Adventurers Explore Challenging 65-Meter Rappel and Underground Crawl in Fox Chimney Cave, Judean Desert

Fox Chimney Cave, a hidden gem nestled among the cliffs of the Judean Desert, offers an extreme yet family-friendly adventure combining adrenaline, geology, and nature. Discovered and mapped in 1982 by the Cave Research Center, this underground system features a dramatic 65-meter rappel into darkness followed by a 1.5-kilometer crawl through winding subterranean passages.

The entire excursion lasts about four hours, beginning with a thrilling descent by rope from the cave's chimney. After landing, participants navigate narrow underground canyons for roughly an hour and a half, encountering stunning natural salt crystals known as "salt diamonds" that shimmer under flashlight beams. Despite its intensity, the route is suitable for families with children aged six or seven and older who enjoy hiking.

Visitors can join open group tours priced around 400 shekels per person or opt for private tours costing about 2,000 shekels per group. The experience requires certified rappelling guides and proper safety equipment, including helmets, harnesses, and lights, and independent exploration is prohibited.

Since the cave trip takes half a day, travelers often combine it with nearby attractions such as the refreshing Ein Bokek Nature Reserve, featuring shallow pools and waterfalls, and the Bedolina glamping site at Kibbutz Ein Gedi, which offers a food truck with local cuisine and panoramic views of Moab mountains and the Dead Sea. These additions create a full day of adventure and relaxation in the region.