Doing Ein Gedi Right

October 9th 2017

Ein Gedi is an active kibbutz located near the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. With such a prime location, it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. If you are visiting Israel this year, here are some top Ein Gedi hotspots for you to enjoy.

Nature Reserve

Just arriving in Ein Gedi, you’ll already feel the sense of serenity and adventure rolled into one unusual package. An oasis in the midst of the desert, the Nature Reserve in this area is designed almost as if Mother Nature had all these extra goodies left over from creation and decided to bundle them up into a single location. The results are phenomenal. We’re talking breathtaking scenery, crashing waterfalls, cool and refreshing pools of water, pleasant hiking trails, the works.

The area covered by the park is massive, and it ranges from around 400 meters below sea level to around 200 meters above, so you really get a variety of topography for hiking through. Additionally, you can appreciate the many types of birds and animals that call the nature reserve home, such as the hyrax and the ibex. There are even archeological digs done in areas of the park, so you literally can find everything that is outdoors right here.

Animal Zone & Botanical Gardens

Ein Gedi is also host to a petting zoo that your kids are going to love. While you’re at it, be sure to take the exciting botanical gardens tour, too. You’ll see a massive amount of trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants sprouting up in every direction, color, and size. Each area has a wellspring of information about the different plants, and there is a fascinating section about herbs you don’t want to miss. The most amazing thing about the botanical gardens is that there is so much greenery, so lush and beautiful, and it’s all growing right in the middle of a desert! Guess somebody forgot to mention that to the plant life…

Ein Gedi also has a wonderful spa where you can rejuvenate and beaches to relax on. While touring the area, be sure to hit up the Qumran Caves, the location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and Masada. It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away, and it’s absolutely magical at sunrise.