Only 1,080€ per week!
Desert Wildlife Reserve
Negev - Israel
Go on an incredible journey to Israel where you can be a part of the wildlife and environmental conservation initiative in the Arava Valley…
On this exciting program, you will help maintain and preserve Israel’s cultural and natural heritage, by working with local park rangers on a variety of important activities and duties throughout the reserve. You’ll learn about Israel’s local wildlife and get a close up experience with its animals!
Program
Living
Israel
Program Description
On Monday (start date of your program) you will receive an orientation in Jerusalem that will provide you with more information about your location and tasks related to your program. There will also be a walking tour of the old city, historic sites and the open market. You will have the chance to learn about local culture and customs, meet other travelers, and get to know other program participants.
During your program you will have the opportunity to work in the scenic Arava Valley and preserve its native wildlife, educate the public about the desert and its inhabitants, as well as aid in the protection of endangered desert animal populations.
These precious natural ecosystems act as refuges for a number of Israel’s most threatened and endangered species, whilst the land is also of significant cultural importance to the local Bedouin people.
You will be working to reverse negative impacts, and help restore the local ecosystem back to its former glory. As a part of the wildlife reserve staff, you will be:
- Preparing food and feeding animals
- Cleaning and maintaining reserve facilities
- Accompanying & assisting park rangers
- Constructing enrichment facilities
This program is perfect for you if you are independent and have an interest in working with animals. It requires you to be able to cope with high temperature levels especially between the months of June and September.
Aims & Objectives
- Help the sanctuary achieve its daily objectives in the daily upkeep of the reserve
- Give you an educational safari experience, learning from the reserve’s park rangers
Schedule
Sunday to Thursday
- A typical day starts around 7am allowing you to prepare food for the animals ensuring that each is fed appropriately. Afterwards, you will work on a special project such as a drive through the park or enclosure maintenance. Your work day will finish around 2pm where you will be taken back to the house for some rest and relaxation. You’ll have two days off weekly.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: 18
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
- Medical clearance for participants over 40 years of age
- Ability to handle high temperatures
Additional Equipment
No specific equipment required for this program.
Location
Negev is a desert region covering the southern half of Israel. The area is the least populated area in Israel and is the home to a wide variety of people such as the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin as well as unique Israeli wildlife. This location is a wildlife reserve with on-site accommodation that will allow you to experience your program close up.
About the Accommodation
You will stay in a basic house on the reserve grounds in shared, single-sex rooms with 2 bunk-beds and a large closet. There is a shared bathroom with a hot water boiler and both the bedrooms and living room are equipped with air-conditioning. The house has a fridge and fully functioning kitchen plus a TV, washing machine, computer and WiFi for your use.
Food Arrangements
Ingredients are provided, although you will have to prepare your own meals. There will also be an opportunity for you to go with the staff to Eilat every Sunday where you can shop tax-free and buy your groceries. There is also a kiosk to buy snacks on the reserve.
Facilities
There is a 45 minute walk to the nearest bus stop, which can bring you to town and full facilities. Occasionally, rangers and park employees can give you a lift to the bus stop, but you should not expect this on a regular basis.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Eilat Beach Resort
The international beach resort of Eilat is only 50 kilometers away if you want to enjoy some snorkeling, go to an internet cafe, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Tel Aviv City
For those that want to see the rest of the country, it is easy to use public transportation and explore Tel Aviv or the north of Israel. We recommend that no trip to Israel be completed without a mud bath and a float in the Dead Sea.
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Arava Valley
- Eilat
- Jerusalem
- Tel Aviv
Quick Facts
Name: State of Israel
Population: 8 million
Capital: Jerusalem
Language: Hebrew and Arabic
Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
Time zone: UTC +2
Country Information
Despite its small size, Israel boasts an unbeatable amount of things to do that will delight every traveler’s senses. From religious sites and archaeological wonders to lively cities packed with history and nightlife and breathtaking natural landscapes that will leave even the pickiest of visitors awestruck.
Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the world. Moreover, Tel Aviv was ranked as the top ten city for nightlife and described as the “capital of Mediterranean cool” by Lonely Planet. This tiny country is the Holy Place of Jews, Muslims and Christians and many biblical places concentrate here. Float in the Dead Sea, get lost in infinite deserts, discover Jerusalem, enjoy Tel Aviv – Israel has something to offer to anyone’s tastes.
Climate
The northern part of Israel has a Mediterranean climate (hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters). The south and east have an arid climate.
The rainy season starts in October and lasts until the beginning of May, with the northern parts of the country receiving noticeably more rain than the south.
Culture
Israel is considered part of the Holy Land of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahaism, who all have significant ties here. Tiny in size, Israel contains a vibrant history and mixture of cultures and personalities. Even though it was officially founded in 1948, the country’s history goes back to the beginning of human civilizations.
Israel boasts a mix of culture like no other, with a complex history to back it up and hence, it is a destination that has fascinated travellers and pilgrims for centuries on end.
Gastronomy
Israeli cuisine adapts many styles of Jewish gastronomy, namely Mizrahi, Sephardic and Ashkenzi cooking, brought by Jews from the Diaspora. Middle Eastern foods such as falafel, couscous, hummus and more are also popular in the country. Another great influencer has been the Mediterranean region, as many items common to the area are available in Israel and commonly incorporated into every-day dishes.
Kosher foods are also a big part of the Israeli cuisine. Kosher incorporates all food that conforms to the Jewish dietary law known as kashrut. For example, laws that form the kashrut prohibit the consumption of pork and shellfish.
Transportation
Bus
Buses in Israel are cheap, fast, reliable and the most common public way of transportation for both Israelis and tourists alike. Note: From Friday at sunset until Saturday dusk (Sabbath), buses don’t run in most of Israel.
Another thing worth noting is that soldiers use buses to travel to and from their bases and it is typical to see buses packed with soldiers who are often armed. This is common and nothing to be alarmed about, as it is mandatory for most Israeli citizens to go through military training.
Train
The train system in Israel was recently modernized. You can expect a high level of comfort if travelling by train but in return, tickets can be quite pricey in comparison to bus fares. But take note: from Friday at sunset until Saturday dusk (Sabbath), trains don’t run in most of Israel.
Minivans or “monit sherut”
They are faster than normal buses and can be hailed from anywhere. They run even during Shabbat.
