I have been there more times than I can remember. The reason we visit is to walk up through the Nahal David Canyon, to the
fresh water pools and the waterfalls. In the middle of the desert. But for many of us it is also the opportunity to see the wild life, such ad the ibex and the hyrax.

Today was no different, except as we turn in toward the parking lot a great herd of ibex was feeding along side the road. Breathtaking as usual. We of course stopped to admire these exquisite animals, who are shy but not really afraid of people.

After a while we tore ourselves away, and I drove into the parking lot, and I was lucky to find a space under a tree that would give shade to the car. One of my tourists was the first out of the car, but within seconds she jumped back in, saying: What is that? pointing to the front of the car.

There, on the bonnet of my car stood a magnificent male ibex. I never saw him, as I pulled into the parking space, but he must have seen me immediately, and said: “Well, how nice of her to park right there. I can use the car to reach the leaves of that tree much easier”.

He immediately started feeding, taking absolutely no notice of us, who scrambled out of the car with cameras in hand (in my case my cell phone), nor of any of the other people noticing what was going on. Soon he decided that the roof would make feeding even more convenient.

After 10 minutes or so, to my great sorrow, I had to chase him off the car, because he kept setting off the alarm system.  But what a magnificent experience. This is the closest I have ever been to an ibex.

Image via Wikipedia

Ein Gedi is one of the most visited nature reserves in Israel, both by Israelis and by tourists. This is due to its unique nature as an oasis in the Judean Desert, but also because the easy trails within the reserve.

Ein Gedi is situated approximately half way on the shores of the north part of the Dead Sea. The two year-round streams, Nahal David and Nahal Arugot, are its basis. In addition to these two streams there are four springs in the area, to feed the streams and the wild-life. All the water to the reserve originates from the rain that falls in the higher sections of the Judean Mountains.

The water and the climate allow for a great variety of unique wild life, both in plant and animal species. This is not to say that these species are not to be found in other places, but in Ein Gedi they are closer together, and easier to see.

Among the plant species to be found in Ein Gedi are acacias, Christ-thorn and Sodom Tree, as well as giant reeds and cattails. Various forms of mosses and ferns clothe the mountain sides.

The animals most widely seen are the wild goats of Ein Gedi, the ibex, and the hyrax, also called the marmot. If you could be there at night you might see foxes, wolves and hyenas. Until a few years ago it might also be possible to see a spotted leopard, but from recent information it seems they have gone extinct.

Though most visitors come to Ein Gedi for its spectacular nature, there are many remains of human habitation, starting in the Calcolithic (Late Stone Age) period some 5000 years ago. From around the 7th Century BCE a Jewish community thrived in Ein Gedi, leaving behind the remains of the houses, production sites and particularly the synagogue from the 3rd-6th century CE. Remains of the watering system has been found, showing the importance of agriculture, especially of dates and the balsam tree. We do not know today what the name balsam tree refers to. However, in antiquity one of the most expensive perfumes was produced from it.

When visiting Ein Gedi you can chose from a number of trails, from easy family trail, such as Nahal David, the somewhat longer trail through Nahal Arugot, or even longer trails leading up to the higher mountains in Ein Gedi. Most tourists make do with the short Nahal David trail.

Visiting hours:
April-September 8 am to 5 pm
October-March   8 am to 4 pm. In these months last entrance is at 3 pm. at Nahal David and 2 pm at Nahal Arugot.

The best seasons are fall, winter and spring. The summer at the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi can be extremely hot.