Israel Wilderness of Judea Engedi Location and Setting Engedi is situated eleven miles north of Masada and approximately thirty-five miles southeast of Jerusalem on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, midway along the western shore of the Dead Sea. A severely-gorged mountain range six hundred feet above the Dead Sea acts as an aqueduct to bring an abundance of water to Engedi, producing the largest oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea.
Irrigation provided by perennial springs encourages a lush and fruitful ecosystem.
The rainfall runoff that flows eastward from the Hebron Hills watershed toward the Dead Sea supplies the springs. These four springs are approximately 656 feet above the level of the Dead Sea. The latter two varieties grow nearer to the springs and streams. The warm climate, diverse vegetation, predominantly of date palms, and the supply of water attract many animals including the ibex, hyrax, leopard, and a variety of bird species, including vultures, eagles, and falcons. Engedi provides ideal shelter for people and animals in its numerous caves and grand rock formations.