When people in Israel think of Bedouin society, the Negev is often the first place that comes to mind. But the Galilee is also home to long-established Bedouin communities, each with its own traditions, cuisine and stories. A series of guided tours in the Zippori Stream Basin aims to introduce visitors to these communities and offer a closer look at their daily lives.
The “Come to the Tribe” program began last weekend and will continue on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17 and 23-24. The tours are organized in partnership with the Galilee Development Authority and the Kishon River and Drainage Authority. Participation is free, but advance registration is required.
Around 36,500 Bedouin residents live in the Zippori Stream Basin, and the tours pass through local communities, offering participants a glimpse into everyday life. In Beit Zarzir, visitors can experience hospitality in a local home. In Ka'abiyye, they can take part in coffee workshops and learn about medicinal plants. Near the Monks’ Mill, participants can join a guided tour, enjoy coffee in a tent overlooking the historic mill, and hear stories about the site and the people who live nearby.
The routes also include meetings with Bedouin women, who share their experiences of changes in their lives and social status. Visitors can also explore Omar Tabbash’s sculpture garden, visit the Horse Spring and El-Allil Mill, stop at a horse farm and experience the hospitality of local families.
The tours are led by three certified Bedouin tour guides: Salem Khaldy, Najoud Grifat, and Wefqi Salamna. Each tour lasts between four and six hours. Participation is free, although lunch is available for an additional fee on some of the longer routes.
The concept is simple: Begin the day by the stream, then venture into the homes, tents and communities along its banks. For those seeking a Galilee outing on one of the upcoming weekends that offers more than scenic views, the tours provide an opportunity to hear the region’s stories directly from the people who live them.