A Complete Guide to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel
Read our travel guide on Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and Ein Gedi Kibbutz in Israel that includes tips on what to see and do while there, the best hiking trails in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, how to get, opening hours, when to go or what to pack.
Ein Gedi Kibbutz is a small settlement on the western shore of the Dead Sea and a gateway to the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
The lowest place on Earth is on almost every Israel itinerary, and Ein Gedi is among the top-rated attractions in the area.
And after a few hours of hiking there, we believe it's also one of the most beautiful places in Israel.
We all know that staying in a luxury hotel in Ein Bokek and swimming in the salt lake is one of the best things to do in the Dead Sea area, but what if you're tired of the crowded beach or extreme heat?
What if you want to discover more of the secrets of the Judean Desert? Perhaps do some hiking or wildlife watching?
In this case, make sure to visit Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a lush oasis hidden in a canyon near the shores of the Dead Sea.
This place is one of the main reasons why to see this spectacular corner of Israel, and we believe it would be a shame to miss it.
So here's everything you need to know about Ein Gedi before you go.
History
Water is a scarce commodity in the desert, so it's not very surprising that people lived around the year-round streams for millennia.
It's believed that the first settlement in Ein Gedi was during the Chalcolithic period, about 5000 years ago.
Many worshippers traveled to Ein Gedi to visit the temple that was erected here.
Ein Gedi is also mentioned in Bible several times, and this is also the place that David hid after he fled King Sail around 1000 BCE. However, no evidence was found to back up this story.
There was also a Jewish settlement between the 7th century BCE to 6th century CE.
During this time, Ein Gedi started to focus on agriculture, and at some point, the irrigated area was double the size of the current area used by the modern-day kibbutz.
Some flour mills were built during the Mamluk Period in the 13th and 14th centuries, but that was the last thing that happened in Ein Gedi for a long time.
Like other places in this area, Ein Gedi was abandoned for centuries until the 1950s, when the Nahal settlement of Ein Gedi was established here.
Hiking in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi is one of the best places in Israel for hiking.
It consists of two canyons that offer plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, and we believe that any avid hiker will have a blast here.
How Much Time Do You Need for Ein Gedi
When we arrived in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, we could choose between the Wadi David and Wadi Arugot, two canyons that run parallel to each other.
That was something we didn't know before we arrived there, and it caught us by surprise.
We had to change our day itinerary a bit and were glad when the guy working at the ticket counter recommended us some trails we could do in the limited time we had.
If you want to hike extensively in the park, allow yourself at least a full day for Ein Gedi, though two days might be better as some of the hikes are quite challenging.
Otherwise, a half-day should be more than enough if you want to hike the easier trails in Wadi David and Wadi Arugot.
Wadi David and Wadi Arugot
So, which one is better, Wadi David or Wadi Arugot?
The more popular one is the Wadi David as it features the main attraction in the nature reserve, the David Waterfall.
However, the Naval Arugot has its charm as well, so make sure to visit both of them if time allows.
Swimming in Ein Gedi
You might also be wondering whether you can swim in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve?
In fact, the best part about the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is that you can take off your shoes and wade in the shallow waters and pools.
However, the David Waterfall was roped off, and swimming was prohibited there.
Hiking Trails
Make sure you get the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve map when purchasing the tickets so you can plan your day better.
In a nutshell, you can divide the routes into three categories.
Easy to moderately difficult trails in Wadi David and Wadi Arugot and challenging lookout trails that will take you to the upper rim of the canyons.
You can also connect both wadis via challenging Ein Gedi Lookout and B'Nei Hamoshavim Ascent or easier Ein Gedi Spring to Tek Goren trail but make sure you start early and have plenty of water.
On top of the interesting fauna, flora, flowing streams, and waterfalls, you will also have a chance to see parts of the Ein Gedi history along the way.
Nubian Ibex
When we first purchased the Israel Pass at Israel Nature and Parks Authority, we couldn't fail to notice the strange-looking animal in the logo.
After a heated debate on what's depicted on the logo followed by quick googling, we learned that it's the ibex, a desert-dwelling goat usually found in mountainous areas of the Middle East.
As the Nubian ibex is an endangered animal, we were pretty sure that we wouldn't probably have any luck seeing it in its natural habitat.
Our hope increased after finding a helpful piece of information that you can see these animals in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, one of their last safe retreats.
But we can tell from our own experience that reading about the chance to see animals in the wild and actually spotting them is not the same thing.
