International Birdwatching Center of the Jordan Vally, Israel, Kibbutz Kfar Rupin - The best place of birding in Northern Israel.
Tourism General Information
What our Birdwatching Center has to offer:
Up-to-date information throughout the year about birdwatching in the vicinity.
Visits to our ringing station that runs almost daily September through June.
A variety of guided tours including package deals throughout the year. Tours available for
individuals, families, school children, summer camps, organizations and companies.
Special birdwatching events.
Relevant literature and souvenirs.
Location and Climate
The International Birdwatching Center of the
Jordan Valley is located at Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin.
Situated alongside the Jordan River, near the
town of Beit Shean. it is ideally located near all
of the excellent birding sites in northern Israel.
The climate is Mediterranean and therefore
generally mild. Very hot weather occurs late in
June to early September when temperatures
may reach above 40 degrees Celsius.
During the winter months of November
through March temperatures rarely fall below 5 c
even at night (bananas grow here!). Rain seldom
lasts more than one day during this time. This
location combined with its mild climate offers
great birdwatching opportunities all year round.
For planning the timing of your trip see our
review of birding highlights throughout the year.
Transportation
Beit Shean may be reached from Tel Aviv via
Afula along Route 71 or from Jerusalem by
Route 90. There are buses (except Friday pm
and Saturday), and service taxis operate
between Tel Aviv, Afula and Beit Shean. Local
transfer from Beit Shean is by bus or taxi.
Persons intending to birdwatch farther afield
than the kibbutz are advised to hire a car on
arrival to Israel. Many good birding areas
are to be found less than two hours drive from
the kibbutz. A travel agent can usually arrange
car hire beforehand and the vehicle made
available for collection at the airport.
