Certified Desert Guide: English Program

In recent years, Israel has seen significant growth in long-distance desert travel, including hiking, fastpacking, trail running, desert races and high-tempo day expeditions. Advances in digital navigation, the expansion of the national trail network, and the widespread adoption of ultralight equipment have made these activities more accessible and contributed to a growing number of groups exploring the Israeli desert.

This growing interest in desert travel is driven not only by the physical challenge, but also by a desire to build mental resilience, improve focus, and promote overall well-being. Understanding these motivations is an important part of creating meaningful and rewarding long-distance desert experiences.

The program was developed in response to the growing demand and expanding career opportunities in desert tourism and outdoor adventure. It is one of the few professional certification programs worldwide dedicated specifically to guiding groups on long-distance desert routes—and the first of its kind in Israel. The program uniquely combines university-level study in exercise science with extensive practical training in planning and leading extended desert journeys.

The program focuses on developing the professional knowledge and practical skills required to guide groups safely and responsibly on long-distance routes in the Israeli desert using a lightweight approach. Emphasis is placed on pace and workload management, decision-making in dynamic desert conditions, route planning, navigation, and the safe leadership of extended desert journeys—from the initial planning stage through on-the-ground group management.

The desert presents a unique operating environment that requires far more from a guide than simply knowing the route. Distances are long, water sources are limited, temperatures can be extreme, and access to emergency assistance is often restricted. As a result, every decision—from route planning to managing the group's pace - has a direct impact on both safety and the overall success of the journey.

A desert guide must integrate navigation, field logistics, water and energy management, risk assessment, and group leadership while adapting to constantly changing conditions in the field. It is a distinct professional discipline that combines technical knowledge, sound judgment, and responsibility, extending well beyond traditional hiking or trekking leadership.

• A pioneering professional certificate program focused on guiding long-distance desert journeys.
• University of Haifa certification based on practical field performance and professional competence.
• A compact four-week structure combining two weeks of live, interactive online learning via Zoom, followed by two weeks of practical training in Israel.
• Practical training across three distinct desert regions—the Negev, the Arava, and the Judean Desert—each presenting different landscapes, terrain, climate, navigation challenges, and operational conditions.
• A research-informed curriculum integrating navigation, leadership, risk management, exercise science, and professional field practice.
• Transferable skills for guiding and leading groups in desert environments worldwide.
• Taught entirely in English for an international group of participants.
• A small cohort of up to 12 participants, allowing for close guidance, individual feedback, and continuous support throughout the in-person training in Israel.

The program comprises 140 academic hours: 40 hours of live, interactive online instruction via Zoom, 20 hours of in-person seminars focused on field analysis and leadership feedback, and 80 hours of practical field training.

The program is delivered in two consecutive phases:

• Online preparation: ten live Zoom sessions over two weeks, totaling 40 academic hours.
• In-person training in Israel: two continuous weeks based first in Eilat and then in Ein Gedi, comprising eight practical field days and two days of seminars, field analysis, and leadership feedback, totaling 100 academic hours.

This structure enables participants to complete the theoretical foundations before travelling, then apply, analyse, refine, and assess their skills within a continuous and highly supported practical learning environment.

Online Instruction (40 Academic Hours)

A. Route Planning & Navigation

• Planning long-distance desert routes: methodology and practical tools
• Topographic map reading and desert terrain interpretation
• Weather forecasting for desert travel
• Traditional and digital navigation techniques
• Distance, elevation, timing, turnaround, water, and logistics calculations

B. Exercise Physiology & Performance

• Exercise physiology for prolonged activity in hot and dry environments
• Energy management, hydration, pacing, and pack weight
• Ultralight equipment, nutrition, and clothing for long-distance travel

C. Safety & Risk Management

• Heat stress, dehydration, and common field injuries
• Flash-flood awareness and weather-based decision-making
• Emergency communication, evacuation planning, and incident management
• Decision-making in technical and remote terrain

D. Group Leadership & Resilience

• Participant briefing and expectation management
• Group dynamics during extended journeys
• Guide responsibilities and structured risk assessment
• Leadership, mental resilience, and decision-making under pressure

In-Person Instruction (20 Academic Hours)

• Analysis and feedback of navigation and route-planning decisions made in the field
• Case analysis, incident reporting, and expedition planning
• Group-process reflection and leadership feedback
• Preparation for the concluding expedition and practical assessment

Practical Field Training (80 Academic Hours)

• Practical training in the Eilat Mountains, Arava, and Judean Desert environments
• Advanced desert navigation using traditional and digital techniques
• Efficient movement in desert terrain and group pace management
• Route logistics, including water planning, daylight management, and water-cache planning
• Leading groups through technical terrain and changing environmental conditions
• Workload management, trekking-pole techniques, and ultralight equipment
• Nutrition and hydration strategies for long-distance routes
• Safety scenarios and decision-making in dynamic field conditions
• Participant briefings, expectation management, and group organization
• Planning and leading a long-distance desert route, including a comprehensive practical assessment
  
  

Online Instruction: December 13–24, 2026
In-Person Training in Israel: December 27, 2026–January 8, 2027
Departure: January 9, 2027

The program begins with two weeks of live online instruction, followed by two continuous weeks of intensive practical training in Israel.

