Kfar Zabad wetland is a small marshland on the level plain of the Bekaa
Valley (part of the Syrian-African Great Rift Valley) which is on the
main migration route for African-Eurasian water birds through the Near
East,Kfar Zabad Marshlands were declared as “Hima”(community based
protected area) based on the suggestion of the Society Nature(SPNL)
.Come and enjoy ecotourism in Kfar Zabad Wetland.Enjoy a day being
between the hands of nature and discover the beauty of gods
creation,(biking, hiking,birdwatching, canoeing,visiting the cultivated
area, camping..etc).
Ecotouristic Package for Hima Kfar Zabad:
A ride towards eternity – Hima Kfar Zabad
After a long tiring week accompanied by the stress of work, social life, and environmental burdens of noise and air contaminants of the city, here comes the time to take a fresh breath and enjoy a refreshing breeze, and loosen up your mind body and soul embraced by the spectacular green valleys, caress by Syrian Serine and the great snip, accompanied by river otters & jungle cats at play. There you can sway between the grape fields, and lay embraced by the green meadows. It is the their where you can have a glance at the history of Omayyad’s and the culture of Armenia . Experience, what’s unusual from the daily dull life style, through the glimpse of hope that you sense in the eyes of a nomad. That’s where you can drive your car, a one hour trip escaping from the loop of contaminants towards the road of eternity. Their lies a heaven on earth, in the Bekaa valley where two villages hug each other through rivers and streams, masked with diversity in culture and nature, it is where Anjar/Kfar Zabad villages lies, a heaven of lands and swamps for birds, mammals, reptiles, & amphibians in the colony of humans . It is where Hima Kfar Zabad lies.
Activities promoted in the Site:
Climbing
The hill, at 1000 m altitude, located in a central position of Kfar Zabad, is highly suitable for climbing and rappelling. Several routes are available for climbing the cliff of this hill; which would serve for educational purposes or sport activities, offered to various groups: young and adults, students to corporate groups..
Biking
Kfar Zabad offers around 25 kms of suitable trails for biking, with different levels of difficulties; ranging from easy to medium level. Bikers can follow agricultural trails and directional signs; with a map for guidance. Biking in the village promotes human cultural exchange with local farmers and workers, exchange of experiences and share of unforgettable moments.
Hiking
The most common sport activity is hiking, where hikers on the agricultural trails can enjoy the natural scenery. Climbing to the hilltop offers an unforgettable view, with the exploration of Roman ruins which can form the climax of the visit.
Bird Watching
Kfar Zabad is declared as an IBA. Preliminary observations from the SPNL/A Rocha Lebanon monitoring program through the MAVA funded IBA project (started in spring 2005) have so far identified in excess of 125 bird species up till now; in addition to several wild mammals especially the endangered River Otter, wild cat and badger.
Visiting the cultivated Area
A visit to the cultivated fields surrounding the wetland will allow visitors to be exposed to Kfar Zabad agricultural products, from cabbage, corn, wheat, fruitful trees,..etc. The visitor could enjoy sharing farmers in agricultural activities (picking or planting potatoes, lettuces, tomatoes,.. etc). Children can enjoy a ride between agricultural lands through the movable birds hide,which transfers children from the Hima side along a road between the agriculture area allowing children to experience viewing nature through a bird watchers perspective .
Donkey Rides
For those who are willing to discover the Hima area through a primitive transport method used by our grandparents, Hima Kfar Zabad offers donkey rides between the marshlands and agriculture areas.
Camping
The Hima area is equipped by a camping site which is very appropriate for visitors who are willing to spend a calm night cuddled by the land and the sky, gazing at stars, whispering to the wetlands biodiversity.
