Location
The Negev is a desert region that covers the southern half of Israel. The least populated area in Israel, it is a home to (among others) the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin and unique African wildlife. The Negev offers some spectacular scenery and is home to captivating sites and places.
About the project
Located in the Arava valley, the mission of Wildlife Reserve is to establish reproduction groups for populations of wild animals that are mentioned in the Bible; but have disappeared from the landscape, as well as for other endangered desert animals. The reserve is dotted with Acacia trees and includes a variety of desert habitats: an Acacia forest, a salt marsh, and sand dunes. The reserve has three parts: a three-acre penned-in open area, where herds of herbivorous animals live in conditions similar to those in the wild; the Predators Centre, where reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators are on display; and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall, where night and day are reversed so that visitors to the reserve can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours.
GoEco volunteers will join the Wildlife Reserve staff with its on-going conservation and animal care work.
Orientation in Jerusalem
The volunteer adventure will start off with a GoEco orientation at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem. The orientation is a great base to meet fellow volunteers / travelers and includes the following:
- Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
- Expert travel advice in Israel for during and after your volunteer placement
- Walking tour of Jerusalem, including the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market
- Discount card to experience Jerusalem's vibrant night-life
- 1 night dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)
The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on arrival day. The next morning, volunteers will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and the project will be provided upon registration.
Volunteer work and contribution
During the project, volunteers will become an integral part of the staff at the Wildlife Reserve. Duties include:
- Preparing food and feeding animals
- Cleaning and maintaining reserve facilities
- Observations and data collection,
- Accompanying & assisting park rangers
- Constructing enrichment facilities
- During the summer long-term volunteers may be asked to lead short- term workcamps of 10 volunteers at the preserve.
Its important to note that work tasks are likely to change and be unpredictable due to that dynamic nature of the reserve.
Accommodation & Facilities
International volunteers will be placed in one of the following apartments, based on availability:
Kibbutz Grofit Apartment:
This is a small apartment located on Kibbutz Grofit with 2 rooms, terrace, Kitchen (fridge, electric stove and cooking utensils), AC, and bathroom with shower The apartment can hold 3 volunteers that will share one room, the other room is used by the national service volunteers. There is a computer with internet (sometimes the connection is slow). The Kibbutz is 20 - 30 minutes by bus to the reserve, this will be subsidized for the volunteers.
Wildlife Reserve Apartment:
This is a big apartment located on the wildlife reserve with 2 bedrooms, living room, Kitchen (fridge, gas stove and cooking utensils), AC, and bathroom with shower. Up to 6 volunteers will share one room with bunk beds. The apartment has wireless connection with no computer (sometimes the connection is slow).
It important to note that both apartments are rustic and very basic. Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag as no linens are provided, and are required to keep their living spaces clean and tidy. Currently volunteers need to hand wash their clothes or take their laundry to Eilat. There will be a shuttle to Eilat at least once a week for purchasing groceries. The apartments are located 10 - 15 minutes walking distance to the main bus stop for independent travel (Eilat is 40 Minutes by bus). Volunteers also have access to the Kibbutz Grofit swimming pool from May - October.
Travel Highlights
Volunteers will experience life in the desert and get to know up close this beautiful landscape, situated on the African-Syrian rift and directly on the migratory bird route. The international beach resort of Eilat is only 40 kilometers away, if volunteers want to enjoy some snorkeling, go to an internet cafe and enjoy the vibrant night life. During days off, it is also possible to travel around Israel or Jordan
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 50
- High level of independence
- Basic English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Able to handle extreme heat from June - September
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)