So we arrived in Ein Gedi with an open mind, but that was unnecessary because we saw more ibex than we could possibly imagine.
As it was pretty late in the afternoon and they descended from the cliffs to find some water, they were pretty much everywhere.
And this time, we regretted a bit, not that we didn't have more time for scrambling to the top of the canyon, but that we couldn't observe the ibex moving around the steep cliffs longer. They are truly magnificent animals.
By the way, it's also possible to see ibex in Makhtesh Ramon or Ben-Gurion Tomb National Park, and some other places.
Lastly, we can't fail to mention that ibex are not the only animals living in this reserve, as you can also see foxes, rock hyrax, snakes, insects, marsh frogs, vultures, or even gray wolves.
Never feed the wildlife. By the way, it's not even allowed to bring food to the nature reserve.
What to See and Do in Ein Gedi
Ein Gedi is not only about the nature reserve but offers a few more interesting places to visit.
It's also not a secret that you can even stay overnight in the nearby kibbutz, so make sure to take advantage of it.
Ein Gedi Kibbutz
Before your first trip to Israel, you've probably heard on the news or read in books about kibbutzim
In a nutshell, these small communities combined socialism and Zionism, and agriculture was their primary source of income.
While some of the modern kibbutzim changed their income focus from agriculture to the high-tech industry, they still allow an exciting look into communal living quite often in inhospitable environments.
When we arrived at the kibbutz, we passed through a yellow-painted gate, and one of the members noted our license plate and gave us a warm welcome and directions.
Ein Gedi Kibbutz is quite small, was founded in 1953, and has a population of approximately 600.
The part about the gate is worth noting, as the kibbutz is closed at night.
If you have a reservation and arriving late (or leaving early in the morning), there should be someone sitting in the booth, or you'll find a phone number on the gate you need to call.
Staying in a kibbutz is definitely an exciting tourist experience and one of the things that every traveler should do while touring Israel.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in Ein Gedi, your best bet is staying in the local kibbutz.
Staying in the peaceful oasis is a perfect alternative to overdeveloped Ein Bokek.
We'll recommend some of the best places to stay in Ein Gedi later on in the article, so stay tuned or click the link above to find cheap accommodation.
Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
If you're still wondering how green and lush the nature reserve is, then wait until you arrive at the Ein Gedi Botanical Garden.
The botanical garden is located within the kibbutz and features spectacular flora (and fauna) from all over the world.
You'll have a chance to admire more than 1000 plant species which sounds like an awful lot, but the biggest surprise is that the residents actually live in the botanical garden.
Yes, the botanical garden in Ein Gedi is not some complex outside the settlement but right in the residential area.
By the way, you can see among some other interesting species the baobabs, also known as the upside-down trees according to an African legend.
There is no entry fee to the botanical garden if you're staying in the kibbutz.
Otherwise, you need to buy the ticket at the office at the gate, and the botanical garden is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Ein Gedi Reserve Ancient Synagogue
Found by an accident when local kibbutzniks were installing an irrigating system, Ein Gedi synagogue is more than 1500 years old.
The mosaic floor might remind you of Beit Alfa Synagogue and some other famous places in Israel, such as Tzipori National Park or Beit Shean, but it's a bit more modest.
The synagogue is located in Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park on the Oasis Trail that connects Wadi David and Wadi Argot, so it's easily accessible when in Ein Gedi.
While visiting this ancient synagogue and seeing the unique mosaics won't take you long, it's also one of the places that you can skip if short on time.
The entrance fee is 14 NIS ($5).
Ein Gedi Beach
When looking for the best swimming experience in the Dead Sea, you might notice that there is a beach in Ein Gedi.
If you can't wait to take a dip into the salt lake while there, then we have some bad news for you. Ein Gedi Beach closed a few years ago as it's not safe anymore.
One of the things you should know about the Dead Sea is that the entire water basin is receding, and the northern part now has dangerous sinkholes.
But don't worry, it's still possible to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel.
Your best bet is the Ein Bokek Beach which has a lovely sandy stretch making access to the water a breeze, and it's free.
Ein Bokek is only 30 kilometers south of Ein Gedi, and it should take you anything between 20-30 minutes to get there by car.
How to Get There
Ein Gedi is one of those places you can easily visit by bus from Jerusalem, but unless you're planning to get back the same day, we opted for the rental car instead.
