Gazelle Valley Park is an urban nature park in southwest Jerusalem, Israel, in the Malha area near Kfar Shmaryahu Street. It protects a green valley within the city where a herd of Israeli mountain gazelles lives alongside a lake, wetland vegetation and a variety of birdlife. The circuit around the park is about 3 km and takes one to one and a half hours, with a total elevation change of only around 20 m, so it is among the easiest walks in the Jerusalem area. Access is simple: Bus 19 or 26 serves the area, and taxis or private cars can reach the park, with parking available in the surrounding neighbourhood. The paths are largely level and made of packed earth or paved surfaces, with a looping route that circles the central lake and pastures. There is little technical difficulty or exposure, though shade is limited in the open valley, so a hat and sun protection are useful on warm days. Key features along the way include observation points for watching the gazelles, wetland edges favoured by waterbirds, and walking paths passing through seasonal grasses and wildflowers. Binoculars are strongly recommended, since the gazelles keep their distance and many bird species are best seen from afar. Visitors are expected to stay on marked paths and keep quiet to avoid disturbing the animals. The route can be shortened by cutting across to the entrance at any point, and no refuge huts are needed given its urban setting. Spring and autumn offer the best combination of mild weather and active wildlife, with spring bringing greener scenery and migratory bird activity in particular. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to see the gazelles active.
| Distance | 3 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Bus 19 or 26 or taxi |
| Best season | Spring and autumn |
| Address | Gazelle Valley Park, Kfar Shmaryahu Street / Malha, Jerusalem |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Southwest Jerusalem
What to bring
- light shoes
- binoculars
Location
Gazelle Valley Park, Kfar Shmaryahu Street / Malha, Jerusalem
31.7556, 35.1983 View on map
Highlights
- Watch Israeli mountain gazelles in an urban nature park
- Walk a level 3 km circuit around the central lake
- Spot waterbirds and migrating species from the wetland edges
- Reach the park by city bus without leaving Jerusalem
Tips for visiting
- Bring binoculars; the gazelles and many birds are best viewed from a distance.
- Stay on marked paths and keep voices low to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Go in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.
- Use Bus 19 or 26, or a taxi, as the park is well connected to the city.
- Wear a hat in warm months, since the open valley offers little shade.
When to visit
Spring and autumn, ideally early morning or late afternoon when the gazelles are most active. Midday in summer is hot and exposed.
Accessibility
The park is largely flat and has level paths, so many sections are likely to be suitable for strollers and visitors with limited mobility. Visitors who rely on a wheelchair should check surface conditions on specific paths before going.
Frequently asked questions
What animals can visitors see at Gazelle Valley Park?
The park is home to a herd of Israeli mountain gazelles and a variety of birdlife, especially around the lake and wetland areas.
How long does the walk take?
The circuit is about 3 km and normally takes one to one and a half hours, depending on how long visitors stop to watch wildlife.
Which buses go to the park?
Buses 19 and 26 serve the area, and taxis are also an option.
Is the route challenging?
No. The terrain is nearly flat with only about 20 m of elevation change, making it suitable for beginners and families.