Deer Land

October 17th 2012

Right in the heart of Gush Etzion’s Ella Valley is Deerland Adventure Park, a hot spot for family trips that includes numerous activities for lovers of outdoor adventure and animals. If you are traveling with older kids, this park is worth a trip. There is a farm that hosts lots of animals but is best known for its large variety of deer. The park also boasts horned animals and birds, and a feeding and petting corner. A guided tour teaches visitors about each animal’s unique advantages in the wild. The animal park can keep younger kids busy while others indulge in extreme sports. The most extreme sport at Deerland is a ride down the second longest zipline in the world – it is 600 meters long and 120 meters high! For younger children, there is a shorter zipline as well. The zipline crosses over a beautiful valley covered with trees, so you will be treated to a breathtaking view – if you dare to look down… There is a weight minimum (to ensure you get to the other side), but couples or threesomes can ride together to reach the required weight. Deerland also features rock wall climbing, with five different climbs on offer. Two are for beginners, two are advanced and one is for professional-level climbers. All the climbs are 8.5 meters high. There’s a ropes course too, which has you climbing up a tire ladder and across a rope bridge. Bungee trampolining sends you high up in the air, 12-13 meters up, and throws you back down. And back up again. A 360-degree swing will turn you upside down in the air. This is a ride for the truly adventurous. Guided 4×4 jeep tours of the surrounding area are also available. An open jeep can hold up to 18 people and you can enjoy the view during the entire trip. Longer trips can be arranged to the Negev or the Judean deserts. Archery and paintball are also on offer. Parties, conventions, ODT training and corporate team building “fun days” can be held at Deerland too. Once you have worked up an appetite, visit the kosher meat restaurant, specializing in grilled meats and alcoholic beverages. For a truly unique experience, consider staying overnight in a Bedouin tent!