Location
The Silent Arrow Desert Lodge is located in Southern Israel, in the Negev Desert, close to the Ramon crater. The only settlement in the area is the small town of Mitzpe Ramon located on the northern edge of the crater. Today the crater and surrounding area forms Israel's largest national park, the Ramon Nature Reserve.
About the project
The Silent Arrow Desert Lodge offers volunteers a chance to actively participate in ecological tourism, and live in a unique, beautiful setting in the Negev Desert. The Lodge is an extremely relaxed and unique setting, with opportunities for hiking, star gazing, and unique workshops. The lodge was founded by Shira and Dror in 2004. They wanted to create a laid back home-away from home, with a low environmental impact. Guests at the lodge are invited to feel at one with nature and their surroundings, and have a special desert experience.
GoEco volunteers will assist running the lodge and hosting guests.
Orientation in Jerusalem
Your 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 your 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 you will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and your project will be provided upon registration.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will live and work at the lodge, hosting guests, and making them feel at home. You will be expected to help out with everyday maintenance (which will include cleaning), but will also have a lot of time to get to know guests and the other volunteer, and to enjoy the desert landscape. The lodge has an active garden for most of the year, and most water is reclaimed for use in the garden.
Volunteers are also invited to bring their own special talents and interests to the project.
Accommodation
Volunteers will sleep in volunteer tents which are simple but comfortable. Each volunteer will have a bed, and all linens will be provided. There is laundry available. All three meals will be included daily (you will shop for your own supplies from the budget of the lodge) and you will cook for yourself in a shared kitchen.
There is no electricity available on site, however the lodge is 10 minutes walking distance from an internet cafe, and a coffee house where you can charge cell phones/laptops and use internet.
Travel Highlights
Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the desert, and participate in workshops offered at the village. You should also have a day off per week to explore the rest of Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the mountains of Northern Israel.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 21
- A minimum 4 week commitment
- High level of independence and flexibility. Volunteers may be expected to be "in charge" of the lodge, and thus must be mature enough to handle such responsibility, and be prepared for it as well
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with tourists and live in an isolated desert setting
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)