EILAT BIRD FESTIVAL 2027
28th March – 1st April 2027
We are delighted to announce that registration is open for Eilat Bird Festival 2027, offering an amazing birding program in Eilat and the Arava.
Hosted by BirdLife Israel, the Eilat Bird Festival brings together birders from the world over for unforgettable five days of birds, migration and nature during the peak of spring migration.
Eilat is one of the most impressive locations to experience the spring migration spectacle, as millions of birds funnel through the area on their way north from Africa to Europe and Asia. A large variety of habitats, from salt marsh and ponds to agricultural fields and kibbutz gardens, host a mouthwatering range of migratory species. The natural desert environments provide important stopover sites for open country birds who are looking for food and water after their long crossing of the Sahara Desert, while the local desert species are in full breeding activity.
The Festival is based in Eilat and takes in all the major sites and key species of Southern Israel.
Over 200 species of birds are possible during the Festival, as well as a nice list of reptiles and mammals. Highlights include: Black Scrub-Robin, Steppe Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Greater Flamingo, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Arabian Bee-eater, Dead Sea Sparrow and so much more.
Once again, the Festival will be based at the Kibbutz Eilot Country Lodging just outside of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Eilat. The Kibbutz welcomes us with friendly hospitality, clean, comfortable rooms surrounded by the beautiful kibbutz gardens, great food and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
There is no doubt that the Eilat Bird Festival is by far the best value package for birding Eilat and southern Israel during the peak of spring migration. We are happy to continue providing the perfect platform to elevate your amazing birding experience. The Festival is led by the best leaders in Israel, so make sure to book your package soon. We thank our followers and many returning clients which are a testament to the quality of the event.
See you in the field, the Eilat Bird Festival team.
The Eilat Bird Festival includes:
- Pickup and transfer from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on day 1.
Drop off in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem on last day (day 5).
- One night at Kibbutz Neot Smadar Guest House and three nights at Kibbutz Eilat Country Lodging on HB basis (breakfast and dinner included)
- Birding program at some of the best hotspots in southern Israel.
- All transportation within the country in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
- All entry fees are included.
Not included: flights, visas, insurance, lunch (we will stop everyday where light lunches can be purchased), communication, beverages, laundry, tips for drivers and guides.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1 Sunday 28 March, 2027 - 7:00 Departure from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
The day will start with a short visit to the Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory, where we will pick up more participants. From there we will continue south via Sde Boker and Mitzpe Ramon. Along the way we will stop at a couple good birding sites in the desert. We will arrive in our guest house at Kibbutz Neot Smadar
in the late afternoon for dinner.
Overnight at Kibbutz Neot Smadar Lodging
Day 2 Monday 29 March, 2027 – Uvda Valley and Kibbutzim
We will start the day birding in the Uvda Valley to search for larks and other desert birds before returning to the Kibbutz for breakfast. After breakfast we will bird in the area of the Kibbutz and then slowly head south to Eilat, stopping at Yotvata and other Kibbutzim on the way to search for birds, including in Kibbutz Samar
for Black Scrub-Robin. We will end the day at Kibbutz Eilot Country Lodging.
Day 3 Tuesday 30 March, 2027 – Eilat
We will start with a morning tour in the Eilat Birding Center
to look for migrants. After breakfast at the guest house, we will ascend to the impressive Eilat mountains to observe the migration of raptors as they move north out of Sinai. After a lunch break we will visit the world-famous KM20 flamingo salt ponds, and other water reservoirs in the Eilat area. Then back to Kibbutz Eilot Country Lodging for dinner and an evening lecture.
Day 4 Wednesday 31 March, 2027 – Eilat
We will start the day with an early morning tour of Holland Park and return to breakfast at the guest house. After breakfast we will visit some of the parks around Eilat that attract migrants such as Ophira Park
and Canada Park. In the afternoon, there will be an option to go snorkeling at the Coral Beach Reserve or to spend some quiet photography time at the Eilat Birding Center, before we head to North Beach
to watch seabirds at the end of the day.
Then it’s back to Kibbutz Eilot Country Lodging for dinner.
Day 5 Thursday 1 April, 2027
We will check out of the hotel after an early breakfast and head to the banding station at the Eilat Birding Center and a walk around the park. Then we will head north to Jerusalem then Tel Aviv. On the way, we will stop at a couple birding sites along the Arava and at the Dead Sea.
Estimated arrival time in Jerusalem 18:00/Tel Aviv 19:00
Please note - the tour program during your stay in Eilat is relatively flexible and can change according to bird reports and weather that week. You can be sure that we will keep you busy with birds all day.
Prices
Double room (per person): 5220 NIS
Single room: 6230 NIS
Double room – per person (SPNI members and BirdLife Israel’s Bird Club): 4932 NIS
Single room (SPNI members and BirdLife Israel’s Bird Club): 5942 NIS
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - REGISTER BEFORE 31/12/26 AND RECEIVE A 5% DISCOUNT ON PRICE
An initial deposit of 1000 nis per person is required upon registration.
A final bill will be sent to everyone in January. Early bird discount if relevant will be deducted from the final bill.
For more information contact Alena Kacal at alenk@spni.org.il
Let’s go birding in Eilat this spring!
