on the moon? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more amazing things to do in the area check out this post here:
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
31 Comments
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Cindy Georgakas
September 25, 2020 at 6:58 pmthese are so amazing!!!!
Colorful Sisters
September 25, 2020 at 7:13 pmThank you so much!!! We were so excited to find this amazing place 😍😍😍
Cindy Georgakas
September 25, 2020 at 7:26 pm❤️🤗
BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES
September 25, 2020 at 7:03 pmThis is so beautiful and the dresses are absolutely gorgeous! Is Nitsana near the Flour Caves? It is a bit similar in its chaulkiness.
Colorful Sisters
September 25, 2020 at 7:31 pmThank you so much!! We’ve actually never been to the flour caves! But they sound so cool!! They’re also in Southern Israel but a bit far away so I’m not sure if the chalkiness is the from the same source
BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES
September 25, 2020 at 7:35 pmTry and go, you will love it!
Colorful Sisters
September 25, 2020 at 7:53 pmDefinetly adding it to the list! Thanks for the reccomendation 😍
Lov Verma
September 26, 2020 at 5:37 pmfab article! very vivid and evocative!
Colorful Sisters
September 26, 2020 at 5:16 pmThank you so much!
Timothy Price
October 2, 2020 at 6:30 pmExcellent post. Here’s another similarity. We have White Sands National Monument that are sandy white sand dunes in New Mexico. There are lots of similarities in desert places.
Colorful Sisters
October 2, 2020 at 7:36 pmwow we haven’t been to New Mexico but its on our list for sure. Well definitely look up the White Sands National Monument. Thanks for the tip!
TimC
October 4, 2020 at 10:26 amGreat post. Lovely travel imagery.
Colorful Sisters
October 4, 2020 at 1:02 pmThank you so much
Soni Cool😎
October 4, 2020 at 4:59 pmLoved the place and clicks ❤️❤️❤️
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 6:56 amThank you so much!!!
Soni Cool😎
October 4, 2020 at 4:59 pmLoved the clicks
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 6:55 amThank you so much!! It’s an AMAZING place 🙂
Michele Lee Sefton
October 5, 2020 at 1:46 pmLove your blog! Thanks for visiting mine. 🌼
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 1:51 pmLove yours as well 🙂
Indrajit RoyChoudhury
October 5, 2020 at 1:57 pmAmazing!
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 2:33 pmThank you so much 🙂
marlagro
October 5, 2020 at 4:06 pmWow I am glad you starting following my blog or I wouldn’t have seen yours! Really like yours! Great work!
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 4:25 pmOhhh it really means a lot, thank you so much 🙂
Colorful Sisters
October 5, 2020 at 8:06 pmWe’re so happy too to have come across your blog!
The Wild Coach
October 6, 2020 at 1:08 amGreat colours! Keep travelling
Colorful Sisters
October 6, 2020 at 5:17 amThanks so much!!! The colors here are so naturally stunning 😍
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Angela
December 22, 2020 at 6:31 pmFun and beautiful pictures!
Colorful Sisters
December 23, 2020 at 9:16 amThanks so much !
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