The beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve sits on the shores of the Dead Sea like a great oasis in the heart of the Judean Desert. Follow the tree-lined streams as they disappear into steep canyons to discover the region’s surprisingly abundant flora and fauna.
Spend a day or more hiking in the nature reserve. While it is not a vast area, and could easily be visited in a single day, it is a place where you should take your time and soak up the beauty of the desert. Horned ibex climb high up on impossibly steep cliffs and rock hyrax scuttle under crumbling stones. Dragonflies swoop over the streams and pool. The area is an important stopover for birds on their north-south migration routes in between Africa and Europe. Look closely and you might also see vulture nests in the rocks.
The nature reserve is fed by four springs: David, Arugot, Shulamit and Gedi. Together they have created a patchwork of streams, pools and waterfalls, including the impressive David Waterfall, which gives life to the otherwise barren desert. Select one of the marked trails, which vary between 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), and head off to explore this unique landscape. In the summer, when desert temperatures can get high, take a refreshing dip in one of the pools for a unique experience.
Notice the different types of plants that grow along the streams here. Euphrates poplars and several species of acacias can be seen as well as desert date, elephant grass, giant reed and willow. The ibex, which are similar to wild goats, often come down from the cliffs to drink and take shelter from the sun, and close encounters are common.
By car, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is 1.5 hours from Jerusalem and 2 hours from Tel Aviv. A handful of long distance buses stop at the reserve. There is an entry fee, which also grants admission to the nearby antiquities park. The nature reserve is open daily.
