Location and history

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, located to the west of the Dead Sea, is watered by four springs, making it inhabitable ever since ancient times. Indeed, it holds remnants of a Chalcolithic Temple from the prehistoric times.

It happened, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi." (1 Samuel 24:1)

Additionally, this place has been described as the area where David sought shelter from King Saul. “And David went up from thence, and dwelt in the strongholds at Engedi.’’ (1 Samuel 23:29)

Hiking Trails

The Reserve has multiple hiking routes, with varying difficulty levels.  The most famous one starts from Wadi David. You enter the Wadi David by purchasing a ticket and embark on a spiral, hour-long hike to the David Waterfalls, where the sound of the drizzling water hitting the rocks calms your nerves and gives you a chilly escape from the desert heat.

The next part of the hike is rather challenging so ditch the old folks!

After crossing the David Waterfall, travel towards the Chalcolithic Temple and the Ein Shulamit Spring. From there, either take a detour to the Window Waterfall, which overlooks the entire Reserve, or continue onto the path leading to the Ein Gedi Spring.

After crossing the Ein Gedi Spring, the walk continues to the Arugot Spring and the Hidden Waterfall, eventually ending at the Arugot Stream ticket office.

Along the way, you will encounterits rich wildlife culture with over 400 species of birds in the migration season and different mammals like the Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax.

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve provides an all-in-one package for people of varying interests with its wildlife culture, multiple springs, beautiful waterfalls and ruins of the Chalcolithic Temple. It’s also a healthy way of spending time with your family.

References:

https://www.touristisrael.com/ein-gedi-nature-reserve/5529/

https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ein_Gedi

https://arzaworld.com/israel-travel-guide/israel-travel-destinations/ein-gedi.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Gedi