Bed and Breakfast
Kfar Zabad is well known for its good hospitality services. In order to support local livelihood and to increase visitor’s enjoyment of the wetland, SPNL is encouraging the local people of Kfar Zabad to develop nature guest houses. This activity will in turn help in increasing the support of the local communities to the conservation efforts of the Hima, thus creating synergies between the village and its natural resources.The Hima Site is equipped by a visitors center, and a picnic area which allow visitors to enjoy several activities
Some Attraction sites Surrounding Hima Kfar Zabad:
Anjar Eighth century ruins: One of the largest Ummayyad cities remains in the East Mediterranean region. Anjar’s ruins are characterized by more elaborate architectural techniques and creativity than other Ummayyad remains in the region. This small city offered many facilities including economic, agricultural and residential clarified by organized roads, shops, and castles, due to its strategic location connecting the Lebanese coast with Syria. Anjar is also famous for its fine Lebanese Armenian restaurants that attract people from all over Lebanon and abroad.
Baalback, the Roman Heliopolis – the City of the Sun: Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. It represents the largest and most noble Roman temples ever built, and among the best preserved.
Local influences are seen in the planning and layout of the temples which vary from the classic Roman design. The temple complex of Baalback comprises the Temple of Jupiter, Bacchus, as well as the circular structure known as the Temple of Venus. In addition, the remains of a fourth temple dedicated to Mercury, situated on Sheikh Abdallah hill, shows variations on overlooking the city of Baalback.
Wineries :The Bekaa valley offers a great opportunity for enjoying wine tasting at the cellars of several wineries. Here in Lebanon, Wine isn’t just a drink. It is about History & Culture. Several wineries located in the Bekaa valley offers you a taste of outdoor adventure: a Tour at the vineyards and cellars with wine tasting on daily basis, and a real break at the restaurant some are Massaya, Tanail and Kefraya wineries.
Zahle: it is the largest city in the Bekaa valley and is famous as a summer resort with its Berdawni River bordered by several hotels and specialty restaurants.
Beit El-Fallah Musuem in Turbul: represents a pioneering initiative in preserving and rehabilitating traditional Lebanese rural architecture and displaying farmer’s tools and way of life. It is definitely an interesting and educational place to visit!
Per Person’s fees:
Hima entrance fees: 2$
1 Guide’s fees/ day: 25$
Renting a Bike/day: 10$
Renting a Binocular for Bird Watching: 2$
Donkey rides: 2$/hr
Renting a tent for Camping: 10$
Bed & Breakfast in local houses at Kfar Zabad village : 15$/person
Bed & Breakfast in Hima visitor’s center : 15$/person
Optional and upon request:
- Brunch in Hima Kfar Zabad picnic Area
- Lunch/ Dinner in Al-Jazira restaurant/ Anjar
- Visiting Anjar ruins
A ride towards eternity – Hima Kfar Zabad
After a long tiring week accompanied by the stress of work, social life, and environmental burdens of noise and air contaminants of the city, here comes the time to take a fresh breath and enjoy a refreshing breeze, and loosen up your mind body and soul embraced by the spectacular green valleys, caress by Syrian Serine and the great snip, accompanied by river otters & jungle cats at play. There you can sway between the grape fields, and lay embraced by the green meadows. It is the their where you can have a glance at the history of Omayyad’s and the culture of Armenia . Experience, what’s unusual from the daily dull life style, through the glimpse of hope that you sense in the eyes of a nomad. That’s where you can drive your car, a one hour trip escaping from the loop of contaminants towards the road of eternity. Their lies a heaven on earth, in the Bekaa valley where two villages hug each other through rivers and streams, masked with diversity in culture and nature, it is where Anjar/Kfar Zabad villages lies, a heaven of lands and swamps for birds, mammals, reptiles, & amphibians in the colony of humans . It is where Hima Kfar Zabad lies.
Activities promoted in the Site:
Climbing
The hill, at 1000 m altitude, located in a central position of Kfar Zabad, is highly suitable for climbing and rappelling. Several routes are available for climbing the cliff of this hill; which would serve for educational purposes or sport activities, offered to various groups: young and adults, students to corporate groups..
Biking
Kfar Zabad offers around 25 kms of suitable trails for biking, with different levels of difficulties; ranging from easy to medium level. Bikers can follow agricultural trails and directional signs; with a map for guidance. Biking in the village promotes human cultural exchange with local farmers and workers, exchange of experiences and share of unforgettable moments.
