Overview

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a spectacular location containing a range of hiking trails, swimming for the whole family, and abundant wildlife and flora for the nature enthusiast.

See flora such as the acacia tree, the Sodom apple tree, the giant reed and cattail and along the cliff walls see moss and fern, such as maidenhair. Tame herds of ibex roam the reserve and there are plentiful groups of hyrax to view. The best time to see the ibex is just before closing time when they come to drink at the spring. 

Archaeological findings include a 5000 year old Chalcolithic period temple, a 7th century BCE Jewish settlement and a 3rd century BCE beautiful mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue. See also the remains of an ancient irrigation system that watered the cultivated terraces. 

Two streams, the David and the Arugot, flow all year round feeding the stunning waterfalls and refreshing pools that are created by four springs.  

There are three main trails in the reserve: The lower David Stream (easy), the Upper David trail (for experienced hikers), and the Tsafit trail (for experienced hikers). The lower David Stream trail passes waterfalls, pools and leads to the beautiful David waterfall.

The Upper David trail goes to the Shulamit spring, the Dodim Cave at the top of the David waterfall and the Chalcolithic temple.

The Tsafti trail goes to the dry Window waterfall and canyon which follows the seam of the arid part of the reserve and the oasis. There are several other trails in the reserve but visitors should ask the park rangers about them prior to embarking.  

Note:  No entrance to dogs in the reserve. 

The post Ein Gedi Nature Reserve appeared first on baruchhaba.com.