Ein Gedi National park at the Dead Sea
Written by Zvika Gasner Koheleth 12-December-2024 ( Originally 15-August-2019, Edited 08-March-2021, 20-April-2021, 01-December-2021) , Photography by Angela Hechtfisch
Ein Gedi National park
The National park called “Ein Gedi” is located in the south Judea desert, western to the Dead Sea, about 500 meters from its shores. It is an oasis with two primary water sources: the “Aroogot” river and the “David” river. This natural park is considered one of Israel’s most refined and traveled by locals & foreign trackers. A marked road is climbing up of this water oasis culminating in 3 beautiful waterfalls, which the top one “David waterfall” is the main attraction. Above it lies the “Doddim” cave & pool, which the only way to entering it is by a 40 minutes heavy climbing bypass, which is recommended only for professional hikers. The view is extraordinary. The pool cools you off on a hot summer day, and tradition says this is where David hid from King Saul and later spared Saul’s life. In 1 Samuel Chapter 24:
(1) And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying: ‘Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.’ {S}…(11) Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and I have not sinned against thee, though thou layest wait for my soul to take it…”
Entry to the Ein-Gedi Dead Sea reservoir costs 35 Shekels per visitor. The walking level of difficulty is average BUT it is NOT suitable for children under aged NOR for the elderly. The complete track time (Without the extra bypass to “Doddim”) is about 30-45 minutes. Hats, comfortable shoes, and water supply are more than just a recommendation.
“Ein-Gedi” plants variety
The reservoir is an immediate attraction to various desert animals, such as the Israeli desert tiger, ibex, the Israeli deer, the cute Rock hyrax, and various plants. Nearly a hundred years ago the park had many bushes and a majestic tree forest like the Acacia tree( or Wattles) and Ziziphus spina-christi trees, better known as Christ’s thorn Jujube, that got its name by the traditional legacy that Jesus wore them like a torn bouquet symbolizing him by the Romans as the “king of Jews”.
Ein Gedi’s “Afarsemon”
One of the most exciting plants in this nearby dead sea national park is the “Afarsemon” (Persimmon) which in biblical times was the source out of which they had produced an expensive perfume, something of the “Chanel #5” of these days. Also, they had produced a luxurious oil which they anointed Judea’s kings with.
The national park is filled with tropical river plants, “Hazav mazoy” (Drimia), “Serian Maziz” (Golden Drop), and many more. These plants are widely known as the foundation ingredients for the local Dead Sea cosmetic and perfume industry.
The “Vert (Crowne Plaza)” Dead Sea hotel
You can describe “Ein-Gedi” as a place in the middle of nowhere. Still, it surrounds by some must-see attractions like “Masada”, the “Qumran caves”, the “Ein Bokek River” national park, and exclusively “Dead Sea” salty beaches and the wellness facilities at the lowest place on earth. To stay nearby without losing valuable one and a half hour driving back-and-forth to Jerusalem, it is highly recommended to stay in the neighboring “Ein-Bokek” hotels strip, only a 15 minutes distance. The strip jewel crown would be the “Vert (formely Crowne Plaza)” hotel, with the beach just on the location, outstanding out & indoor swimming pools, excellent spa service, and a top-level kitchen.
For additional recommended hotels at Ein Bokek’s Dead Sea click here.
