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Hiking Israel’s En Gedi Oasis

by K Green

The Bible is alive to me when I see actual locations. The En Gedi Oasis is one of those Bible places that came alive. Whether you believe the Bible is a just a good book, a story, something you don’t care about or if you believe the Bible is God’s word, the sites of the Bible are fascinating places to see. Israel’s En Gedi Oasis is one of those Biblical places and a great place to hike and hang out with ibex and hyrax. If you love animals “baby deer” this is a very cool place.

Israel’s En Gedi Oasis – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Historically, by seeing Israel’s En Gedi Oasis, this Judeans oasis now an Israeli’s park, it felt like I had walked back trough time. It is one of two locations around the Dead Sea with fresh water and a temperate climate. It may be temperate, but it’s still blazing hot. Bring a bathing suit so you can cool off in the ponds and waterfalls. En Gedi is a Bible place that is a great place to hike and spend the day. My hotel is the Dead Sea Oasis Hotel and Spa, Dead Sea, Israel. It isn’t more than a ten or fifteen-minute drive to En Gedi. This UNESCO park is not only a great place to hike but to swim in natural ponds and waterfalls and have a picnic. A family-friendly location En Gedi welcomes singles, but couples will find quiet and romantic places and a relaxing getaway.

Try Hiking an Oasis!

Here is a map of En Gedi Oasis.

Steep Cliffs

Very friendly deer live here that are the descendants of the ones mentioned in the Bible.

Hike to Wadi David

Eco System

You will see animals – up close and personal.

Ibex and Hyrax

At Israel’s En Gedi Oasis there are lots of animals, birds and reptiles. You will see herds of ibex and groups of hyrax. You can get very close to them. They aren’t caged and roam freely. The ibex and hyrax seem to like the guests and are not afraid of tourists. Watch out for the nocturnal animals such as foxes, wolves, hyenas, and even the occasional spotted leopards. It’s doubtful you will see them during the day, but sometimes they are seen at dusk.

Visiting with Locals

It is hot enough to need to take short rests along my hike, so I rest and the ibex and hyrax entertain me. A little rest while he’s watching me and I keep an eye on him.

Look for Shade Along the Way

Walk up the path – some areas are shaded and some aren’t. The shady locations are my rest stops.

There are better picnic areas further along the trail.

Keep Walking

Keep Going Up the Path

Waterfalls

Next – cool off in the waterfall and pond.

Photo Opp

Stop for a little sunbathing and photo-taking – keep going up.

Sunbathing Spot

Keep climbing, then take a nap or sunbathe on the edge of the pond.

Feeling Darning – Hike the Cliffs

There is a lot to see when you’re heading back down too!

Israel’s En Gedi

Before you leave the area – Israel’s En Gedi

there is one more place to visit. Head out and turn to the right.

Visitors Center

You will find an old synagogue at Israel’s En Gedi Oasis – take a moment to visit it.

The Old Synagogue

Beneath the tent is The Old Synagogue site.

Israel’s En Gedi Oasis

A beautiful Oasis, Israel’s En Gedi was a relaxing, lovely place to spend a half or full day.

Israel’s En Gedi Oasis is another natural wonder for me and a winner for a place to go if you like hiking, swimming and the great outdoors.

This post was last modified on June 25, 2017 11:22 am

Kate: Kate started traveling for work. Now with grown children, who are travelers, she travels for pleasure looking for great travel experiences. Currently, her home is in Bellevue, WA, and lives with her cat Angelina Jolie. She has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts, Studio Arts and Art History from the University of Colorado, and from City University, Seattle, an MBA and Master of Arts, Management. Her favorite things are exploring cultures, traveling the world, creating a painting and sour foods.
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