
Park HaMaayanot
Sprawling park with thermal ponds, streams, and walking paths. Offers golf cart rentals for exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Park HaMaayanot
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sprawling park with thermal ponds, streams, and walking paths. Offers golf cart rentals for exploration.
"A beautiful place marred by dirtiness; fun for kids but management needs improvement."

🚗 Golf Cart Costs
Golf carts are pricey (690 NIS for a full day 6-seater). Consider walking shorter routes or sharing costs.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains on site. Carry plenty of water, especially on hot days.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thermal Ponds & Streams
Various locations throughout the park
Explore natural springs, shallow streams, and deeper rivers perfect for wading and floating.

Golf Cart Exploration
Park entrance
Rent a golf cart for a fun and efficient way to cover the sprawling park's many attractions.

Hakibbutzim Stream Reserve
Northern section
A noticeably cleaner and well-maintained area with deeper water ideal for floating.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Navigating Park HaMaayanot
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Golf Cart Costs
Golf carts are pricey (690 NIS for a full day 6-seater). Consider walking shorter routes or sharing costs.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains on site. Carry plenty of water, especially on hot days.
🗑️ Pack Out Trash
Limited bins. Be prepared to carry your trash with you to keep the park clean.
🩱 Floating Fun
Bring a float for deeper sections like Hakibbutzim Stream.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Cart Costs
Golf carts are pricey (690 NIS for a full day 6-seater). Consider walking shorter routes or sharing costs.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains on site. Carry plenty of water, especially on hot days.
🗑️ Pack Out Trash
Limited bins. Be prepared to carry your trash with you to keep the park clean.
🩱 Floating Fun
Bring a float for deeper sections like Hakibbutzim Stream.
🎶 Respect Quiet Zones
Avoid loud music to preserve the natural tranquility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Park HaMaayanot offers a beautiful natural setting with thermal ponds and streams, making it a fun spot for families and those seeking outdoor exploration. However, many visitors are disappointed by the park's cleanliness, with significant litter issues and a lack of bins. Inconsistent management, including unexpected closures, can also detract from the experience.
"Incredible place. Golf cart and explore gorgeous streams and greenery. Toilets along route. Takes about 1-1.5h to cover. Just extremely poor management regarding opening during a local marathon, it was decided post marathon that they just simply did not open - groups of us, including a tour bus were left hanging and contemplating if they would open, they did not. We had to return the next day to see the place."
Jess Tocker
"One of the dirtiest natural park I've seen in my life. Junk everywhere and not even one bin along the path to throw your trash.. It's sad because it's a beautiful place but the amount of dirtiness really takes the fun away. And be aware that there is very loud music in every corner of the park."
Mathilde Lair
"We had a fun day and our young kids thought this place was amazing. There is a good variety of places to go and the golf buggies were really fun. Overall we would go back.
However it’s all slightly spoiled by how dirty it is in places. Even our kids were upset by the level of litter everywhere which really takes away from the beauty of the site. Particularly in the very busy spots there was lots of rubbish in the trees and bushes by the water, cups floating down the river alongside you, glass on the floor and in places where there is less natural flow to the water, it looked too dirty to swim in. The section that’s a national parks authority run reserve (Hakibbutzim Stream Reserve wet trail) is noticeably cleaner and better set up than the other pools and streams.
We went on a hot August day in the school holidays so it was very busy and I think it would have been overall much nicer on a quieter day. There were people at two of the main spots who were playing loud music as well which spoils the tranquility. It’s definitely a very popular attraction for lots of visitors.
I couldn’t find much info about the set up there so hopefully this will be helpful for others thinking of visiting:
- entrance is round the back of Gan Hashlosha - turn right at the roundabout before the Gan Hashlosha checkpoint. Big car park
- golf carts are great but pricey. If you want to see it all and swim then you need to rent for a full day which for 6 seater is 690NIS
- you can walk in for free and it is possible to walk to the Hakibbutzim wet trail by walking I think less than 1km. All other sites are a decent walk away so you need transport when it’s hot
- the main stopping points are a mix of pools formed by springs, walking through shallow streams and floating down deeper rivers
- you can walk from the first spring Ein Shokek to the old mill pool through the stream which is really beautiful and my favourite part (around 400m)
- there are toilets along the way but they are portaloos and incredibly hot and stinky in the summer!
- only drinks for sale are at the beginning and ein Moda the furthest point
- there are no water fountains on the route or at the entrance so you need to bring your own.
- the Hakibbutzim wet route is fairly deep and wide so great for floating down in an inflatable. There is a bridge with a ‘slide’ - a large pipe from one side to the other though it’s pretty slimey inside!
