Situated over most of the kibbutz area, the botanical gardens are an integral part of the communal life of the kibbutz, whose members are devoted to its ongoing care.
Visitors to the botanical gardens can enjoy the beautiful landscapes from various strategically positioned lookout points. Numbered markers throughout the gardens provide an easy guide to the walking trail and to the many on-site attractions.
Ein Gedi Garden
Featuring wild plants from the Ein Gedi and Dead Sea region, the vast array on display includes rare and endangered species. Entry to the garden is via the south road of the car park.
Walkthrough the garden via the marked trails. The plants are named on signposts, and visitors receive a booklet with information on all the plants displayed. In addition, visitors can prepare small bonfires to prepare tea infusions using native wild herbs.
African Sycamore Fig Tree The African Sycamore Fig tree is one of the largest trees in the botanical gardens, and also in the biblical sources. The trunk is covered in a furry coating to help protect against the dry climate. Most trees of this species are from tropical rainforest regions and have a smooth trunk. However, situated in the dry Middle East, the African Sycamore Fig tree developed this unique mechanism to prevent the threat of dehydration.
Theatre Hall Area Enjoy the cactus garden and stone statue display, with a lookout point featuring views to the south from the Ha’atakim cliffs, Mount Sodom, and the shores and sinkholes of the Dead Sea. Due to the receding waterline of the Dead Sea, ancient anchors were found in the sea bed. Some of these anchors are on display in this area.
Baobab Tree A definite highlight of the botanical gardens, the wonderful Baobab is an African tree of grand proportions. Two other Baobab trees of a similar age are located elsewhere in the gardens. Nearby is the Kapok tree, the tallest of all the trees in the gardens, and the Pseudobombax tree, with its magnificent flowering in the months of February and March. Enjoy a unique activity for all ages – a number of people can link arms and surround the huge trunk of the Baobab tree.
Birdwatching Lookout The native plants of the area attract numerous birds of many types. In the botanical gardens is a well-located birdwatching bench, with a poster board featuring illustrations of all the birds that come to the gardens. Relax and bird watch from the comfort of the purpose-built bench.
Rock Display Discover the various types of rock from the Dead Sea region, and watch birds in flight, with the option to visit a magnificent lookout of the entire Ein Gedi area, the local cliffs, and Moab mountains, viewable from the roof of the round club.
Memorial for the late brothers Tomer and Giora Ron A relaxing rest spot with soothing wind chimes and a lookout over the Arugot river canyon.
Palm Gardens Some 40 species of palm trees are featured in the gardens, mainly the date palm tree, which is seen in abundance. The date palm has an important place in Hebrew biblical lore.
Statue Park Featuring the works of Michal Varod (not for sale)
Ein Gedi Heritage & New Settlement Museum Botanical Gardens Nursery – Seedlings available for purchase
Sun-Thurs 9 am-12 pm
Phone: Anat 052-3960735 , Noam Zohar 052-5789155
Ein Gedi Ecological Park with Petting Zoo
Discover a range of environmental projects and strategies, such as building mud houses, solar cooking, communal gardening, and a small petting zoo. Bookings are required for various activities, including ecological workshops, baking pita bread in a taboon oven, and preparing teas from wild local herbs. For guided tours of the park, please book in advance.
Winter – Sun-Thurs 8.30 am-4 pm
Fri 8.30am-3pm
Sat 8.30am-1pm
Summer – June, July, August 8 am-1 pm
Aromatic Garden Beds
Enjoy the sensual experience of aromatic herbs, incense, spices, and medicinal plants, including frankincense and myrrh.
Panoramic Lookout
Discover a bird’s eye view of Ein Gedi in all its splendor and glory.
Indian Banyan Tree
Situated in the central grass area of the kibbutz hotel is an Indian banyan tree – large and impressive, with propagating roots. Another Indian Banyan tree is located in the northern area of the hotel and can be found near the Synergy Spa.
Cactus Garden
Located opposite the entrance to the hotel lobby, view a special collection of rare cactuses.
Promenade Above the Arugot River Cliff
An enjoyable, relaxing promenade, with a children’s playground, seating area with statues created by kibbutz member the late Zevik Rosenbaum, an aromatic herb garden, and a peaceful lookout point.
Flowering of the Adeniums
With its nickname, “rose of the desert”, the adeniums begin flowering throughout the gardens during the spring months of April and May, displaying vivid colors ranging from soft pink to bold, daring red. A beautiful phenomenon unique in Israel to the Ein Gedi gardens, it is reminiscent of the flowering of cherry blossoms in Japan. A visit during spring is highly recommended.
Botanical Gardens Open Hours:
September to June
Sun-Thurs 9 am-4 pm
Fri 9am-2pm
Sat 9am-4pm
July & August
Sun-Thurs 9 am-4 pm
Fri, Sat 8 am-2 pm
Entry:
Adult: NIS 20
Child aged 3-12: NIS 15
Senior Citizens: NIS 15
Payment by cash or credit card.
Ein Gedi Hotel
Ein Gedi Beach
Ein Gedi Synagogue
Tagged as: Accepts Credit Cards, Access For Disabled, Good for Kids, Parking
