On the western shore of the Dead Sea, surrounded by dry yellow cliffs, there is a surprise: a green valley full of trees, birds and running water. This is Ein Gedi, one of the most famous nature reserves in Israel.
The secret of Ein Gedi is its springs. Rain that falls on the mountains of Judea sinks deep into the rock. It travels underground for a long time, and finally comes out as fresh springs at the edge of the desert. The water flows down two streams, Nahal David and Nahal Arugot, and creates waterfalls and pools.
Thanks to the water, many animals live in the reserve. The most famous are the Nubian ibex, wild goats with long, curved horns. They climb the steep cliffs easily, and they are not afraid of people, so you can often see them very close to the path. Another common animal is the rock hyrax, a small furry animal that looks a bit like a big guinea pig. Surprisingly, elephants are among its closest living relatives!
People have lived at Ein Gedi for thousands of years. Archaeologists found the remains of an ancient synagogue there, with a beautiful mosaic floor.
If you visit, come early in the morning, bring plenty of water and wear a hat. And please remember: it is forbidden to feed the animals.