Gamla Nature Reserve: Discovering Israel’s Tallest Waterfall and the Golan’s Giant Vultures
- Sagi Haim Levy
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are looking for a place where the drama of ancient history meets the raw power of nature, Gamla Nature Reserve is unparalleled. Often called the "Masada of the North," this site in the central Golan Heights offers a combination of soaring raptors, a record-breaking waterfall, and a story of heroism that has echoed for two thousand years.
Why Gamla is a Golan Heights Essential
Gamla is unique because it forces you to look both down into the deep canyons and up into the endless sky. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a family of hikers, the reserve provides a sensory experience that defines the beauty of Northern Israel.
1. The Gamla Waterfall: Israel’s Vertical Record
The reserve is home to the Gamla Waterfall, which plunges an incredible 51 meters (167 feet) into the canyon below. It is the tallest perennial waterfall in Israel. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and takes you across the basalt plateau, offering views of the blooming wildflowers (in spring) and the deep, rugged gorges that characterize the Golan landscape.
2. The Kings of the Sky: Griffon Vultures
Gamla is one of the last major nesting sites in the Middle East for the endangered Griffon Vulture. With a wingspan of nearly 2.5 meters, watching these "Kings of the Sky" catch the thermals over the canyon is a spiritual experience. The reserve features a dedicated observation "Vulture Lookout" equipped with binoculars, where you can often see these massive birds soaring at eye level.
3. The "Masada of the North"
Perched on a camel-shaped ridge (the name Gamla comes from the Hebrew word Gamal, meaning camel) are the ruins of the ancient city of Gamla. During the Great Revolt against Rome in 67 CE, the residents here fought one of the most heroic battles in Jewish history.
The Synagogue: You can see one of the oldest synagogues in the world, built while the Second Temple in Jerusalem was still standing.
The Breach: Look for the gap in the city walls where the Roman legions finally broke through.
A Perspective of the Golan
Gamla offers a perspective of the Golan Heights that you simply can't find elsewhere, where ancient stone ruins and soaring endangered vultures meet sweeping vistas of the Sea of Galilee and the Syrian border.
5 Fast Facts About Gamla Nature Reserve
The Tallest in the Land: The Gamla Waterfall isn't just beautiful, at 51 meters (167 feet), it is officially the highest perennial waterfall in Israel.
Ancient "High-Tech": Archaeologists at Gamla discovered one of the world's oldest synagogues, dating back to the 1st century CE. This proves that synagogues existed as community hubs even while the Second Temple was still standing in Jerusalem.
Nature’s Gliders: The Griffon Vultures at Gamla can fly at speeds of up to 140 km/h and travel over 100 kilometers in a single day just to find food!
A Prehistoric Mystery: The Golan plateau is covered in Dolmens, giant, prehistoric stone table-structures used as burial chambers. There are over 700 of these "Stonehenges of the East" scattered throughout the Gamla area.
The Name Game: The city was named "Gamla" because the ridge it sits on looks exactly like the hump of a camel (Gamal in Hebrew). When you stand at the lookout, try to spot the "head" and the "hump" of the mountain!
Quick Visitor Info: Gamla Nature Reserve
Opening Hours: Sunday–Thursday & Saturday: 08:00 – 16:00 | Friday: 08:00 – 15:00.
Tickets: Approximately 28 NIS for adults and 14 NIS for children.
Top Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see the vultures in flight. Also, don't miss the Dolmens, prehistoric stone burial structures scattered across the plateau that are older than the pyramids!
Explore More Northern Wonders:
Gamla is a deep, emotional site that requires a storyteller to truly appreciate. From the tactical details of the Roman siege to the conservation efforts saving the vultures, there is so much more than meets the eye.
Ready to explore the "Masada of the North" with an expert? Don't just see the ruins, hear the echoes of history. Join me for an unforgettable journey through the Golan's most dramatic landscape.
Comments