Ein Maboa Spring in Wadi Qelt Opens Free to Public with New Facilities

Ein Maboa, a pulsating karst spring located in Wadi Qelt (Nahal Prat) in the Judean Desert, officially opened to the public on Wednesday. The site now features a newly constructed parking lot with approximately 60 spaces and a safe pedestrian path connecting the parking area to the spring entrance. Additionally, the public restrooms have been renovated to enhance visitor comfort.

Wadi Qelt stretches about 25 kilometers from northern Jerusalem through the heart of the Judean Desert, eventually flowing into the Jericho Valley. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, combining desert landscapes with abundant water sources, making it a popular hiking destination, especially during the hot seasons. The site also holds significant historical and religious importance, with ancient routes linking Jerusalem to the Jordan Valley and the impressive St. George Monastery perched on the canyon cliffs attracting visitors worldwide.

Ein Maboa is the middle spring in a series of three major springs along Wadi Qelt, situated between Ein Prat upstream and Ein Qelt downstream. It is a rare "pulsating spring," characterized by intermittent water flow caused by groundwater filling and emptying karst cavities in the rock, a phenomenon found in only about 100 springs worldwide. The spring pulses mainly in summer when rainfall is low, while in winter, continuous flow occurs due to higher water levels.

Visitors can access Nahal Prat free of charge during regular hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry requires prior registration through the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website. The opening aims to promote public enjoyment of this unique natural and cultural site while preserving its ecological and historical value.