The following notes are to give you some information towards your visit Please take a little time in reading the notes carefully. Should you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact any of the festival staff.

Festival Info:
 
The 4th Eilat festival is being hosted once again by the Isrotel Agamim Hotel in Eilat. The hotel is located on Kapman street, on the northernmost row of hotels in Eilat. It is positioned just east of the Eilat airport and a 5 minute drive from Eilat's North Beach.
More Info regarding the hotel is available on the Agamim hotel website – follow this link:
http://www.isrotel-eilat-hotels.co.il/en/Isrotel-Agamim

Packages:

Most of you are visiting on a festival package. There are several packages available during the week. All package visitors are entitled to free admission to all of the morning and afternoon coach tours, and all evening activities. The Specialty tours are open to package visitors at a reduced fee. In order to take part in the morning tours just show up at the lobby towards the specific tours departure time.

If you have yet to reserve a spot on the specialty tours of your choice, please have a look at the activities schedule and hurry up and choose the tours you want as some tours have limited vacancies. Last minute openings on the specialty tours will be advertised on the festival bulletin board in the lobby.

A member of the festival staff will be at the hotel Lobby every day between 14:00 and 20:30 for all enquiries.

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INFO

Language
English is spoken by most people in Israel. During the festival all activities, tours, lectures and so on will be held in English. Eilat is a thriving and modern tourist town, all facilities, shops and attractions are clearly advertised in English.

Time zone
Israel is 2 hours ahead of the UK, 7 -10 hours ahead of the US and Canada depending on the locations there.

Laundry
There is a laundry service at the Agamim hotel in Eilat and other facilities in town and near the hotel.

Telephone calls and Internet facilities

Internet is widespread and easily accessed everywhere. Around Eilat there are many "hotspots" for wireless surfing. Pay phones are available as well and Cellular services are widespread with reception nearly everywhere. Wireless internet is available at th e hotel for an additional fee.

Water
Whilst hygiene standards in Israel are great, if you are picky we suggest sticking to bottled water for drinking.

Money
All festival fees and extras can be paid in US Dollars or Shekels, cash or plastic.
Other major currencies will also be accepted as long as you have the exact amounts, as we might not have change for pounds or Euros.
Credit Cards are widely accepted in the country.

Weather and clothing
The climate is generally warm to hot.  Dress is very informal and light clothing is recommended. The sun can be very strong, especially around mid-day; therefore great care is needed during the first few days of arrival. Do not spend too long in the sun to begin with; wear a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses; and bring plenty of sunscreen lotion. Dehydration can be a risk, so drink plenty of fluids through the day. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended. The early morning and evenings can be chilly or even cold, take a weatherproof outer layer and at least one warm jumper or fleece.
A scope and tripod will be useful if you have one.

 
Documents
Visas are not required for most European passport holders including the UK.
USA and Canada passport holders do not require a visa either.

Travel insurance.
Standard tourist travel insurance is sufficient.

Health
No vaccinations are compulsory though your GP may have some recommendations. In hot countries cuts and scratches risk infection more easily and take longer to heal. For bites, cuts and burns a good antiseptic is recommended. Aloe Vera is very good for sunburn. The general list of medication to cover everybody's needs is endless, but suffice to say if you suffer from air-sickness, sunburn, diarrhea or headaches, do remember to bring along an adequate supply of your own preferred medication.

Electricity
All Hotels and facilities have 220 volts AC. A universal travel adapter is needed

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is a typical tour like?

Most days begin early, soon after first light, breakfast is usually taken in the field. During the warm hours we stick to leisurely birding shaded areas and take a lunch break. We then go on birding till the evening and get back to the Hotel with plenty of time to get ready for the evening meal and activities. At the end of each day we will compile a daily checklist.

Will I keep up with the pace of the tour?

The tours are not designed to be hectic scurry collecting species. We are much more interested in seeing the birds at a comfortable, relaxed pace. We put emphasis on identification so that everyone can fully understand the bird's key features. The groups are small so there will be a lot of personal interaction with your guide.

What do I need to bring with me?

A good pair of binoculars is a must, a scope is helpful in many situations, but all the tour leaders carry the best scopes in the field. If you are keen on digiscoping and photography, do bring a camera since birding the desert during migration ensures many close up encounters with various migrant birds.

How is the weather, do I need special clothing?

Weather in the spring can be unpredictable, but is usually very pleasant. Temperatures may rise towards midday, but the evenings and early mornings are often quite cool, and may require a light coat or fleece.
The sun in the desert is very strong so we don't spend much time trekking out in the open, but we do sometimes end up being in the sun for various periods of time, we therefore recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and of course water.

We wish you a wonderful birding vacation and do not hesitate to contact us with anything you need.