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Introducing Timna National Park
About 25km north of Eilat, Timna Park (08-631 6756; www.timna-park.co.il; adult/child 38/33NIS; 8am-4pm Sat-Thu Sep-Jun, 8am-1pm Fri & Sun, 6-8.30pm Mon-Thu Jul & Aug) is the site of some stunning desert landscapes, enlivened with multicoloured rock formations. It’s best known as a source of copper for 5th century BC Egyptian miners – the park is dotted with ancient mine shafts – but it also includes a wonderland of geological phenomena. The most intriguing are the Natural Arch, the eroded monolith known as the Mushroom and the photogenic Solomon’s Pillars. There is also a range of excellent day hikes through one of Israel and the Palestinian Territories’ wildest desert landscapes.
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Information about walks is available at the visitors centre, which also has a multimedia presentation; ‘Mines of Time’ tells the story of copper mining and its significance to the culture of Ancient Egypt.
Buses between Eilat and Jerusalem pass the park turn-off, 2.5km from the park entrance. From there, it’s a long walk to anything of interest. This is one place where it really makes sense to hire a car.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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