Come help on a small goat farm in the Negev Desert, Israel

Israel

Favourited 483 times

Host rating
Feedback
46
Last activity
26/11/2022
Reply rate
88.9 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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2022

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Description
We run a small goat farm in the Negev Desert in Israel, and we prepare cheese from the goats milk, our farm is organic and the goats go out to graze in the valleys surrounding Ezuz, our village.

Work begins early morning, and your duties will include taking the goats out to graze in the valleys, helping with cheese making, gardening, and other "bits and bobs" about the farm.
You will do about 3-4 hours of work in the morning and then early evening 2 hours, 1 day off during the week and if you want more, we are very easy with that. Bus reaches our village once a day.

We provide all accommodation and food, which you cook yourselves.

We will be very happy to answer any questions you might have. Health insurance is a must, as medical treatment in Israel can be very expensive. We like helpers to stay a month or more. ( it takes about 2 weeks to learn the work)

Come and experience the stunning views of the desert- you will have plenty of time to explore!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Farmstay help
Animal Care
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experience the desert culture and shepherding, learning about animals and cheeses, and about the Israeli desert lifestyle. The village provides an interesting cultural experience.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
You will help with Shepherding, gardening, cheesemaking, odd-jobs, and more
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hebrew: Fluent
Accommodation
Private accommodation with two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, shower, and an outdoor sitting area.
What else ...
There is transport from Ezuz to enable you to see any parts of Israel which you desire! There are ancient ruins, camel riding, cycling, and plenty more to see on your days off.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours 5 days a weeek

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Feedback left by and about host (46)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.9)

22/11/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)

It was a joy and privilege to have Sylvie and Jeff helping on our farm, we were so lucky to have them here, such a friendly, wonderful, caring, hardworking, enthusiastic , responsible, punctual and willing to work couple you wont find..
they took on every task we asked of them with a smile, even though a lot of the work was new to them, and at… read more

(Excellent )

21/11/2022

Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host

In retrospect, we only have one regret about our stay in Ezuz helping Celia and Dror with their goats: it is that we stayed for only one month. Just as we had acquired a sense of confidence with the grazing and had grown to feel part of the very small community that is Ezuz, and to cherish the magical light and landscape, it was time to… read more leave.

Celia and Dror are some of the most kind, patient, caring, generous, warm and genuine people we have been lucky to meet. They know so much too. They entrusted their goats,ie their livelihood, to us and took the time to teach us a little of their skills. They were understanding with our mistakes and gave us ways to improve. They also were extremely fair with the work hours...if possible, we try to complete tasks on the day they were given to us and in our experience, that was the first time any host said... "enough, you have done enough for today, the rest can wait until tomorrow: go rest, eat and drink something". They also were generous with their praise, making our efforts feel appreciated.

They provided plentiful food for us to cook in the "caravan" ...not a caravan by European standards but a spacious two bedroom mobile home in its own garden with its own washing machine in a convenient place in the village. In fact our "caravan" was pretty much the same size as many of the dwellings we encountered around Ezuz. And it had a brilliant air cooling system for hot parts of the day.

Goat herding can be tough and tiring, there were lots of flies and a lot of sun, so come prepared with the toughest working or walking boots you can (some thorns like nails), mosquito repellant (in case you arrive when there are mosquitoes) and sun protection lotion with a high factor. If you are a small to medium size, there is a good range of working clothes and hats for your use in the "caravan". Otherwise, bring old long sleeved shirts and long trousers that you won't mind leaving behind (the clothes may be torn by thorns during the herding and will get dirty anyway in the afternoon. If arriving in late autumn early winter, also bring a sweatshirt or warm layer for early mornings and evenings. There are plenty of parkas and coats at the "caravan".

Also bring a camera. The light in Ezuz is magical and there is a lot of wildlife (antelopes, rabbits, foxes, hyenas, all sorts of birds ). If you can, bring binoculars. If you are into star gazing, there are dark skies over Ezuz. (Celia and Dror, had thoughtfully placed a torch for our use in the "caravan").

Ezuz is a very peaceful place. It feels remote and untouched by world events, yet the area is rich in history. If coming with your own transport, there is much to explore ( Nabatean city in Nitzana, Mitzpe Ramon and its crater etc) in your time off.