Online Theory

December 13-24, 2026

Ten live Zoom sessions are held Sunday through Thursday, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM Israel Time. In December, this corresponds to 6:00–9:00 PM in the United Kingdom, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern Time, and 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Pacific Time. Each session equals four academic hours.

Travel and Arrival

December 25-27, 2026

Participants travel independently to Israel and join the group in Eilat on December 27 for gathering, orientation, safety protocols, and equipment preparation. International flights and airport transfers are not included and need to be arranged by each individual participant.

Practical Training in Israel

December 27, 2026 - January 8, 2027

• Eilat base: orientation, desert movement, applied navigation, route choice, pacing, group leadership, and risk scenarios. The group stays together in a villa and departs from the base for training activities.
• Ein Gedi base: advanced and night navigation, leadership expeditions, field analysis, assessment preparation, and the final practical leadership assessment. The group stays together in a desert khan.
• Two lower-intensity days are dedicated to in-person instruction, field analysis, leadership feedback, assessment preparation, and physical recovery between field-training blocks.

Departure: January 9, 2027

*Exact routes, daily timings, and field locations may be adjusted due to weather, flash-flood risk, security considerations, or other operational conditions.

• Ability to hike approximately 15 km (9 miles) per day over varied desert terrain.
• 18 years of age or older.
• A completed medical clearance form signed by a licensed physician in the applicant’s country of residence.
• Sufficient English proficiency to participate fully in online classes, field instruction, written assignments, and practical assessments.
• A personal interview to assess the applicant's suitability for the program, learning potential, and sense of responsibility for the safety and well-being of others.
• Travel and medical insurance valid for the duration of the course and stay in Israel.

Certification is awarded based on a professional evaluation of each participant's ability to plan and lead groups safely, responsibly, and effectively in the desert environment.

Participants who successfully complete all program requirements will receive the University Certificate in Desert Guiding and Long-Distance Route Leadership, awarded by the University of Haifa School of Tourism.

To qualify for certification, participants must:

• Maintain a minimum 80% attendance rate in the zoom instruction sessions.
• Attend the full in-person component in Israel.
• Complete an operational route plan covering route design, participant briefing, logistics, risk management, and evacuation planning.
• Successfully pass the final practical leadership assessment under faculty evaluation.
• Hold a valid first-aid certification appropriate for outdoor group leaders, issued by a recognized provider in Israel or abroad. The qualification must include practical training and assessment and is subject to approval by the program team. It is not required before arrival, but must be submitted and approved before the University certificate can be issued.

Program Director

Professor Sharon Sznitman

Head of the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program in Physical Activity and Health, School of Public Health, University of Haifa.

Lead Instructor

Eliya Zemmour

Certified Trail Running Coach, outdoor educator, and author of 50 of the Most Beautiful Routes in the Israeli Desert

Program Tuition: USD 5,900

This introductory price applies to the first cohort of the four-week intensive program.

Tuition includes:

• 140 academic hours of professional training
• Live online theoretical instruction delivered entirely in English
• Two continuous weeks practical field training in Israel
• Group accommodation from December 27, 2026, through January 8, 2027: a group villa in Eilat followed by a desert khan in Ein Gedi.
• Transportation for all scheduled course activities during the in-person Israel component, including the transfer from Eilat to Ein Gedi.
• Instruction, supervision, and professional guidance from the program team.
• Course materials, assignments, professional assessment, and final practical assessment
• The Certified Desert Guide certificate, awarded by the University of Haifa School of Tourism upon successful completion of all requirements

A registration fee of USD 350 is payable upon application and credited toward the total tuition fee. If a participant voluntarily withdraws, all payments made toward the course will be refunded except for the USD 350 registration fee. If the program is cancelled due to security conditions, or if a documented airline cancellation prevents the participant from reaching Israel, all payments—including the registration fee and any remaining tuition paid—will be refunded in full. Supporting documentation may be required in the case of a flight cancellation.

International flights, travel to the group meeting point in Eilat, airport transfers, meals, personal equipment, travel and medical insurance, and any costs associated with obtaining the required first-aid certification are not included and remain the participant’s responsibility.

