Sefir Bi Lebnen: Slika, Lavender, & Rosemary Experience at the Abou Saab Brothers' Farm
Lavender and Rosemary Experience
– Learn the traditional taqteer (distillation) of lavender and rosemary
– Distill your own lavender/rosemary and buy your personal bottle
– Discover how to plant and care for lavender and rosemary from experts
– Discover the Lebanese tradition of “slika”, the seasonal practice of foraging wild edible plants from nature.
– Guided by the Abou Saab brothers, learn how to identify, pick, and collect a variety of wild plants such as wild rocket and other seasonal greens.
– Enjoy a light hike (around 1.5 hours) toward a small river area rich in diverse foraging spots.
– Collect your own selection of plants and keep what you gather.
– Learn how to properly clean and prepare these plants for cooking.
– Take part in preparing simple, traditional dishes using what was foraged.
– Enjoy a rich, homemade local lunch featuring traditional dishes such as kabseh, stuffed vine/silq leaves, pumpkin kibbeh, stuffed zucchini, and a variety of fresh salads.
– Taste special dishes prepared using the wild plants collected during the foraging experience.
Sunset Moment
– End the day with a serene sunset overlooking the Abi Saab Brothers’ farm
– Breakfast included (Mankouche)
– Lunch included (featuring traditional dishes such as kabseh, stuffed vine/silq leaves, pumpkin kibbeh, stuffed zucchini, and a variety of fresh salads.
Upon arrival at Ain Jalta, participants can choose between a short walk or a ride.
The hike is easy and takes around 15 minutes, leading through nature to reach the farm.
For those who prefer not to walk, pickup rides will be available with the Abu Saad brothers, offering a comfortable and scenic way to reach the same destination.
Another light hike begins from the farm toward a small lake area, where participants will learn how to identify and collect wild edible plants.
(Duration: approx. 1.5 hours)
08:00 – Departure from Beirut
09:45 – Arrival at Ain Zhalta
A short 15-minute walk leads to the Abu Saab brothers’ farm. Participants can choose between an easy walk in nature or a pickup ride for a more relaxed access.
10:00 – Arrival at the farm
Welcome drink or coffee. Introduction to the farm and its concept by Mr. Ramzi Abou Saab.
11:00 – Rosemary & Lavender Experience (30 minutes)
Learn about these plants, their uses, and how to plant them.
11:30 – Short break (10 minutes)
11:40 – Start of the Slika (foraging) experience
A light hike begins from the farm toward a small lake area, where participants will learn how to identify and collect wild edible plants.
(Duration: approx. 1.5 hours)
13:30 – Return to the farm
Learn how to clean, sort, and prepare the harvested plants.
14:00 – Lunch experience
Enjoy a homemade local lunch and discover how the collected plants are used in different dishes.
After lunch – until 17:00
Free time to relax and enjoy the setting: soft music, conversations, tea or mate, and a peaceful atmosphere with a beautiful view.
17:00 – End of the experience / Departure
– Small backpack
– Water bottle
– Light snacks (optional)
– Sunscreen
– Personal medication (if needed)
– A light jacket or windbreaker
– Comfortable hiking clothes suitable for spring weather
– Light layers (morning can be cool, midday warmer)
– Comfortable hiking or sports shoes with good grip
– Hat or cap for sun protection
– Sunglasses (optional)
Is the hike difficult?
No, the hike is easy to moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Can I skip the short walk at the beginning?
Yes, a pickup ride is available as an alternative to the 15-minute walk.
Do I need prior hiking experience?
No experience is needed. The activity is guided and beginner-friendly.
What is “slika”?
It is a traditional Lebanese activity of foraging wild edible plants from nature.
Can I keep what I collect?
Yes, you can take home the plants you gather during the experience.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a homemade local lunch is included.
– Please arrive on time at the meeting point
– Follow the guide’s instructions during all activities
– Respect nature and avoid damaging plants outside the guided foraging
– The schedule may slightly change depending on the weather or group pace
– Suitable for individuals, friends, and families
Spend a full day with our Sefir Bi Lebnen’s event at the welcoming and abundant Abou Saab Brothers’ Farm, a vast piece of land rooted in tradition and Lebanese authenticity.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality and fresh, handmade local flavors, starting with a warm welcome drink and a traditional breakfast prepared with care by the Abou Saab family.
As we move through the day, you’ll explore different corners of the farm, connect with the land, and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.
Between hands-on activities, homemade meals, and the natural beauty surrounding the area, this experience offers a deep glimpse into Lebanese countryside life.
We’ll end our journey with a calming mountain sunset, the perfect close to a day filled with nature, culture, and simplicity.