Amidst the rugged cliffs of the Judean Desert, overlooking the shimmering Dead Sea, Ein Gedi offers a dramatic contrast to the desert landscape. Around an hour’s drive from bustling Jerusalem, this 3,500-acre reserve feels like worlds away.

Its name, Ein Gedi, likely translates to “spring of the goats” (or Nubian Ibex) that live and have been thriving in the area for millennia. A beautiful combination of nature, history, and Archaeology, findings of ancient settlements are present in the reserve, while and the Bible itself tells of King David finding refuge in Ein Gedi’s hidden canyons when being pursued by King Saul.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the trail heading through lush greenery, nourished by year-round springs. Cascading places like David’s Waterfall, the reserve’s crown jewel, create hidden pools down the stream perfect for a refreshing dip (weather permitting). Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s surprising wildlife. Watch the sure-footed Nubian Ibex defy gravity as they scale the cliffs, Hiraxes feeding and climbing the huge rocks, or spot a variety of birds soaring through the canyons. Other, yet more rare animals roam around these cliffs, such as wolves, bats, and more surprising friends of nature.

The upper section of the trail provides an additional three or four-hour hike. Continuing from David’s Waterfall, you head onto more difficult trails towards Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and finally, the Ein Gedi Spring. These trails involve a little climbing so active tourists should be prepared to break a sweat as it’s a little more physically challenging. Along the way, you’ll spot water pools where you can cool off, and reach beautiful Dodim’s Cave.

Nearby the hiking trail is the archeological site Ein Gedi, with a Synogogue dating between the 3rd and 5th centuries, telling part of the story of the Jewish settlements which flourished here in different periods ever since biblical times. An uphill hike takes visitors to a temple compound from the Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE), built on a rock terrace above the spring. This temple is believed by researchers to have served as a cultic center for the nomadic tribes of the region in those days. 

Wildlife, fresh water in the desert, biblical stories, pre-biblical temples, and much more awaits you on your visit to one of the most famous nature reserves in Israel.