The program is designed to develop professional skills relevant to desert guiding, outdoor leadership, and adventure tourism in Israel and in desert environments worldwide.

Graduates will gain transferable skills in route planning, navigation, field logistics, risk management, group leadership, and movement in hot and remote environments. These skills can support work with hiking and trail-running communities, educational programs, outdoor organizations, tourism operators, and companies offering adventure-based experiences.

The program is suitable both for participants who already guide or lead groups in community and informal settings, and for those seeking to turn their interest in deserts, outdoor travel, and long-distance routes into a professional pathway in Israel or internationally.

Career Pathways

• Guiding long-distance routes in Israel and other desert regions
• Working with adventure and desert tourism operators
• Leading outdoor workshops and challenge-based programs
• Designing outdoor experiences for organizations and companies
• Outdoor leadership in educational and community programs
• Leading hiking, fastpacking, and trail-running communities
• Developing independent ventures in desert and adventure tourism

Professional guiding activities may be subject to local licensing, certification, and insurance requirements in each country.

Daniel Naor

"I came into the program with plenty of field experience, but without a clear methodology. What I gained was a structured way of thinking—from the initial planning stages all the way to completing the route. I learned how to lead groups professionally, with confidence instead of improvisation. It has completely changed the way I guide today."

Bruno Sutnik

"Before the program, I would lead friends and small hiking groups, but I was never completely confident in my decisions. The training gave me real confidence, especially when it comes to making decisions in the field. Today, I feel much more capable and intentional in the way I lead."

Dr. David Immanuel

"I've always been drawn to the desert, and at one point I decided I wanted to become involved in Israel's desert tourism industry. This program gave me the professional tools I needed—not only for planning and logistics, but also for understanding what people are truly looking for in the desert: quiet, vast open landscapes, and a sense of purpose through the journey itself."

The program is conducted entirely in English.

All online lectures, practical field instruction, safety briefings, course materials, assignments, and assessments are provided in English. Online sessions are recorded for review and reinforcement. Recordings do not replace participation in the live sessions or the course attendance requirements.

No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Sufficient English proficiency is required to participate fully in online classes, field instruction, written assignments, and practical assessments.

The online component is completed remotely from December 13–24, 2026. Participants do not need to be in Israel during this phase.

Participants should travel to Israel on December 25 or 26 and join the group in Eilat on December 27. They should plan their departure for January 9, after completion of the practical module and final assessment.

Participants who require a visa to enter Israel will receive an official admission letter from the University of Haifa School of Tourism to support their visa application. Participants remain responsible for confirming the applicable entry requirements and obtaining the required visa before travelling.

Certification also requires a valid first-aid qualification appropriate for outdoor group leaders, issued by a recognized provider in Israel or abroad and approved by the program team. Participants who need to obtain certification in Israel will receive information about recommended English-language courses before the program begins.

We spend a lot of time in the desert—trail running, paragliding, hiking, and guiding groups. Along the way, we've also had the opportunity to write about these experiences. Here are a few articles on the desert, ultralight travel, and long-distance movement:

• At 40, in the Heart of the Desert (Ynet)

• 50 of the Most Beautiful Routes in the Israeli Desert (Shvoong)

• Trail Running in the Desert: Key Principles Every Runner Should Know (Outpanel)

Do I need previous guiding experience?

No previous professional guiding experience is required. Participants should, however, have basic hiking experience and be comfortable completing hikes of approximately 15 km (9 miles) over varied natural terrain.

The program is suitable both for practicing guides and for individuals who currently lead friends, community groups, hiking groups, or informal outdoor activities and wish to develop professional guiding skills.

How physically demanding is the program?

The program includes consecutive extended hiking days in desert environments and requires a good level of physical fitness and the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity while carrying personal equipment.

Applicants must be able to comfortably complete approximately 15 km (9 miles) over varied terrain. You do not need to be a competitive athlete, but you should arrive with a solid aerobic base and be prepared for an intensive two-week practical field program.

This is a professional training program, not a competitive or extreme endurance event. Lower-intensity days are incorporated between demanding field blocks and combine physical recovery with seminars, field analysis, and leadership feedback.

Is the program taught entirely in English?

Yes. All theoretical instruction, practical field training, safety briefings, course materials, assignments, and assessments are provided in English. No knowledge of Hebrew is required.

Where does the program take place?

The theoretical component is delivered live online via Zoom over two weeks. The practical component is based first in Eilat and then in Ein Gedi, with practical training in the Eilat Mountains, Arava, and Judean Desert environments. Exact routes may be adjusted according to weather, safety, and field conditions.

When are the online sessions?