For digital nomads, there was enough time in between the morning and evening work sessions to complete a few hours of work. The Wifi is strong but sometimes it can disappear for a few hours at a time for the whole of Ezuz (it happened only once for us in a whole month). There is a good table to eat and work at and plenty of plug sockets.

Day off: There is only one bus leaving Ezuz early morning and coming back fourteen hours later. When we needed to go to the main town Beer Sheva, we twice stayed overnight. Dror kindly drove us to a different bus stop after the morning graze and we came back by the Ezuz bus the day after. So, it felt like a two day rest.

Celia and Dror worked alongside us at their farm and never ever have a day off . We felt truly privileged to have met them and share a moment in time with them.

Herding goats was way out of our comfort zone but it was such an exhilarating experience in an amazing place on earth. We hope you will have a chance to share in this experience and enjoy it as much as we did. So we can only encourage anyone who is dreaming of herding goats to come to work with Celia and Dror and enjoy their hospitality and warm welcome.

(Excellent )

12/11/2022

Left by Workawayer (Lucia & Sarah) for host

Our stay with Celia and Dror during July and August this year was one of the best experiences of our lives! The ‘work’ at the goat farm mostly involves taking the goats to graze early in the morning for a few hours, then in the afternoon feeding and watering the animals again (although for us we enjoyed it so much it did not feel like work at… read more

(Excellent )

11/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (Anaïs & Gabriel Nikolai) for host

This place is an absolute must do experience! I've spent a bit more than a month on the farm and I just loved it. Celia/Dror are amazing people, I learned so much from them, in short: they are role models to me and I highly recommend it staying with them regardless of your age. Ezuz is a very special place. It took me a couple of days to adjust,… read more

(Excellent )

24/06/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Anaïs & Gabriel Nikolai)

Gabriel is a hard worker, takes initiative, is punctual, always willing to learn new things, and help out with extra jobs on the farm. All the work he did, he did well, and was always interested to learn a new skill. He is friendly, polite, kind and has good sense of humor. He learnt the work fast and helped the other volunteers if they were… read more

(Excellent )

11/06/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Luka Katharina)

Luka was wonderful, she is a hard worker and responsible, she quickly learnt to do the different jobs on the farm , she was kind and caring towards the goats , was always polite and friendly, it was great to be greeted by her warm smile early every morning when we started work on the farm, - and we start work early! we were lucky to have her… read more

(Excellent )

10/06/2022

Left by Workawayer (Luka Katharina) for host

I want to warmly recommend to come volunteer at this place if you like to be close to nature and do not mind some quietness. Celia and Dror are very welcoming and I enjoyed staying at the farm a lot. Herding the goats in the morning was a wonderful experience and spending so much time in the open desert was very calming and inspiring. The sunset… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Meir)

Meir was excellent, she was punctual, hardworking and took initiative,- which helped a lot. She's a lovely, quiet, intelligent, kind, wonderful young woman , she saw us through some rough times on the farm and was always ready to help out with whatever 'hectic' situation arose, we are SO lucky to have had her here helping us. We wish her all the… read more

(Excellent )

09/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Meghan & Edan)

It was great having Meghan and Edan on our farm, A very sweet friendly couple, they were very helpful and we were able to get some projects done that we were having difficulties completing, they worked well with the goats, and the goat kids :). They were always willing to do extra little jobs about the farmstead. It was a pleasure having them here… read more

(Very good )

11/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Fabio)

Fabio was a great help, he was always punctual, and was happy to help out on any extra tasks we had. He was kind and caring for the goats. It was a pleasure having him here on the farm, he is a friendly, responsible and hard working young man, we wish him the best of everything. He will be missed a lot

(Excellent )

11/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Fabio) for host

Celia and Dror were of great quality during my 3 weeks stay with them, they were caring and helpful.
I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a meaningful experience on a farm. It has been a real pleasure helping them out at the farm.

