Ein Gedi can be found not far from the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert, and it is about one and a half-hour away from Jerusalem and Two hours from Tel Aviv. The reserve is among the premier hiking spots in Israel as it features mind-blowing scenery, botanical gardens, and diverse landscapes. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is considered to be among the most magnificent places to visit in Israel, and it serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for locals and tourists.
Hiking at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve offers visitors more than nine different hiking trails that you can explore. The hiking trails are suitable for all kinds of travelers, from family groups to experienced hikers, and the hiking trails range from half an hour in length to a full day. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Ein Gedi are the ones passing through Wadi David. The hiking routes are divided into two sections, and the first section is suitable for all hikers during the second section more challenging hike and not for everybody.
The first section of the Wadi David Hike, also known as the lower section, is a scenic hike from the Wadi David ticket office to David’s Waterfall. This hiking trail is picturesque and suitable for all types of tourists, and it will not take you more than an hour to complete it.
The second section, also known as the upper section, has about 3-4 hours. On this trail, you hike from David’s Fall to the more difficult trails, and some of the attractions on the route are Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and Ein Gedi Spring. On these trails, you will do some climbing and try to be ready for something that is not physically demanding. You will find lots of water pools on the route where you can make a pit stop and cool off. You are going to find a mesmerizing sweet water pool in Dodim’s Cave.
Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens
The Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens is a multi-prize winning Botanical Garden located in Ein Gedi Kibbutz. It is popularly known as the only garden in the world that integrates the residents’ homes surrounding the garden. The landscaped grounds of Kibbutz became an international botanical garden in 1994. Over the years after it became a botanical garden, over 900 species of plants from diverse regions of the world have been planted and flourished in the garden. This is mainly because of the vision, hard work, and persistence of the founders and Kibbutz people. Some of the top flora that you will find here are date and ornamental palm, tropical flora from numerous rain forest regions, varieties of desert plants from all over the world, Moringa, Sodom Apple, Tamarisk, and many more.
During your tour of the Botanical Gardens, the best place to end your tour is the Cactus Garden, where you will find over 1000 species of cactus. This garden is used as a cactus source for the numerous small cactus gardens located throughout Kibbutz.
Attractions nearby
- Kayaking in the Dead Sea – Once in a lifetime experience
- Beaches and shopping center of the Dead Sea – a half-hour drive
- Einot Tzukim Reserve – Freshwater springs
- Masada National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Graffiti Gallery – 430 – Kalya Beach – Abandoned buildings graffiti-covered buildings
A recommended place to stay in the Ein Gedi hotel
