Ein Gedi
Nature Reserve
About Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi is Israel’s biggest natural oasis in the middle of the Judean Desert. With stunning landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, flowing brooks, wildlife and even some biblical history, Ein Gedi is a hiker’s paradise.
Biblical History
Ein Gedi is one of the towns of the tribe of Judah in the desert (Joshua 15:61). David lived in the strongholds at Ein Gedi (1 Samuel 23:29), a place of refuge for David as he fled from King Saul. In a cave near here, David spared Saul’s life – he crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:4). This story is believed to have unfolded in Dudim Cave. In 70 CE, Ein Gedi was destroyed and abandoned during the first Jewish rebellion against Rome.
Stunning Landscapes
There are several enjoyable hiking trails in the Ein Gedi nature reserve. The Oasis Trail is a foot trail connecting the David Stream, the Arugot Stream and the Ein Gedi Antiquities. The “lower section” of the hike leads to David’s Waterfall, the gushing water with the green vegetation around it, contrasting against the barren desert surroundings. Along the trail hikers may meet wildlife such as the Nubian ibex and the rock hyrax that live and breed in rock formations with crevices in which they hide and sleep.
Interesting Facts
- The Hebrew meaning of Ein Gedi is “spring of the goat”, referencing to the ibex and mountain goats in the area.
- Archaeologists say Ein Gedi was a thriving community near the springs. Farmers tilled the land and built an extensive network of terraces, aqueducts and reservoirs. They cultivated balsam a fruit used to make a valuable perfume.
- During migration season, thousands of hawks and storks soar over the nature reserve. Other species from brash songbirds to watchful quail stay here.