Kind regards,

Fabio

(Excellent )

21/04/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Selina)

Selina was wonderful, she is friendly and kind, was always punctual and hardworking , and always ready to try new types of work. she learned the work fast and did it correctly, every morning she came to work with a big smile and lightened up our day, she cared and looked after the goats very well.
We miss her much and hope for her all good… read more

(Excellent )

21/04/2021

Left by Workawayer (Selina) for host

It was such a pleasure volunteering on this beautiful goat farm in the magical Negev Desert. I can just recommend it to everyone! Celia and Dror are soo lovely and really welcoming, helpful and patient. They explain everything to you in a very calm way and not at all bored although they've had so many volunteers already. I felt comfortable right… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Ari)

Ari, is a friendly caring young man, he learnt the work well and was an excellent shepherd , and helped with the cheeses making on one occasion, he has great interest for learning different skills, but as his stay here was only two weeks, he did not have the time to learn them all.
He arrived to work on time, (sunrise at our farm...) he never… read more

(Excellent )

01/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Ari) for host

I looooved the time I spent volunteering in Ezuz! The goats are friendly and cute, the caravan has everything you need and Ezuz is a really fun village to visit. The goat cheese and yoghurt that Celia makes are delicious and I learned a lot about shepherding. You do get dirty and walk a lot so be prepared for that.
I'd really recommend shepherding… read more

(Excellent )

18/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Pia)

We were very lucky to have Pia as a volunteer on our farm.
She is very friendly, caring and hard working, she learned the work fast and was very helpful with any of the different jobs we gave her to do, she works well also as a team worker. We will miss her a lot. and wish she could have stayed longer.
We hope for her all the best :)

(Excellent )

14/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Pia) for host

It has been a month now since I left Celia's and Dror's farm, the goats, the desert, Ezuz, its people ... & I don't know who I miss the most! I spent only a month here which felt like so much more life time though.
To me the starkness of the desert bears a beauty that is indeed unique and the tranquility is just soothing on the mind and… read more

(Excellent )

11/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)

It was wonderful having Marie here with us, she was an
excellent helper, always punctual and learned the work fast, she is a friendly, loving, caring young woman, she was wonderful with looking after the goats in the grazing and helping with the baby goats (kids), she was also very willing to help with any other work we had to do on the farm.
It… read more

(Excellent )

10/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host

I definitivly lived one of dreams in Dror and Celia fArm. Living in this caravan where in the middle of the desert, contemplating each sunrise, each sunset, the smell of anis, smell of bayleys, the cool and dry air, babies goats crying, roaster singing, and geese complaining, an infinite view on the peaceful desert.. some days planes doing show,… read more

(Excellent )

30/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Natascha) for host

My stay with Dror, Celia and the goats was absolutely amazing! I figured I would be spending lots of alone time in the desert watching the sun come up while listening just to the goats and their bells.. Allthough this was how our days started, and what a great start to the day it was, i turned out to have two more fellow volunteers.. I thought… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Natascha)

Natascha,
Hardworking, lots of energy and interest in all we asked her to do, good humored intelligent and fun to be with.
Got on well with the other volunteers and was caring and gentle with goats.
We were very lucky to have her help on our farm.

(Excellent )

11/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Larissa) for host

Staying with Dror and Celia really had been something else. Even if it felt a little lonely at the beginning (you are staying in the caravan by yourself) - once you let go and just enjoy whatever gets to you, you feel absolute freedom. The work with the goats requires patience but Celia and Dror will do anything to make you feel comfortable and at… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Larissa)

Larissa was with us for a week, she was great, she is a hard worker, helped in all the different jobs we had to do, and was punctual to work, she never complained if the work was difficult, is a lovely ,intelligent, kind person, she was interested in the life and culture, and great company
we will miss her a lot, and wish all the best for her in… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jakob)

Jacob is a hard worker, learned the work fast and was punctual, was willing to try new jobs, he was a great help to us. He is a friendly, intelligent, good natured young man, and got on well with the other volunteers.
We wish him all the best.

(Excellent )

24/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Ilona)

Ilona was wonderful, was always on time for work, was caring for the goats, always willing to help with any other work on the farm, she was a great help with the work the cheeses and also with the work in the gardens. Got on well with the other volunteers and was good company. She had a lot of interest on the history and way of life here.
We will… read more

(Excellent )

23/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Ilona) for host

I'm really grateful for having found this great place! Celia and Dror are very caring Hosts and lovely people! And I really loved spending time with the other volenteers. Goat herding was a really unique experience for me. The desert is full of hidden life and a really peaceful and magical place with! I really wish I can come back one day and… read more

(Excellent )

01/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Adan)

Adan was wonderful, we were so lucky to have him here, he worked well, fast learning and was always punctual and very caring to the goats, he never complained about the work given to him. An intelligent quiet natured young man.