Ten live Zoom sessions are held Sunday through Thursday, December 13–24, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM Israel Time. In December, this corresponds to 6:00–9:00 PM in the United Kingdom, 1:00-4:00 PM Eastern Time, and 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Pacific Time.

Where will participants stay during the practical component?

The group will live and study together throughout the two-week Israel component. The first base will be a group villa in Eilat, followed by an organized desert khan in Ein Gedi. The group will depart from these bases for field training each day.

Accommodation during the practical component is included in tuition. Final room arrangements and facility details will be provided before arrival.

Do international participants need to be in Israel during the online component?

No. Participants may complete the two-week online component from their home country. They need to join the group in Eilat on December 27 and remain with the practical program through January 8. Departure should be planned for January 9.

Can I work or study while participating in the program?

The two-week online phase is designed to be more compatible with work and study than a full-time daytime course, although participants must attend the live three-hour sessions and complete preparation between classes.

The practical component in Israel is full-time and intensive, includes weekends, and cannot be combined with work or regular studies.

What if I cannot attend one of the sessions?

Regular attendance is essential. A minimum 80% attendance rate is required for the live online component, while full attendance throughout the practical Israel component is required. Any exceptional absence must be approved in advance by the instructional team.

What happens if weather or security conditions affect a field day?

Routes, daily plans, and field locations may be adjusted in response to weather, flash-flood risk, extreme conditions, security considerations, or other operational factors. The instructional team may substitute an alternative route, activity, or desert location while preserving the learning objectives.

What equipment is required?

Participants must bring the personal equipment required for desert hiking and field training. The program emphasizes lightweight and ultralight principles for efficient long-distance desert travel.

A detailed equipment list will be provided before the program begins. Group accommodation is arranged, so participants are not expected to carry the heavy loads commonly associated with unsupported expedition-style trekking.

How is accommodation arranged during the in-person training?

Participants stay together at designated bases in Eilat and Ein Gedi throughout the in-person component, including weekends and lower-intensity days. Field activities generally depart from and return to these bases. Some training may continue into the evening or include night navigation, but no unsupported overnight expeditions are planned.

Are accommodation, meals, and transportation included in tuition?

Accommodation and local program transportation during the practical Israel component are included. Meals are not included, and participants are responsible for their own food throughout the program.

International flights, airport transfers, and travel to the initial meeting point in Eilat are not included. Participants will receive detailed arrival and meeting instructions in advance.

How are meals arranged during the in-person training?

Meals are not included in the tuition fee. Participants are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food, with scheduled opportunities for grocery shopping during the program. Shared food-preparation and storage facilities will be available at the group bases in Eilat and Ein Gedi. On field days, participants will carry their own food and snacks.

Participants with allergies or specific dietary requirements should notify the program team during registration.

Do I need a car?

No. A personal vehicle is not required. Local transportation for scheduled program activities during the practical component is included. Participants remain responsible for reaching the group meeting point in Eilat and for their departure travel after the program.

Do I need first-aid certification?

First-aid certification is not required before arrival. However, before the University certificate can be issued, participants must hold a valid first-aid qualification appropriate for outdoor group leaders, issued by a recognized training provider in Israel or abroad.

All qualifications are subject to approval by the program team. Participants may be asked to provide a copy of their certificate and a brief course description in English. The qualification may be completed before or after the course, provided it is approved before the University certificate is issued.

Will the University provide documentation for a visa application?

Yes. Participants who require a visa to enter Israel will receive an official admission letter from the University of Haifa School of Tourism to support their application. Participants remain responsible for checking entry requirements and obtaining the necessary visa.

Is the program insured?

The instructional and field activities are conducted within an organized and insured framework in accordance with the policies of the University of Haifa School of Tourism.

This coverage does not replace personal travel and medical insurance. International participants must obtain appropriate coverage for their travel and entire stay in Israel.

What happens if political instability or a flight cancellation prevents me from attending?

If the program is cancelled because of political or security conditions in Israel, or if a documented airline cancellation prevents a participant from travelling to Israel, all tuition payments- including the registration fee - will be refunded in full. Supporting documentation may be required.

What happens if I withdraw from the program?

If a participant withdraws from the program all payments will be refunded except for the non-refundable USD 350 registration fee.

What certificate will I receive?

Participants who meet the attendance requirements, complete all course assignments, hold an approved first-aid certification, and successfully pass the final practical assessment will receive the University Certificate in Desert Guiding and Long-Distance Route Leadership, awarded by the University of Haifa School of Tourism.

The certificate confirms successful completion of professional training in desert guiding and long-distance route leadership. It does not replace any licences, permits, or qualifications required by law for regulated guiding activities in Israel or other countries.