Would you love to visit a Palestinian refugee camp, and learn about the political realities and daily struggles there? Are you curious to hear the stories the residents tell about how they and their forebears fled during the war?
The Palestinian center – Go Palestine organizes a tour of the refugee camps in Bethlehem including (Azza Refugee Camp, Aida Refugee Camp, and Dheisheh Refugee Camp) with a tour guide who speaks English fluently. It is a great opportunity to get to know how the people there cope with living in this situation since 1948 and 1967. You will hear many stories from these camp residents about how they were compelled to flee their villages out of fear between1948 and 1967.
Aida refugee camp
It was established in 1950 between the cities of Bethlehem and Beit Jala. It extends over an area of 0.71 square kilometers of land leased by UNRWA from the Jordanian government and is located in the north of Bethlehem. The refugees in the camp belong to 43 villages that were destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces in 1948 and 1967. More than 4,700 registered refugees live in the camp, receiving services provided by UNRWA.
The camp residents suffer from several problems, one of which is the presence of an unemployment rate of 64%. In addition, 8.7% of the population suffers from extreme poverty. Moreover, the camp suffers from severe overcrowding, damaged infrastructure, and a crisis in the water and sewage network. The camp had difficult times during the second intifada where 29 housing units were destroyed during the Israeli invasion.
Beit Jibrin Refugee Camp (Azza Camp)
Beit Jibrin camp or Al-Azza camp was established in 1950 in the north of Bethlehem. It is the smallest refugee camp in the West Bank, with an area of only 0.02 square kilometers. It was built on a plot of land that UNRWA leased from the Jordanian government. Beit Jibrin camp was called by this name, as the equivalent of 50% of the camp’s residents who came from the village of Beit Jibrin, which is located on the western hills of the city of Hebron in 1948.
It is also called Al-Azza Camp, in reference to the Al-Azza family displaced from the village of Beit Jibrin, which constitutes more than 60% of the camp’s population. The camp’s residents originate from a number of Palestinian villages that were destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces in the 1948 and 1967 wars. There are about 1,529 registered refugees living in the camp, receiving services provided by UNRWA.
The camp residents suffer from several problems, one of which is the unemployment rate of 30%, in addition to the water crisis represented by water cuts for long periods in the summer. The camp also suffers from other problems, such as the lack of sanitary facilities in it, and the absence of a sanitary landfill.
Dheisheh Refugee camp
It was established in 1949 on an area of land of 0.31 square kilometers within the boundaries of the Bethlehem municipality. It is located to the southwest of the city of Bethlehem.
There are 13,000 registered refugees living in the camp. They originate from more than 46 villages in Jerusalem and Hebron, from which they were displaced during the 1948 and 1967 wars. The camp residents suffer from a high unemployment rate of 40%. The camp’s schools suffer from severe overcrowding, in addition to a shortage of academic staff. The camp contains several health facilities, but it lacks health staff as well.
We have over 10 years of Experience!
We have ten years of experience in organizing tours to different places in Palestine. The Palestinian center – Go Palestine organizes visits to refugee camps in Bethlehem so that visitors be able to learn and experience first-hand a greater understanding (above and beyond newspaper reports!) of the camps and the people who live there.
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the families who live within the camps, talking to them and asking them questions about their daily lives and their thoughts. The families you visit will provide you with a fascinating opportunity to learn a little bit about life within the camps.
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.
Information Regarding our Bethlehem Refugee Camps Tour Program
| Place of tour | Refugees Camps in Bethlehem – West Bank Aida Refugee Camp Azza Refugee Camp Dheisheh Refugee Camp |
| Tour Fees | One Day – 70$ American Dollars – One Refugee Camp Two Days – 120$ American Dollars – Two Refugee Camps Three Days Days – 180$ American Dollars – Three Refugee Camps Groups of two and more get a discount. |
| Starting point | Either at our center in Hebron in Ein Sarah Street or in Bethlehem City. |
| Acccomadatiom | 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 Bethlehem?
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!
When can you join our tours?
Our tours run continuously throughout the year, from January to December. On weekdays, we offer tours on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If you prefer to join us on Sundays or Tuesdays, kindly note that advanced arrangements are necessary to secure your spot.
Duration of the Bethlehem 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.
Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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, or in Bethlehem city (it’s your choice!)
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 “Bethlehem 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.