Zip-Lining in Israel
Omega Zip-Lining in Israel
If you’re looking for something to do that’s off the beaten track during your vacation in Israel, why not try zip-lining? A zip line, called “omega” in Hebrew is created by suspending a pulley on a cable that is mounted atop an incline. The passenger is strapped onto the pulley and rides from the top of the incline to the bottom, by means of gravity.
(Photo: Camp Pinewood, CC BY 2.0)
This is an “extreme” sport, a category that includes such daring activities as windsurfing, hang-gliding, rappelling, para-gliding, paradiving and parkour. Extreme sports have been growing in popularity over the last decade or so and those looking for an unusual vacation experience may seek out and will definitely find opportunities to indulge the craving for an adrenaline rush while in Israel. Zip-lining is an excellent example of an extreme sport that is likely to give you thrills and chills. It’s certainly something to write home about!
Different Perspective
Zip-lining offers an entirely different perspective to those who are brave enough to take a chance at flying through the air. A walking tour offers you only what you can see in front of you, at ground level, while zip-lining offers you the chance to see things from high above. You can’t help but feel a little bit like you own the place when you’re way above everything below. It’s an amazing feeling.
Ella Valley (Photo: Zachi Evenor, CC BY 2.0)
Deer Land
In Israel, there are several venues offering zip-lining opportunities. Probably the best known zip-line experience is at Deer Land (Eretz HaAyalim) in Gush Etzion south of Jerusalem. Located in the gorgeous Ella Valley, Deer Land is a nature reserve with many attractions, of which zip-lining is just one. There’s a small petting zoo, and in addition to zip-lining, visitors can enjoy wall-climbing, paint ball, archery, safari jeep trips, pony riding for children, and even an omnidirectional treadmill (ODT).
600 Meters Long
Deerland claims to have the second longest omega zip-line in the world and the longest in Israel – 600 m long, 120 m high over the awesome Gan Eden Valley. There’s a shorter zip line for kids, too.
Engaging in all those extreme sports is sure to give you a big appetite. Lucky for you, Deer Land has a kosher l’mehadrin meat restaurant with a Wild West setting and a breathtaking view of the Ella Valley. Come in April when the Ella Valley is filled with wildflowers all abloom. Deer Land also has barbecuing facilities and picnic tables, so you can grill your own food if that’s your preference. Camping overnight is also possible in a large Beduin tent that can hold up to 200 people near toilets and showers. Private tents are also available for groups. For further information email: Lior_lvy@yahoo.com or phone: (02) 570-9768, 050-5388705, 050-2041201 or fax: (02) 579-0811.
Manara Cliffs (Photo: Public Domain)
Manara Cliff, Upper Galilee
Another choice is the Manara Cliff, Tzuk Manara Omega zip line in the upper Galilee, a 200-meter descent at a 37 degree angle that requires speed adjustment by the rider. Participants, who must weigh a minimum 30 kg to a maximum 100 kg will enjoy the stunning views of the Hula Valley, Golan Heights and Mount Hermon. Here is also Israel’s longest cable car consisting of 12 cars that hold up to eight people each and the view is absolutely breath taking as it makes its way up to Kiryat Shmona and then to Kibbutz Manara atop the Naftali Ridge. Cliff Manara is located between Rosh Pina and Kiryat Shmona. Phone: 972-4-690-5830 or fax: (04) 690-5833.
X-Park Haifa
Haifa, the beautiful port city on the Bay, is home to a fantastic challenge park. The X-Park has a wide variety of extreme sports for adults and children over age five. Here a giant 30 meter long omega zip-line allows rappelling down a wall. There is also a rope bridge, an Olympic climbing wall, and a paintball complex. The X-Park also has Israel’s largest rink for skateboarding, roller blades and bicycling plus a really great Gymboree for children. For further information contact Adi Poliker at: 054-788-3812 or 1-599-524400.
The Sea of Galilee, Lake Kinneret
In Tiberias on the beautiful Sea of Galilee near the Rimmonim Mineral Hotel is the Tiberias Extreme Park that has among its challenges an omega for children. You must phone first to see when it is open as the hours vary. Phone: (04) 671-2950.
Did You Know?
While most of us think of zip-lining as a sports activity, zip lines also have a practical use. Zip lines are often used to reach locations that can’t be traversed on foot – for instance, to cross a canyon or to get through a rain forest.
