Volunteer for Ecotourism Project in South Sinai, Egypt

  Egypt

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: open

Description: Help with all tasks associated with running the ecolodge. This includes:
* cleaning rooms (6)
* cleaning bathrooms and toilets (2 and 3)
* washing up
* sweeping
* gardening
* maintenance
* sorting rubbish
* gathering firewood
* and educating guests on how to use the ecolodge

Al Karm is an ecolodge in the South Sinai in the St Katharine Protectorate, Egypt. There is no fax, phone line or fixed communication facility, so volunteers should send an essay about why they wish to come and what they wish to learn, as well as their resume, to the contact email address.

The manager however has very limited English and these documents are first briefly translated in Arabic for his attention. If successful, the applicant is requested to answer a return email with any questions the manager may have about the applicant. Once the answers are received, and translated, a response will be provided (hence taking between 1-3 weeks). The application fee (75 US dollars) is payable on arrival to the Ecolodge directly along with the Program fee, which is calculated on the basis of length of stay and excursions undertaken.

Please ensure that volunteers obtain an appropriate visa for Egypt - some nationalities must obtain a visa prior to entry; US, EU, Canada and Australia may all obtain a visa on arrival. The easiest and simplest is a tourist visa which is 20 US dollars or 15 Euros, paid at the banks at Cairo International Airport - this is valid for 3 months. No vaccinations are required. Please note in the interest of avoiding skin cancer, light cotton long-sleeved tops and trousers are recommended, as well as a good cap and sunblock.

Highlights:
* Learn about local Bedouin culture and history
* Learn about the South Sinai environment
* Learn Egyptian Arabic
* Help improve other people's lives

Qualifications:
Key Qualifications:
* hard-working
* open
* friendly
* honest
* ability to understand non-verbal instructions (not much English spoken!)
* interest in other cultures
* interest in sustainable use of the environment
* service-oriented attitude
* experience in tourism or service industry is a plus
* andexperience in independent travel is a plus

Cost in US$: 20 US dollars per day

* Bus transfer from Cairo to St Katherine and return is about 5 US dollars. From St Katharine in South Sinai, a guide will meet the volunteer and bring him/her to the ecolodge. This is included in the lodging for arrival and departure.

Please bring own:
* towel
* solar or dynamo powered torch
* writing materials
* candles and matches (purchase the latter in Cairo)

Please ensure prior to departure from own country:
* medical and travel insurance
* and photocopies of passport(s)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: You are young, or a little older, interested in other cultures and collecting new experiences in another country working in ecotourism and helping the Bedouins. Volunteer work at the South Sinai Ecolodge Al Karm could be the right thing for you. Work a few hours a day, interact with the locals and learn all about their language, culture, environment and special tricks to surviving in the South Sinai desert mountains. Explore wadis and discover the secret medicine plants used for centuries. Share what you have learned with the eco-tourists who come to visit the area. Ride a camel along ancient treks and sleep outside under the stars at night.

Age Range: any

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Egypt Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Eco Lodge Al Karm's Mission Statement: Al-Karm is a small ecolodge based on the criteria of sustainable eco-tourism, caring about the natural environment and the well-being of their inhabitants. It is Bedouin owned and run and was built with EU funding under the supervision of St. Katherine's Protectorate in South Sinai, Egypt. The ecolodge is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Wadi Gharba near Sheikh Awaad and Nagb Hawa, the traditional route to the Monastery of St. Katherine. Al Karm operates on the principles of simplicity and minimal environmental impact. There is no electricity, showers are heated using solar radiant energy and there are sanitary compost toilets, a modest kitchen and dining facilities. Here guests will experience the time-honoured hospitality and culture of the Gebaliya Bedouin. From Al Karm you can visit a Bronze Age settlement, wonder at a mysterious Nabatean village or be guided through the surrounding mountains learning some of the desert's secrets and looking for signs of wildlife such as hyrax, ibex, wolves and hyenas. Al Karm assures employment to the local Bedouin community of Sheikh Awaad. The benefits are shared equally among members of the project. This cooperation results in a stronger incentive to preserve their resources and support tourism projects which promote the protection of the environment. The Ecolodge therefore favours an eco-friendly tourism, responsible and respectful of the surrounding nature, culture and local traditions.

Year Founded: 2002