Israel – Desert Eco-Village

Located in the heart of the Negev desert is this eco-friendly village. The resort has an uninterrupted view of the Arava desert landscape: to the west is Wadi Tzofar with its overhanging cliffs and to the east are the red mountains of Edom, Jordan. The landscape of the region was formed by earth movements along the great Syrian-African rift valley and then by the effects of sun, wind, and water over millions of years. Nature has a powerful presence here, radiating both strength and tranquility. Comfortable transportation by bus on the Arava road will take you to Eilat, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

This unique eco-lodge resort is built completely by hand and from mud and local materials. The resort was created by a young family to fulfill the principles of simplistic living and close contact to the earth. Guests from around the world and within Israel, enjoy this stunning place while learning about and experiencing sustainable living.

After 10 years of hard work to build the resort, help is now needed with the hospitality aspect of caring for the guests. There is a team of three, young Israelis who would love to have your company and help, mostly with cleaning and cooking for our guests. From time to time, there is also mud work to be done, such as creating decorative sculptures, renovating existing structures or building new benches, etc.

Orientation (included): Orientation will take place in Tel Aviv on Sunday upon arrival.

• Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
• Expert advice for traveling in Israel during and after your volunteer placement
• Walking tour of Tel Aviv

During your time in the eco-village, you will work closely with staff to care for resort guests. You work may include:

• Preparing clean guest cabins
• Gardening
• Assisting with preparation of meals
• Renovation of mud structures, as needed

A typical day: Volunteers are expected to work 6-7 hours per day / 5 days per week. Work usually finishes around 7pm. You will be able to gaze at the stars during the evening and chat around the campfire.

Holidays: Please note that the months of September and October contain several holidays that may affect your trip. Please speak with your placement coordinator for details.

Internet: There is free WifFi available onsite.

Laundry: Washing machines are available for your use.

Accommodations: The volunteers and permanent staff have their own “little resort,” built from wood and rugs, where they can relax. You will stay in rustic, Bedouin-style huts for 1 – 2 people, furnished with mattresses, linens, wood burning heaters and fans (no AC). Facilities include a communal living room, equipped kitchen, shared bathrooms with Western-style toilets and hot showers, and an outdoor fireplace. During non-working hours, you can relax by the pool, which is cold in summer time and heated during winter time.

Food: Groceries are provided for cooking. There is a gas station about a 15-minute walk from the resort if you wish to purchase snacks.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age 18, maximum age 35
• Conversational English
• Good physical fitness
• Strong work ethic
• Motivation to do physically demanding work
• Able to work in harsh desert climate
• Highly independent

You should note that the project is located in an isolated part of the desert, so most contact is with other volunteers and a few travelers in the area. You should be an independent person who enjoys the quiet and beauty of nature.

Additionally, please note that the desert climate is very extreme and you will need to cope with wind, dust and heat. During the summer months, the temperature and environment can get quite harsh.

After work hours, volunteers can enjoy this unique desert region, relax by the eco-pool, and just chill out under the stars.
You can also join yoga lessons once a week at the resort.
You will have two days off per week to explore other regions of Israel. Hiking in the desert nearby is beautiful, and comfortable transportation by bus will take you to the Red Sea in Eilat, the Dead Sea and Ramon Crator, all within 1-2 hours.

Check out a list of tours you can join for an additional fee, here.