In and around Jerusalem

Ein Mabu'a is a stunningly beautiful oasis in Nahal Prat only a short distance from Jerusalem. There is a pool for swimming, and you can hike along the path by the stream or wade in the shallow water that flows even in the middle of summer. There is no admission charge. 

 

Time: Allow several hours for swimming and hiking

Distance: About 3½ Km

Type of hike: There and back the same way

Difficulty: The dirt footpath is easy walking. You will need to cross the shallow stream on two occasions, and a walking stick can be helpful to maintain one's balance on the rocks.

Security: The 3 springs in Nachal Prat are in area C and beyond the Green Line. However, Ein Mabua is regarded as being quite safe. It has park rangers and there are usually plenty of people around. 

Starting point: The parking lot at Ein Mabu'a.

Driving directions and parking: Enter "Ein Mabu'a" into Waze. The parking lot is at the bottom of the wadi.

Public transport: There is no convenient public transport for Ein Mabu'a.

 

Swimming and hiking: 

• Descend from the parking lot and go past the store to the pool of Ein Mabu'a. The pool is not that big and you may have to share it with a lot of people, particularly in the middle of the summer, but it's fantastic for a swim on a hot day. WC's close to the pool can be used for changing.

Do not be surprised if the pool suddenly empties on you, especially in the summer. It’s not a ranger playing a joke. The pool is fed by from an underground basin that empties into the pool by a siphon effect. Once the basin is emptied, it needs to refill before more water can be released. This is fairly rapid in the winter, but can take longer in the summer. In the meantime, water in the pool discharges into the stream and the pool empties. You will pass other pools as you walk along the spring, although they are not as large and deep as this one.

• The hiking trail is alongside the stream and you will need to cross this on several occasions on conveniently placed rocks. A walking stick can be helpful to keep your balance. If you prefer, you can walk part of the trail in the water instead of hiking, so bring the right footwear if you intend doing this. 

• Return to your car the way you came.

It is possible to hike from Ein Mabu'a to Mitzpe Yericho along the wadi, although you need to be an experienced hiker. It takes about 5 hours and you will need to have a second car waiting for you at Mitzpe Yericho. Do not go alone and tell the park ranger where you are going

 

Nearby places of interest:

Eretz Bereshit (Genesis Land): Experience life as it was in biblical times! Visitors are greeted by Eliezer, Abraham's manservant, and by a train of camels, and are then led to Abraham's tent where they experience his legendary hospitality. Fresh pita making and shepherding are among the different workshops offered, as well as kosher meals and other activities. Directions: Turn off route 1 onto route 458. The turning to Eretz Bereshit is on your right shortly before the settlement of Alon.Tel: (02) 997-4477.   

 

Images from Ein Mabua