As driving in Israel is fairly straightforward, we believe that it's the best way to get around the country.
Ein Gedi is located near the southeast border with the West Bank, and you have several options for how to reach the oasis.
Car
From Jerusalem, you can take either Highway 1 and Highway 90 that cuts through the West Bank (80 kilometers) or take Highway 1, then Highway 6, Highway 31, and finally Highway 90 (210 kilometers) if you want to avoid this area.
The road in the West Bank only leads through Zone C, which is under complete Israeli control, so it should be safe.
Always make sure your rental car company allows you to drive it in the West Bank and that you have valid car insurance. If not, take the longer route.
Here, you can find the best deals on rental cars.
Similarly, you can follow the approach when traveling from Tel Aviv to Ein Gedi.
Despite the fact that the difference in the distance is 60 kilometers (140 kilometers versus 200 kilometers, the estimated time of arrival will be pretty similar).
Eilat is 240 kilometers south of Ein Gedi, so it takes about three hours to get there by car.
Make sure to stop at Timna Park, another extraordinary place in Israel.
Bus
Getting to Ein Gedi from Jerusalem by bus is relatively easy and cheap. From Jerusalem, take Egged bus 486 or 444.
The journey should take approximately an hour and a half, depending on the traffic.
The 486 bus also stops at Masada, Ein Bokek, and Neve Zohar.
The 444 bus goes all the way to Eilat, home to luxury resorts, beaches, or Coral Beach Nature Reserve, which makes traveling from that direction also quite convenient.
It follows the same itinerary, but you should reserve a seat in advance as this is a long-distance bus.
If you're staying overnight in Ein Gedi Kibbutz, the bus stops only at the Kibbutz Intersection, so you need to walk a bit.
Here you will find more information on how to get around Israel.
Tours
If traveling to Ein Gedi independently seems like too much hassle, you can always consider taking one of the Ein Gedi tours.
These day tours usually show you the best of the Dead Sea area, so you can also expect to visit Masada and one of the beaches at the Dead Sea.
The only disadvantage of the tours is the fact that you will spend only a couple of hours at Ein Gedi, but that's quite understandable.
Ein Gedi Tour from Tel Aviv - Explore Masada, take a refreshing dip in the Ein Gedi oasis, and swim in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea on this guided tour from Tel Aviv.
Ein Gedi Tour from Jerusalem - Enjoy the sunrise at Masada, hike in Ein Gedi, and float in the Dead Sea on this guided tour from Jerusalem.
Parking
There is free parking in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
We believe it's better to leave the car at the main entrance to the nature reserve, but the Wadi Arugot has its own parking as well.
There were plenty of empty parking spaces on the day we visited Ein Gedi.
Most accommodations, if not all, should have free on-site parking, which is quite convenient, unlike parking situations in large cities such as Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is 28 NIS ($9) per adult. You can visit both wadis on this ticket, but only on the same day.
If you do not have enough time and want to split the trip, you'll have to purchase another ticket the next day.
Even though Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is not a national park, your Israel Pass is valid here, so make sure to use it.
We created a helpful guide on whether the Israel Pass is worth it or not, so don't forget to check it out.
Opening Hours
In summer, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is open from 8 AM to 5 PM from Sunday to Saturday; on Fridays and holidays eves, the opening hours are 8 AM to 4 PM.
In winter, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is open from 8 AM to 4 PM from Sunday to Saturday; on Fridays and holidays eves, the opening hours are 8 AM to 3 PM.
Keep in mind that you can enter Ein Gedi Nature Reserve an hour before the closing time, but the last entry to Wadi Arugot is at 2 PM.
Also, keep in mind that you should leave by closing time, as staying in the nature reserve is prohibited after dark.
What to Pack
Firstly, make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
As the weather can be pretty extreme in the desert, bringing a water bottle with enough water should be your biggest concern.
As you can take a refreshing dip into one of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve pools, make sure to bring swimwear.
Well, bring them anyway, even if you don't want to enjoy the natural pools as you for sure don't want to miss swimming in the Dead Sea.
If you're wondering what footwear to bring to Ein Gedi, then we wore our favorite runners.
We've seen people wearing flip-flops, sandals, and some had water shoes, but that's not what we would recommend if you want to do some of the longer hikes.
Water shoes are not meant for more extensive hiking, sandals are open, and the dirt, sand, and pebbles will be all the time between the sole and your feet, and flip-flops are just terrible for almost every outdoor occasion.
