Inaugurated in 2014, Sahari is a Bedouin driven eco-tourism initiative offering guided hikes along the ancient shepherding routes of the West Bank, Palestine, often known only to the Bedouin. In addition to guiding visitors on half day and full day desert walks of all levels, Sahari offers traditional Bedouin lunches, dinners and overnights under the stars in local communities. As the culture of n
ature tourism steadily takes root in Palestine, Sahari’s guides are the first Bedouin in the West Bank to be certified by the Palestinian Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities. SAHARI’S ROOTS: Sharing the little explored and spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna of Palestine’s deserts with visitors is a celebration of the Bedouin’s living heritage. Through Sahari - which began as a youth focused income generation initiative supported by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency- Bedouin youth build on their inherent skills, continue their traditional journeys through Palestine and give voice to their story. Inviting guests to experience the song, the story and the silence of the desert, Sahari is both a vehicle for advocacy and for income generation for Bedouin youth wishing to safeguard and promote their distinct culture and traditions. Tea-stops and overnights in Bedouin communities along the Sahari trails support the Sahari drive for economic empowerment of isolated communities. THE SAHARI VISION: Sahari is currently guiding weekly desert walks in the Jerusalem and Jericho areas and aims to develop its capacity throughout 2015, ultimately incorporating Bedouin from all 5 tribes in the West Bank into desert focused eco-tourism initiatives in Palestine, including hiking, jeep and camel tours, community project work and desert skills training. With strong existing ties to Bedouin communities in Wadi Rum, Sinai and the Negev, Sahari’s vision is to inspire a network of Bedouin led eco-tourism initiatives throughout the region, in celebration of the deserts and their people.
