Since Ein Afek was declared as a nature reserve in 1979, it has not received proper public relations. Despite its proximity to Kiryat Bialik (Near Akko) and despite being the largest reserve of moist habitats (165 Acres), a reserve that includes water, wetlands, ponds, unique hiking trails, water trails, Antique buildings, variety of birds and water plants - it is not well known to the public.
The reserve is located east of Kiryat Bialik, following the dirt road leading to the cemetery (Well signposted). The place is suitable for visits all year round, for the whole family (children will enjoy it!). The recommended length of the visit is about 2 hours.
Tip: Combine a visit to Ein Afek with a tour of old Akko.
All seasons you can expect to see the marsh plants that exist only here, an abundance of aquatic plants, and buffaloes that were brought here and acclimatized beautifully. In spring, you also enjoy plenty of birds nesting here.
In summer it is advisable to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon; Although the walking is "on water", It is boiling hot!!!!!!!!!!!!! After all, this is Acre Valley.
So why are we sending you here in the summer?
To enjoy the beautiful and rare Blue Water-Lily blooming here this season, and other aquatic plants.
The reserve includes the upper part of the Naaman River and its tributaries.
This preserved swamp landscapes and streams, a remnant of marshes that stretched on both sides of the Naaman River and previously covered About 5000 Acres south of Akko.
The name Afek is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as an unoccupied Canaanites town and in the Book of Kings as one of the cities that King Solomon gave Hiram king of Tzur as a token of thanks for his assistance in building the Temple.
What can you see and do?
Waymarked circular hiking trails, clean toilets, shaded picnic tables, springs, marshes, lakes, aquatic plants, dragonflies, fish, butterflies, and Buffalos!!! A hill and a preserved flour mill.
Swamp Trail – An exciting hiking trail built on a bridge over the swamp.
The ancient flour mill - an impressive two-story building whose foundations were built during the Roman period, and most of its remains are from the Crusader period.
Display and video - Permanent display of traditional agricultural tools, a video on the Ein Afek nature reserve, and art exhibitions.
Tel Afek - An archaeological mound in the southern part of the reserve, with remains of ancient settlements from different periods.
Shelter Garden for Endangered species- An endangered plant garden. The plants were moved from areas that were before development along the Nahman River and planted in a way that simulate their natural habitats.
What else is in the place?
Coffe shop, exhibits, education center, picnic tables, partial wheelchair access, agricultural tool exhibit and occasional art exhibitions.
Background: The springs from the aquifer are the reserve's water source. The Na'aman River continues to flow north, then turns sharply west and flows into the Mediterranean south of Acre
In the past, there were dozens of springs, which created a real swamp. Today, the spring water in the network of channels is drained to the Na'aman River.
Most of the springs that were active here in the past have dried up as a result of over-pumping from the aquifer. As a result, the ecological balance of fauna and flora in the reserve was disrupted, and many plants and animals became extinct.
Today, great efforts are being made to maintain balance and restore the animals and vegetation to their natural habitat.
Visiting the reserve:
The Nature and Parks Authority manages the reserved. Upon entry, we will receive an explanatory page that includes a map.
We will park the vehicle in the parking lot, not far from the entrance and enter the reserve. To the right of the trail - clean toilets for all...
To our right, we see the controlled shelter garden that includes explanations for marsh plants that grew here in the past, and most of them are extinct now.
Be careful not to miss the Blue Water-Lily pool next to the flour mill.
You stop to admire the dozens of magnificent flowers floating on the water. The bigger ones reach 10 cm in diameter. The color of the petals is white mixed with slightly azure, tends to purple or pink.
The plant is rare in the country, on the verge of extinction. In the past, it has grown in suitable waterways in the coastal plain and the northern Jordan valley, but it is now nearly extinct. The Blue Water-Lily was restored to Nymphit spring and the Yarkon river tributaries from plants preserved in the Tel Aviv University Botanical Garden.
The plant is named after a nymph - The goddess of nature in Greek mythology. Nymphaea is the name of a sacred plant in different cultures like Ancient Egypt and India.
Carefully proceed up the steep steps to the roof of the flour mill, which was built by the Crusaders and remained intact. The mill operated until 1925.
From the roof, you can look out over the reserve, the marshes, the lush vegetation, the trails, canals, and lakes that are in our hiking route and the surrounding towns.
If you are lucky, you will also see buffalos brought to the meadow area to maintain the ecological balance.
As we descent from the roof - notice the plants growing on and around the walls of the building: Common Caper, Wall pellitory , Common Globe-thistle. We descend and continue to walk on the marked paths carefully. At the side of the trail, there are crossings and bridges to observe the various ponds, all of which have names marked on the map you received at the entrance.
Along the route, benches are scattered for rest and seclusion in the most romantic places with flying dragonflies, water birds and giant catfish (especially near the bridges).
On the sides of the lakes are growing Willow, big Fig and Aethel Trees. Great Willow-herb, Italian Honeysuckle bushes, Nile papyrus, and more aquatic plants. Carpets of London Pondweed paint the swamp areas in light green.
Everything is green and blue here as if there is no water shortage in the country....
The highlight of the route is a path made of wooden boards several tens of meters long that crosses the "big lake" without a railing !!!!
It feels like you're "walking on water" – a great experience!
It is recommended, if it is not too hot, to climb the estimated 5,000 years old mound; remains are dating from the Canaanite period to the Ottoman period.
At the end of the tour, you can relax at the picnic tables, which are in the shade of the Eucalyptus grove.
The reserve also holds educational activities for all ages.
Opening times: Summer 08:00-17:00 (winter until 16:00) On Fridays and holiday eves, the reserve closes one hour earlier.
Prices: Adult 22 NIS, Child 10 NIS Senior citizens: 11 NIS. Group of 30 or more people: Adult 19 NIS, Child 8 NIS.
Phone: 078778226 Official website: https://www.parks.org.il/en/reserve-park/en-afek-nature-reserve
Enjoy