Hiking
The most common sport activity is hiking, where hikers on the agricultural trails can enjoy the natural scenery. Climbing to the hilltop offers an unforgettable view, with the exploration of Roman ruins which can form the climax of the visit.
Bird Watching
Kfar Zabad is declared as an IBA. Preliminary observations from the SPNL/A Rocha Lebanon monitoring program through the MAVA funded IBA project (started in spring 2005) have so far identified in excess of 125 bird species up till now; in addition to several wild mammals especially the endangered River Otter, wild cat and badger.
Visiting the cultivated Area
A visit to the cultivated fields surrounding the wetland will allow visitors to be exposed to Kfar Zabad agricultural products, from cabbage, corn, wheat, fruitful trees,..etc. The visitor could enjoy sharing farmers in agricultural activities (picking or planting potatoes, lettuces, tomatoes,.. etc). Children can enjoy a ride between agricultural lands through the movable birds hide,which transfers children from the Hima side along a road between the agriculture area allowing children to experience viewing nature through a bird watchers perspective .
Donkey Rides
For those who are willing to discover the Hima area through a primitive transport method used by our grandparents, Hima Kfar Zabad offers donkey rides between the marshlands and agriculture areas.
Camping
The Hima area is equipped by a camping site which is very appropriate for visitors who are willing to spend a calm night cuddled by the land and the sky, gazing at stars, whispering to the wetlands biodiversity.
Bed and Breakfast
Kfar Zabad is well known for its good hospitality services. In order to support local livelihood and to increase visitor’s enjoyment of the wetland, SPNL is encouraging the local people of Kfar Zabad to develop nature guest houses. This activity will in turn help in increasing the support of the local communities to the conservation efforts of the Hima, thus creating synergies between the village and its natural resources.The Hima Site is equipped by a visitors center, and a picnic area which allow visitors to enjoy several activities
Some Attraction sites Surrounding Hima Kfar Zabad:
Anjar Eighth century ruins: One of the largest Ummayyad cities remains in the East Mediterranean region. Anjar’s ruins are characterized by more elaborate architectural techniques and creativity than other Ummayyad remains in the region. This small city offered many facilities including economic, agricultural and residential clarified by organized roads, shops, and castles, due to its strategic location connecting the Lebanese coast with Syria. Anjar is also famous for its fine Lebanese Armenian restaurants that attract people from all over Lebanon and abroad.
Baalback, the Roman Heliopolis – the City of the Sun: Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. It represents the largest and most noble Roman temples ever built, and among the best preserved.
Local influences are seen in the planning and layout of the temples which vary from the classic Roman design. The temple complex of Baalback comprises the Temple of Jupiter, Bacchus, as well as the circular structure known as the Temple of Venus. In addition, the remains of a fourth temple dedicated to Mercury, situated on Sheikh Abdallah hill, shows variations on overlooking the city of Baalback.
Wineries :The Bekaa valley offers a great opportunity for enjoying wine tasting at the cellars of several wineries. Here in Lebanon, Wine isn’t just a drink. It is about History & Culture. Several wineries located in the Bekaa valley offers you a taste of outdoor adventure: a Tour at the vineyards and cellars with wine tasting on daily basis, and a real break at the restaurant some are Massaya, Tanail and Kefraya wineries.
Zahle: it is the largest city in the Bekaa valley and is famous as a summer resort with its Berdawni River bordered by several hotels and specialty restaurants.
Beit El-Fallah Musuem in Turbul: represents a pioneering initiative in preserving and rehabilitating traditional Lebanese rural architecture and displaying farmer’s tools and way of life. It is definitely an interesting and educational place to visit!
Per Person’s fees:
Hima entrance fees: 2$
1 Guide’s fees/ day: 25$
Renting a Bike/day: 10$
Renting a Binocular for Bird Watching: 2$
Donkey rides: 2$/hr
Renting a tent for Camping: 10$
Bed & Breakfast in local houses at Kfar Zabad village : 15$/person
Bed & Breakfast in Hima visitor’s center : 15$/person
Optional and upon request:
- Brunch in Hima Kfar Zabad picnic Area
- Lunch/ Dinner in Al-Jazira restaurant/ Anjar
- Visiting Anjar ruins
