About this trip
Join this unique wildlife conservation program in the spectacular, desert landscape of the Arabah, and help to re-populate the nature reserve with the region’s native species!
Program Highlights:
Work with unique, desert wildlife species from tiny tortoises to leopards and oryxes
Experience the beauty and sereneness of the Israeli desert
Visit the local coral reef for a swim
Gain experience in animal care by working alongside professional wildlife reserve rangers
Ethical wildlife interactions and volunteer tasks
Begin your Israel experience with a guided tour of vibrant Tel Aviv
Location of the Project: Arabah Desert, 50km north of Eilat, Israel
Project length: Min 3 weeks – Max 10 weeks (Minimum two-week commitment, plus three-day orientation):
Arrival Airport: Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Volunteer Work: Feeding animals and cleaning habitats, maintenance, observations and data collection
Age: 18 – 50 Due to project conditions, volunteers aged 40+ must provide medical clearance
Number of Volunteers: Up to 8 international volunteers. (This project requires a minimum of 2 participants, any less and the project will not take place.)
Group Size: 1 – 10
A$500 Deposit: A$125
Israel – Desert Wildlife Program
As part of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (NPA), the wildlife reserve’s mission is to protect endangered desert animal populations, preserve the native wildlife and educate the public about the desert and its inhabitants. This unique area encompasses a variety of arid terrains, including acacia groves, salt-flats and sand. The reserve features a three-acre, penned-in drive-through safari area for herbivores to roam in conditions similar to the wild. In addition, visitors can make their way to the reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall to observe nocturnal animals during their active hours and feed the large carnivores after sunset if they desire.
Orientation (included): Orientation will take place in Tel Aviv on Sunday upon arrival.
- Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
- Expert advice for traveling in Israel during and after your volunteer placement
- Walking tour of Tel Aviv
During the project, you will become an integral part of the staff at the wildlife reserve.
Your volunteer tasks may include the following:
- Preparing food and feeding animals
- Cleaning and maintaining reserve facilities
- Accompanying & assisting park rangers on daily rounds
- Assisting with construction of enclosures and enrichment activities for the animals
A typical day: A typical day: Your volunteer day will start early, as you must arrive at the reserve by 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, you will prepare food for the animals and ensure that each is fed appropriately. Afterwards, you will work on a special project which could range from a game drive through the park to enclosure maintenance. Your work day will finish around 2:00 PM, at which point you will be taken back to the bus stop for your return journey to Eilat for some rest and relaxation. Fridays and Saturdays are free days.