A comfortable small daypack should be more than enough for your hiking adventures in the nature reserve, and we would also consider putting your valuables into a dry sack for extra protection.
Despite the low elevation, the sun is still quite strong in the Dead Sea area, so make sure to bring good sunscreen with high SPF.
Don't forget to bring your favorite mirrorless camera or your phone. A small travel tripod might be a good idea if you want to create the silky smooth effect of the flowing water.
By the way, if you're an enthusiast photographer, make sure to have your trusty telephoto lens with you.
Ein Gedi is known for a large group of ibex, and while they will not be very shy, it's still smart to keep a distance between you and them.
When to Go
While it's possible to visit Ein Gedi year-round, some months offer a bit better travel experience.
The Dead Sea area can be incredibly hot in the summer. Therefore, we believe it's better to arrive here in spring or autumn.
However, summer can be a great alternative for people looking for a way to avoid crowds.
Even locals don't like it when the temperatures start to exceed 40 Celsius; therefore, the Dead Sea region is less visited in this period.
While the high temperatures might be bearable in Ein Gedi or even Ein Bokek, it would be a completely different story when hiking in the Judaean Desert or other popular places in Israel, such as the Negev Desert.
Make sure to know when is the best time to visit Israel to have a better trip.
We visited Ein Gedi in November, and the weather was still hot but much more bearable than it would be in the summer.
Some days and especially nights in winter can be a bit colder than you would expect, so make sure to have an extra layer.
Also, check out the weather forecast and local warnings as flash floods are a real hazard.
Is Ein Gedi Safe to Visit?
Ein Gedi is a top tourist destination in Israel, and it's a very safe place to visit, at least most of the time.
However, the security in Israel is something you shouldn't underestimate, so make sure to follow the news on what's happening in the country right now.
We would argue the biggest danger lies in weather.
While Ein Gedi doesn't receive too much rainfall during the year, the Judaean Desert is not completely dry in the winter.
And when it rains in the desert, mother nature will remind you quickly how powerful it can be.
If you've already been to Ein Avdat National Park, Red Canyon, or any other similar place, you know about flash flood hazards.
The flash floods in Ein Gedi are extremely dangerous.
The local authorities usually close off the hiking trails or even roads, so make sure to follow the local weather warnings.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Where to Stay
Despite its small size, Ein Gedi offers a relatively adequate selection of hotels and campsites.
The accommodation in the kibbutz is more basic and cheaper than their luxurious counterparts in Ein Bokek.
It was also one of the reasons why we decided to spend the night in Ein Gedi as we wanted to keep our travel budget at bay.
The closest accommodation to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is HI - Ein Gedi Hostel. Otherwise, you need to find a room or a camping spot in the nearby kibbutz.
Lastly, as all of the top attractions in the Dead Sea area are relatively close to each other, you don't need to worry that much about whether Ein Gedi or Ein Bokek has a better location, at least if you have a car.
So here's our choice of the best hotels in Ein Gedi.
Budget | Ein Gedi Camp Lodge - A lovely campsite facing the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Camp Lodge offers relatively budget accommodation while in the area. The tents come with an AC; there are hot showers, a chillout area, or a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meal.
Mid-range | Badolina Ein Gedi Glamping - If you're looking for a great camping experience near the Dead Sea, then you might want to consider staying in Badolina Ein Gedi Glamping. The tents and bungalows are conditioned, and you'll also find a kitchen, refrigerators, and hot showers here. If you have your own tent, you can stay here as well. Make sure to get up early, so you can watch the sunrise over the Dead from the site.
Luxury | Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel - Surrounded by the lush botanical garden in the otherwise dry area, Ein Gedi Hotel is the best accommodation you can find in the kibbutz. The hotel offers spacious rooms, lovely views, free parking, a spa and wellness center, and a rich breakfast.
Is Ein Gedi Worth Visiting?
Ein Gedi has a truly spectacular setting, and it's close to some other top attractions, such as the Dead Sea or Masada.
Wading in the streams and taking dips in the pools is a fun activity for all ages and abilities, plus seeing ibexes in their natural habitat is not something we should take for granted.
If you bring your Israel Pass with you, it's a perfect place to visit even when doing Israel on a budget.
Overall, we loved our trip to Ein Gedi, and as we were able to include some of the other must-see places in our travel itinerary, we almost didn't want to say goodbye to the Dead Sea area.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