Conservation commitment: The Eilat Bird Festival is a program of BirdLife Israel, part of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI). Your participation in this festival supports the ongoing research, conservation and education work of BirdLife Israel, and helps to protect important stopover sites for hundreds of millions of birds who migrate through Israel every year.
Carbon offset donation: Participants are invited to donate an additional amount to help offset their carbon footprint in participating in the tour. BirdLife Israel offers an offsetting option. If you choose to do so, your donation will go to the Start-Up Nature wetland restoration program of BirdLife Israel. This program is restoring wetlands around the country in order to create new stopover sites for migratory birds and support biodiversity. To offset your carbon:
https://secured.israelgives.org/en/pay/StartUpNature
Cancellation policy: The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel’s cancellation policy complies with Israel’s consumer protection law and regulations. This cancellation policy sets up favorable conditions for individuals who are participating in our birding festivals. It is as follows:
- Cancellation up to 2 months before the event – 5% cancellation charge. Optional refund of balance of charge.
- Cancellation between 2 months and 1 month before the event – 50% of the total fee.
- Cancellation less than 1 month before the event - you will be charged the full price for the package booked.
- If you are cancelling because of a medical condition please make sure to provide the necessary paperwork with your cancellation and we will assess the situation before charging penalties.
If SPNI makes the decision for any reason to cancel the festival- a full refund will be given.
SPNI reserves the right to cancel the favorable cancellation policies or to determine from time to time additional favorable cancellation conditions at its complete and exclusive discretion.
We highly recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance that will cover the cost of any cancellations due to sickness or flight cancellations as well as health insurance during the trip.
For more information, contact Alena Kacal at alenk@spni.org.il
FAQ’s
Do I have to participate in all the trips? Or can I skip one if I want to rest?
On the morning of day 2, and on days 3 and 4, there will be a series of shorter trips – with one before breakfast, one after breakfast and one in the afternoon. In between we will return to the hotel. It is possible on these days to skip one of the sessions if desired. On the first and last days, we will be travelling for most of the day and it would not be possible to skip any part of the day.
How much walking is involved?
There is some light to moderate walking each day. Within the kibbutz hotel, there is some easy walking to and from your rooms to buses and meals, and there may be some stairs. On field trips, participants will be getting in and out of the minibus and there may be some easy walking on site, sometimes on unpaved ground or sand. Usually the minibus is with the group at all times if needed.
What is the best field guide for Israel?
The best guide is the Collins - The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, 3rd edition, by Lars Svensson et al. This is also available as an app on your cellphone, for iOS and Android. The benefit to the app is that it includes calls and songs of most of the birds. Merlin Bird ID works well in Israel. The app has a bird pack for Israel which you can download for free. This also includes bird calls and songs.
What is the weather like in March?
March in Israel can be quite pleasant– cool in the evenings and warm during the day. However, the weather at this time of year can be variable – from rain to very hot. We recommend bringing a few different layers of clothing to accommodate the changes in temperature throughout the day, including a light rain jacket in case of rain. Good walking shoes are recommended but sandals are great for the evenings. A good hat is a must!
Is the food kosher?
The dining room at Kibbutz Eilot is kosher and serves a variety of different options including vegetarian and vegan. Other needs can be accommodated with advance notice. The dining room at Neot Smadar serves vegetarian/vegan food – all organic and locally grown produce. All ingredients are kosher, however, they do not have a kashrut certificate. However, they will bring in kosher meals for anyone that prefers that option.
Lunch is not part of the package: where can I purchase lunch?
On longer trip days (first and last days), we will stop at locations where simple lunches can be purchased. On other days, there are a variety of options available at Kibbutz Eilot during the lunch break.
Participants can also purchase food and snacks at the kibbutz. There is also a coffee shop on the kibbutz near the dining room that serves kosher sandwiches and salads, or a bigger lunch can be purchased at the Kibbutz dining room. Each room has a kitchenette equipped with a fridge, electric kettle and microwave.
If I come from overseas, will I have trouble bringing optics into Israel?
There is no problem bringing personal optics into Israel. However, keep in mind that if you plan to travel on to Jordon after the Festival – some people have been told that they cannot bring optics across the border into Jordan.
Do I need to bring cash with me?
Almost every transaction in Israel can be done with credit card, so cash is not essential. However, you might want to have a few shekels to spend on drinks and lunches, etc. Please be aware that tips for guides and drivers are not covered by the cost of the festival – if you decide to tip, cash is best – but does not have to be in shekels.
I am mainly a photographer, is this festival suitable for photographers?
The Eilat Bird Festival will focus on birdwatching and will move at a pace suitable to birdwatchers. While many people do bring cameras, we do not tend to spend dedicated time at any one place in order to focus on photography. However, there will be endless opportunities for great ‘wild’ photography during every session. There will be a couple occasions where there is more time for photography and some time when people will be able to do their own thing. Great care is taken to ensure that everyone has good looks at the birds, and we ask that participants not block each other’s views, walk in-front of the group or wander into areas of the path where birds can be scared away. We also ask that participants not leave the designated paths in nature reserves or use playback calls.
Did we cover all your questions? If not, feel free to be in touch with us – we are happy to help answer any of your questions or concerns. Contact us at alenk@spni.org.il