- Ein Shokek and Ein Moda were incredibly busy points. The mill pool was much quieter
Note that many photos people post (particularly of a large waterfall) are from Gan Hashlosha next door. Overall Gan Hashlosha is far more beautiful, however this place was a fun trip for some variety."
Sarah Heineman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Entrance is behind Gan Hashlosha. Turn right at the roundabout before the Gan Hashlosha checkpoint. There's a large car park available.
Information on public transport is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transport schedules for nearby routes.
Yes, you can walk to the Hakibbutzim wet trail from Gan Hashlosha, which is less than 1km. Other areas are further.
There is a large car park available at the entrance.
While some paths might be accessible, the natural terrain and water features may pose challenges. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can walk in for free to access some areas, including the Hakibbutzim wet trail. However, golf cart rentals and access to certain developed areas may incur fees.
Opening hours can vary, and the park may close unexpectedly, especially during local events like marathons. It's advisable to check in advance.
Information on online ticket purchases is not readily available. It's recommended to check the official park website or inquire locally.
Specific discount information is not widely published. It's best to contact the park directly for group or family rates.
As experienced by some visitors, the park may close without prior notice for local events. Be prepared for potential disappointment and have a backup plan.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking through streams, wading in thermal ponds, and floating down rivers. Golf cart rentals offer a unique way to explore.
Yes, there are various pools and streams suitable for swimming and wading. The Hakibbutzim Stream Reserve is particularly good for floating.
It can take 1-1.5 hours to cover the park by golf cart, or about 4 hours if you walk and explore some of the fountains.
Yes, there are portable toilets along the routes, but they can be hot and smelly in the summer.
Young children often find the park amazing, especially with the golf carts and shallow water areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The stream walks, especially between Ein Shokek and the old mill pool, offer beautiful scenery. The Hakibbutzim wet route is also picturesque.
Many photos of large waterfalls attributed to this park are actually from the adjacent Gan Hashlosha. Focus on the natural streams and ponds here.
Late afternoon offers softer light, but the natural beauty can be appreciated throughout the day.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive park, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera is advisable if you plan on getting close to the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Renting a golf cart, while expensive, can make navigating the park much easier with kids. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as options are limited. Be prepared for basic toilet facilities. While the park is fun, the litter can be upsetting for children, so managing expectations about cleanliness is important.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money: Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. Focus on exploring the walking routes and enjoying the natural streams without the golf cart. Consider visiting with a group to share the cost of a golf cart if you decide to rent one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Waterways
While the water is generally inviting, some areas can accumulate litter, detracting from the natural beauty. The cleanliness can vary significantly, with the Hakibbutzim reserve often being a cleaner option compared to other pools. It's important to be aware of the water quality, especially if you plan on swimming.
Remember to bring a floating device if you're not a strong swimmer or want to fully enjoy the longer water routes. The 'slide' or pipe connecting two sides of the Hakibbutzim route is an interesting feature, though it can be slimy inside.
Navigating and Renting Transport
Visitors have noted that renting a golf cart for the entire day is almost necessary if you wish to see all the main stopping points and enjoy the swimming opportunities. If you opt to walk, be prepared for distances between the springs and pools. The main stopping points include various pools formed by springs, shallow stream walks, and river floats.
Consider your budget and desired pace when deciding on transport. If you're on a tighter budget or prefer a more immersive experience, walking certain sections is feasible. However, for families or those with limited mobility, the golf cart might be a worthwhile, albeit expensive, investment.
Park Management and Cleanliness Concerns
This dirtiness is particularly noticeable in the busier spots and can detract from the natural beauty of the park. Some visitors have expressed disappointment that the park's potential is marred by the litter. The Hakibbutzim Stream Reserve is often cited as being noticeably cleaner and better maintained than other areas.
Furthermore, the park's management has faced criticism for poor communication regarding closures. One instance involved the park remaining closed during a local marathon, leaving pre-booked tour groups and visitors stranded. This lack of transparency can lead to significant inconvenience.
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