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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
10 Nov 2023
Feedback
21
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Details
Description
We are a Bedouin desert camp in the Wadi Rum Protected Area. We host guests from around the world and offer accommodation, Bedouin experiences and tours to explore the protected area. We welcome volunteers to help us with the day to day running of the camp as well as any projects we may have to improve the camp facilities.
We aim to have a positive impact on our environment, society, visitors and other stakeholders and are confident you will have a rewarding experience staying with us.
The main responsibilities of volunteers will be to assist with the operations of the camp and preparation for guests. Depending on the duration of your stay and you abilities we will require assistance to prepare the camp for guest arrivals as well as logistics to support the camp and facilitation of activities for guests.
The opportunity will include spending time with the Bedouin staff in the camp and sharing in the culture. Communication with guests (and in the presence of guests) is in English but there will be opportunities to practice Arabic for those interested. There will also be various opportunities to sightsee and for those who stay more than 2 weeks with us we will ensure you are able to join a tour to see the highlights of the protected area.
The camp is set up with traditional Bedouin tents and various activities and there will always be some planned projects to assist with. The camp is well established and primarily assistance will be required with coordinating guests, arranging changeovers and handling various logistics required to run the camp.
The exchange will include transport to and from Rum village, all meals and accommodation for the duration of your stay. We have poor quality and unreliable wifi in the camp but you can expect to spend some time in the village with time online during your stay.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will spend each day with traditional Bedouins whom hold great practical knowledge as well as live with customs that are unique and interesting. You will experience and expand your understanding of our culture and lifestyle.
You will gain a greater understanding of Bedouin culture but also Islam, Arabic and desert cultures which all overlap in this community.
As we are located within the UNESCO listed desert landscapes you will have access to this tourist attraction with many worthwhile sites within walking distance of the camp.
For visitors interested in learning Arabic, all staff at the camp are fluent Arabic speakers and outside of communication with guests and volunteers all communication is in Arabic.
Help
The camp is located in the protected area which has large areas without phone or wifi signal. To run the camp we travel between the camp and village several times daily and wifi connection can be regularly provided. It is important however that volunteers understand that the camp operates around the schedule of our guests and therefore volunteers are required to be flexible with their requirements for connectivity.
The standard daily schedule will be: Breakfast between 7:30-8:30am
Initial transport to village 8:30am
Tours begin from 9:00am
New guest arrivals throughout the day
Communal dinner and guest interactions after sunset
The schedule for volunteers will vary and may either require departure to the village at 8:30am or remaining in the camp to assist with preparations for guest changeovers. It is extremely important that volunteers are prepared to join the scheduled transport between the camp and village that is timed based on logistical requirements and planned guest arrivals and departures. Further to this it is important to understand that the camp operates at the behest of our guests and it is not uncommon for arrivals to be delayed or timings to change at short notice.
Key contributions:
- assist with guest communications
- assist with room changeovers
- assist with general cleaning around the camp
- socialise and interact with guests and staff during communal evening interactions
- assist with logistics of running camp including but not limited to laundry, water delivery, food pickup, stocktake, etc.
- identifying any issues in the camp and assisting with minor repairs where relevant
Key requirements:
- flexible with operating with the uncertain timings of the camp based of guest arrivals, departures and planned activities
- flexibility with requirements for access to wifi
In general we take a flexible approach to volunteers and if you have a specific skill set that we believe can benefit the camp we are happy to plan to incorporate that. Obvious benefits that people with appropriate skills are photography and social media engagement. If there is something that you are passionate about and want to deliver great results and have an impact on the improvement of the camp just engage with us and we would be interested to discuss.
It is always hugely beneficial to have high quality photos for promoting the camp, social media and other purposes as they arise so we appreciate volunteers who travel with a good camera and have an eye for high quality photos.
Languages spoken
Arabic: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accomodation will be provided either in a traditional tent within the desert camp or basic accomodation within the village. You will almost exclusively stay in the camp and accomodation will only be provided in the village where it is required to facilitate tasks or timings of other activities.
When available volunteer will be able to stay in the same facilities provided to tourists who visit the desert. Accomodation will depend on availability of accomodation after reservations. If there is spare rooms volunteers will be able to utilise private rooms, otherwise either dormitory accomodation in the camp or alternate accomodation in the village. Bathroom facilities for these room types are shared facilities.
All meals will be provided and as part of our local custom we prepare large shared banquet style meals as a standard and eat together at a fixed time. This is traditional within Bedouin communities. Breakfast and dinner are at set times for all guests, staff and volunteers and lunch will be coordinated around timings of guest activities and works in the camp.
What else ...
Wadi Rum is a major tourist destination and there are plenty of nearby attractions to seek out in your free time. We will endeavour to make these accessible to all volunteers. Additionally where possible volunteers will be given the opportunity to join their host in daily life activities.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (11)
I stayed in this camp 2 weeks and it was like just few days, time has passed so quick.
These people are so generous, hardworking and have an idea that what travellers or volunteers need.
Daniel is just great guy, he is really hardworking, refine, deep, experienced and patient guy >do you know what I… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.0)
Communication:
(4.4)
I stayed in this camp 2 weeks and it was like just few days, time has passed so quick.
These people are so generous, hardworking and have an idea that what travellers or volunteers need.
Daniel is just great guy, he is really hardworking, refine, deep, experienced and patient guy >do you know what I… read more
Every day… read more
I helped him with social media, marketing and tourists.
During your spare time, you… read more
