Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, where springs in the cliffs of the Judean Desert feed two streams, Nahal David and Nahal Arugot. Their waterfalls, pools and lush vegetation stand out sharply against the bare desert around them. Nubian ibex and rock hyraxes are often seen up close; wolves, foxes and striped hyenas also live here but are rarely seen, and no leopard has been spotted for years.

Trails and Hiking

The most popular walk follows Nahal David past small falls and pools to David’s Waterfall, about 36 metres high; the round trip takes about an hour. Fit hikers can climb on to the Dodim (Lovers’) Cave above the waterfall, the Ein Gedi spring and the ruins of a Chalcolithic temple from around 3500 BC. A separate trail in Nahal Arugot leads to the Hidden Waterfall, about two hours there and back. Restoration work has recently limited the Nahal David trail at times to the short accessible path to the first waterfall, so check the current status before you go.

The reserve is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00 in summer and to 16:00 in winter, closing an hour earlier on Fridays and holiday eves; the last entry is one hour before closing. Tickets (2026) cost ₪31 for adults and ₪16 for children; the nearby En Gedi Antiquities National Park with its ancient synagogue has a separate ticket. Bring plenty of water and a hat, as the heat is intense for much of the year.

Getting to Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi lies on Route 90, about an hour and a half by car from Jerusalem. Egged buses 486 and 444 run from Jerusalem several times a day, and one daily bus (421) comes from Tel Aviv, so plan your return carefully. Many day tours from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv combine Ein Gedi with Masada and a swim in the Dead Sea.