On a journey to rediscover Israel from a wheelchair user’s point of view, this time, we took a short road trip to the Judean Desert, visited Masada National Park, and enjoyed a quiet and relaxing weekend at one of the Dead Sea resorts.
The masada national park
Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Israel. Above 90% of the findings in Masada originated from the times of King Herods the Great. Walking around the site will take you back to ancient times of Herodian ruling (Roman baths, the Palace) or to the times when almost 1000 Jew rebels conquered Masada and held on for many months against the Romans. You can choose to join a guided tour or explore on your own.
If you’re not much of an archaeology or history enthusiast, you should still visit Masada simply for its breathtaking views. Masada fortress is situated on a high rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea on one side and the desert on the other. Often, people hike ~400 meters to the top just to witness the sunrise and take pictures. Unfortunately, for a wheelchair user, it’s not possible due to the cable car operating hours. Don’t worry! The views are just as beautiful during all hours of the day!
Accessibility
If you are arriving by car on a busy day, you will probably be pointed to an outside parking lot. Don’t park there! Explain that you are a wheelchair user, and they will let you enter through the gate and into an accessible underground parking garage. From there, take the elevator to the visitors center, which is fully accessible: restrooms, gift shops, cafeteria, and the Masada Museum. To reach the top, you will have to take a wheelchair-accessible cable car. The carer ticket is free, provided you have a disability card.
Throughout the Masada Fortress area, paved paths allow you to roll around between the ancient ruins and reach most viewpoints. If you are a manual wheelchair user, you will probably need help pushing, as some paths are quite steep. You will see wheelchair signs pointing you to accessible paths. Allow about 2-3 hours for this activity. It gets boiling, especially during the summer months. Bring water, sun protection, and good vibes!
Masada National Park Website
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea or the Sea of Salt in Hebrew is the lowest point on earth. Due to its high salt and mineral concentration and some atmospheric differences, it holds many health and healing properties. It’s also beautiful. You can often see the salt crystals on the sea surface.
The best wheelchair-accessible public beach, in my opinion, is Ein Bokek beach. You can borrow a special water chair or use a wooden ramp with railings to access the water. There are paved paths, wheelchair-accessible shaded areas, and restrooms. The beach entrance is free, but parking is not unless you visit on a Saturday or have an Israeli disabled parking badge.
As far as swimming (or floating) in the Dead Sea without using the special water chair, it really depends on your physical abilities. Someone like me, who can stand and walk a few steps on dry land, can’t stand in the dead sea water at all. The force of water that’s pushing me to the surface is stronger than my weak muscles, and I am unable to resist it. As soon as the water reaches knee height, my legs are pushed to the surface, and I lose control. Be careful, don’t let the salty water reach your eyes. Ouch!
Don’t miss out on the Dead Sea mud experience (can be found on some beaches or purchased); it will make your skin feel amazing!
Looks amazing!!
So awesome! I’m jealous. I have “cluster” of diseases going on but recently found out I have a col6a2 mutation which causes collagen muscular dystrophy. I just started a blog also. it is a dream of mine to get to travel yet. It’s more the finances since I cannot work anymore holding me back than the fact I’m sick hopefully one day booger’s there and other places I dream of. Best wishes
Thank you! Hope you will find a way to travel! I’ve just recently started traveling again (in a wheelchair) and I love it! It can be a bit more expensive sometimes.