"My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of Engedi." Song of Songs 1:14

En Gedi is an experience where the fauna and flora of a splendid nature reserve intersect with great biblical adventures. If you stand where David was hiding from King Saul, you will most likely glimpse upon an ibex (wild mountain goat) and remember Saul searching for David among the rocks that are "only accessible to the wild goat" (1 Samuel 24:3). On a journey through this oasis in the Judean wilderness you will observe both the wildlife and enjoy a variety of trees native to the area such as the acacia, jujube, date palms, and Sodom apple trees. There are many choices of hiking paths around the spring-fed David stream and the Arugot stream.

At the entrance of the Ein Gedi National Park there is large seating area for picnicking and little shops for refreshments and other supplies you many need for hiking. Bring your bathing suit for a swim in the Shulamit and Ein Gedi springs as well as the waterfall on the David Stream. There are also archeological finds including a Calcolithic sanctuary dating back to the 4th century BCE and close by in the Jewish Roman-period town of En Gedi, is an exquisite synagogue. The mosaic there speaks of not revealing a town secret believed to be the luxurious balsam from the ancient Commiphora tree. At the nearby Kibbutz En Gedi botanical gardens fill the landscape with rare plant species that will enlighten you about Israel's flora.