Not to be confused with Avdat National Park, the archaeological site just down the way, Ein Avdat National Park is a separate national park with its own unique and stunning features. It is almost hard to believe that a place such as Ein Avdat National Park even exists. Ein (meaning “spring”) Avdat features a year-round, freshwater spring in the center of a massive desert within the Zin Valley.
Furthermore, the gorgeous spring flows over a waterfall and through the curvy canyon; it is a display of fantastic beauty and humble miracles. The Zin Valley is the longest wadi in the Negev, reaching over 60km! Come along with me and enjoy a private tour of this gorgeous national park. You will get to reconnect with nature and unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern life. So I encourage you to take full advantage of Ein Avdat National Park as it is one of the most gorgeous locations in all of Israel.
Ein Avdat National Park – A Real Wildlife Experience!
Within the park, there are actually three springs that bring life to the area. The first is En Ma’arif, located at the foot of the upper waterfall, En Avdat, located in the center of the canyon, and En Mor, located where the canyon opens out to the Tsin Valley. Thanks to the springs’ freshwater, Ein Avdat National Park can support plant and animal life. You will see the Euphrates polar tree, shrubby salt brushes, and common reeds along the banks of the water. Various ferns and lichen sit along the moist walls, whereas the bushy bean caper thrives on the dry slopes. The primary animals you will find here are ibexes and vultures, although some smaller birds and the sand rat call this area home as well!
INSIDE THE RESERVATION THERE ARE NUBIAN IBEX ROAMING THE PARK
When visiting Ein Avdat National Park, there are two entrances to choose from, each offering something different. The southern entrance, which is close to Route 40, features sweeping panoramas of the area. The northern entrance is Zinim Cliff, located close to Ben-Gurion’s grave, which is the more popular choice due to its access to the hiking trails into the wadi. There are two main routes that visitors take, the short route and the long route.
The short route will take you on a quick circuit around the Ein Avdat pool and waterfall before looping back to the beginning. On the other hand, the long route is a one-way path that will take you to the southern entrance. Due to the ladders, you must climb, you can only go one way. If you feel extra adventurous, there is an extra-long route that leads to En Akev, but it is 15km in length and takes at least seven hours to complete.
Ein Avdat National Park Opening Hours:
Last entry to the site: one hour and a half before cited closing time
Summer Hours:
Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 08:00-17:00
Friday and holiday eves: 08:00-16:00
Winter Hours:
Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 08:00-16:00
Friday and holiday eves: 08:00-15:00
Holiday eves: 08:00-13:00
Yom Kippur eve: 08:00-13:00
Special Opening Hours:
Thursday and Fridays from July 26th-August 31st: until 18:00
On holidays and Saturdays, I recommend arriving early, entry is based on the availability of space.
Phone: +(00)972-(0)8-6555684
