Location
Makhtesh Ramon is a spectacular geological feature of Israel's Negev desert. Located at the peak of Mount Negev, some 85 km south of the city of Beersheba, the landform is not actually an impact crater from a meteor, but rather is the world's largest erosion cirque or makhtesh. The crater is 40 km long and 2-10 km wide, and is shaped like an elongated heart. 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
Situated on the rim of the incredible Ramon Crater, The Desert Shade Eco Lodge is a unique center for eco-tourism and environmental education. The Lodge sets an example of sustainable living in the desert and hosts seminars on environmental leadership while promoting ambitious social programs. These include the Desert Generation program, a social startup with the aim of developing environmental entrepreneurship amongst Arab and Jewish youth within their communities.
Volunteer work and contribution
As a volunteer you will be exposed to the challenges involved with the running and development of the Eco Lodge. Volunteer task are unconventional at times and will include some of the following:
- Earth building and recycling
- Daily maintenance of the Eco Lodge
- Organic gardening in the orchard and winery
- Assisting at the bicycle center and other projects
- Setting up workshops for seminars and groups
- Working with young participants on the Desert Generation program
Volunteers are expected to work 30 - 35 hours, 4 - 5 days a week. Its important to note that work tasks may change unexpectedly according to demand.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay In a Chadrologues - basic ecological rooms that integrate tent structure and hut made of earth. Sheets and blankets are provided. Shared toilets and hot showers are located in the central building.
Food is bought by the volunteers at the local supermarket, 10 minutes walk from the lodge. Communal kitchen is available for cooking. Each volunteer is given a bicycle during his stay for personal convenience.
Travel highlights
Volunteers recieve 2-3 days of a week to explore this beautiful desert land scape or other places of interest in Israel such as Jerusalm and the Red Sea city of Eilat.
Mitzpe Ramon's biggest sight is the Ramon Crater (Machtesh Ramon), 500 meters deep, 40 kilometers long, 10 kilometers at its widest, and claimed to be the largest in the world. This is not, however, an asteroid impact site: just a particularly large asymmetrical hole dug out of the ground by natural processes of erosion (Called Makhtesh). The Ramon Crater is the largest of three Negev craters, containing geological formations unlike those you would see anywhere else in the world. Together with a magnificent panorama, it presents a fascinating story of geomorphologic evolution. The Ramon Nature Reserve which encompasses the crater and the Negev mountains surrounding is the largest nature reserve in Israel. During your time off the Eco Lodge staff will assist you to go on nature walks and mountain biking in the area. The Mitzpe Ramon visitors center and Bio Ramon, wildlife center, are also worth visiting.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Conversational English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Strong work ethic
- Motivation to do physical and demanding work
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)