Embark on a profound journey with Go Palestine as we guide you through the refugee camps of Hebron, including Al-Fawar and Al-Aroub. Our English-fluent tour guides offer a unique insight into the challenges faced by residents since 1948 and 1967. With a decade of experience, Go Palestine, in collaboration with the Palestinian Center, provides an authentic exploration beyond news headlines.
Engage firsthand with the stories of those who fled their villages during 1948 and 1967, gaining a deep understanding of their resilience. Our tours allow you to connect with families within the camps, fostering a personal connection and offering insights into their daily lives. Join us for an eye-opening experience that goes beyond conventional reports, immersing you in the reality of life within these camps.
Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp
Established in 1949 on a 0.27 square kilometer area, Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp, the southernmost camp, is situated 10 kilometers south of Hebron. Originating from 18 villages in Gaza, Hebron, and Beersheba, the camp’s residents face unique challenges. Similar to other West Bank camps, Al-Fawwar was built on land leased from the Jordanian government through UNRWA.
Primarily reliant on employment opportunities within Israel, camp residents have been significantly impacted by restricted access to the Israeli labor market, leading to a high unemployment rate of 32%. While all dwellings are connected to public electricity and water networks, not all are linked to the sewage system. The camp encapsulates the economic and infrastructural complexities faced by its inhabitants.
Al-Aroub Refugee Camp
Established in 1949, Al-Aroub Refugee Camp spans 0.24 square kilometers and is located 15 kilometers south of Bethlehem, strategically positioned on the main road between Jerusalem and Hebron. Despite its significance, the camp is periodically subjected to Israeli incursions. Situated on land leased from the Jordanian government through UNRWA, Al-Aroub is home to residents originally from 33 villages in Ramle, Hebron, and Gaza.
Every home in the camp is connected to electricity and public water infrastructure, with only a minimal percentage lacking access to the sewage network. Approximately one house per hundred relies on cesspits for waste disposal. The camp faces a 30% unemployment rate, a consequence of restricted access to the Israeli labor market.
The Palestinian Center – Go Palestine offers guided tours to refugee camps in Hebron (Al-Fawwar or Al-Aroub) and Bethlehem (Azza, Aida, and Dheisheh) with English-fluent tour guides. This provides a unique opportunity to understand how residents have coped with the challenges since 1948 and 1967, hearing firsthand accounts of their compelled migration from villages due to fear. Immerse yourself in the narratives and realities of these communities on this insightful journey.
Our Tour Guides
Our tour guides are experienced and work in the travel and tourism sector. They provide you with all the instructions based on their extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of Palestine. Our tour guides will take you to places and sites in Palestine that will amaze you.
When do our tours take place?
You can embark on our tours at any time of the year, from January to December. During the week, we conduct tours on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. However, if you wish to participate on Sundays or Tuesdays, please ensure that you make prior arrangements.
Information Regarding our Hebron Refugee Camps Tour Program
| Place of tour | Refugees Camps in Hebron – West Bank Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp Al-Aroub Refugee Camp |
| Tour Fees | One Day – $70 American Dollars – One Refugee Camp Two Days – $120 American Dollars – Two Refugee Camps Groups of two and more get a discount. |
| Starting point | At our center in Hebron in Ein Sarah Street. |
| Accommodation | In a host family or at our 8th-floor apartment – If you stay more than one day |
| Age | 18-75 Years Old |
| Maximum Number of visitors | 20 |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Tour Language | English |
| Not Allowed | Shorts or Skirts Sleeveless shirts |
| Tour Duration | 5-6 Hours each day |
| Tour starts at | 9:30 am Breakfast – 10:00 am starts the tour |
| You need to have | – Your passport – Your visa (keep it with your passport at all times) – Water. – Hat. |
| Tour ends at | Around 3 or 4 pm |
| Tour Includes | Breakfast and lunch, transportation, and accommodation |
| Not Included | – Flight cost. – Travel insurance. – Visa cost, where applicable. – Entrance fees to sites. – Extra stays at our apartment or host family. – Pick up from the airport or crossing borders. – Any other expenses. |
| Cancellation Policy | Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. |
Is it safe to visit the refugee camps in Hebron?
Yes, it is safe. You will be welcomed by camp residents, since they are eager to tell you about their situation and how much they suffer from being refugees within their own country. And remember, Palestinians are famous for their stellar hospitality!
Duration of the Hebron Refugee Camp Tour
The tour takes about 5 to 6 hours and includes a walking tour inside the camp and familiarization of the camp history from our guide as well as one of the camp residents. You will be invited to one of the residents’ homes to drink coffee or tea, where you will listen to their stories.
Hebron Refugee Camp Tour Cost
The tour costs $70 (American) and includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch. For those who are staying two or three days, the tour also includes accommodation with a host family or at our 8th-floor apartment.
70$ (American Dollars)
This includes breakfast and lunch, transportation to camp and back to Hebron, and a guide who speaks English fluently.
120$ (American Dollars)
This includes breakfast and lunch, transportation to camp and back to Hebron, accommodation, and a guide who speaks English fluently.
180$ (American Dollars)
This includes breakfast and lunch, transportation to camp and back to Hebron, accommodation, and a guide who speaks English fluently.
What does the Hebron camp tour include?
• Stay with a host family or at our 8th-floor apartment in Ein Sarah Street in Hebron.
• Daily Palestinian breakfast & lunch.
• All transportation to the refugee camp and back to Hebron.
Things aren’t included in the tour’s cost?
- Flight cost.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa Cost, where applicable
- Extra stays at our apartment or host family.
- Pick up from the airport or crossing borders.
What the tour schedule looks like?
- The tour starts by having breakfast at 9:30 am at the center.
- At 10:00 am starts the camp tour itinerary and ends at around 3:00 pm.
- At 3:00 pm the visitors will have a Palestinian lunch either at the center or at a local restaurant.
- After the tour ends, visitors are free to go and have a rest at our 8th-floor apartment or in the host family. This applies to those who stay for more than one day.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ a Week |
| Weekend in Palestine | On Friday |
| Food in Palestine | The West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils. |
| Wifi Access in Palestine | At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere |
| 3G Service in Palestine | Available since Jan 2018 |
| The official language in Palestine | Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects) |
| Currency in Palestine | Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land. |
| Transportations in Palestine | Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans |
| Weather in Palestine | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Nearest Major Airports to Palestine | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan |
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Meeting Point
We meet at the Palestinian center located on Ein Sarah Street, Hebron.
Who can Join our tours?
- The Palestinian Center has hosted people who have come from a myriad of countries, such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many more.
- Individuals or groups from 18–75 years old are eligible to join any of our tours. All visitors from all over the world are welcome to visit Palestine and learn about the most prominent historical and religious monuments.
What if I want to have a private/customized tour? Are there tours in other cities?
Yes, you can contact us to organize a private tour of the places you would like to visit in Palestine including Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jerusalem, Jenin, and Jericho, either individually or as a group. Our team will contact you back and organize a detailed schedule of landmarks and sights and send it to you.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
How to register or get additional information?
Please email Mr. Tamimi, at info@gopalestine.org. Please type “Hebron Refugee Camps Tour” in the subject line and very shortly we will reply to you. You can also contact us via WhatsApp or Signal at +972598172071.