(Excellent )

30/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Adan) for host

Excellent!

(Excellent )

03/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Narini)

Narini was wonderful, she worked hard and was always willing to help with different tasks on the farm, it was a joy to work with her in the cheese room making cheese, she was always on time to work. she was patient, caring and kind to the goats and never complained about any hardship (it can get very hot here in the summer). We are going to miss… read more

(Excellent )

25/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Alain) for host

What an amazing experience!
Thank you so much Celia and Dror for your kindness.
Location, working with goats, so nice people running the farm, it s the place to go if you want to learn ...Quite and peaceful atmosphere ...sport very early every morning for 4 to 5 hours walking in the desert with goats...a perfect place to empty your mind with… read more

(Excellent )

12/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mandy) for host

This is a great workaway, if your looking for a peaceful & quite escape. You live in a caravan, cooking your own food which the hosts generally supply and you get to make a shopping list once a week.
The grazing is a little boring, however I felt such a sense a pride the first time I was able to bring the goats back home myself. Made it all worth… read more

(Excellent )

01/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

Dear Celia and Dror,
I'm sorry for my late feedback, but better late than never. ;)
I stayed in July/ August for a month in Ezuz and it was an amazing experience!!
The work was great and especially going out for grazing with the goats early in the morning is a perfect start in the day. After few days you will also be able to go out grazing on… read more

(Excellent )

11/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Kamila)

Kamila was with us for a month, she was wonderful, a quiet sensible young woman, she worked well and was always punctual, never complained about any of the jobs we asked from her. We hope she will come back one day as we are missing her already. She has a great intrest in many topics, she is an intelligent, friendly and is great company.
We wish… read more

(Excellent )

09/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kamila) for host

I stayed at the farm for a full month in August/September. It taught me so much about myself and life, lessons I will not forget.

During the stay you live in a caravan, it has a fully equipped kitchen and shopping is done every week. It's great if you enjoy cooking as much as I do. And the cakes from Celia - yummy!

I quickly got used to waking… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Chiem) for host

Hi Celia and Dror,
How are you? Hope you Celia in good health since you always complain about that and Dror is always calm and strong (we know that :relaxed:).
And how are our new born baby goats? How are our teenagers, they must be the masters of the valley now. I’m in Dharamshala hiking, when i saw so many goats hanging on the mountains,… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)

Hi,
Katharina worked for us on our goat farm, she was great, a very hardworking , kind, enthusiastic young woman, she was punctual and has a cheerful nature, always ready to help out whatever the work, we wish for her all the best.

(Excellent )

11/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host

I spent 3 amazing weeks with Dror and Celia on their goat farm. It was my first work away experience and it could not have been better! They were very caring hosts and made sure that we always had everything we needed. They treat the goats so well and try to let them live as naturally as possible which was a pleasure for me to see.
The… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Inna)

Hi,
Inna worked for us on our goat farm, it was a pleasure to have her here, she was punctual, hardworking, wonderful with handling the goats and was always cheerful, never complained about the different jobs we gave her to do, was always willing to try new jobs and was intrested not only in the work but also about the surroundings and the people.… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Inna) for host

Celia, Dror, I want to thank you once again and again and thousand times for all these wonderful days I was lucky to have spent with you.

To workawayers.
If you want to meet honest, genuine, caring, nice and intelligent people with a greeeeaat sense of humour and lots of good stories - that's the right place.

If you are fine with early… read more

(Excellent )

26/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Johann) for host

Dror and Cilia/ Sarah were great hosts. I really learnt a lot from Dror and his way of running the farm. Cilia gave us some very delicious goat's cheese and yogurt. I really enjoyed my time with the goats and it was great to discover the territory with them. The goats have a lot of character and they will help build your character. Thanks very… read more

(Excellent )

19/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Johann)

Johann was with us for about three weeks, he is a hard worker and was a great help, he never complained about he jobs we gave him to do, We wish him all the best.

(Excellent )

13/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Nela)

Nela was great! she was enthusiastic, hardworking and a joy to work with, she learnt the work fast and was very good with the goats. She was always happy to help out with other jobs on the farm as well. We wish her all the best and hope to see here here again.

(Excellent )

12/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nela) for host

Oh, what a lovely place! I spent my 2 weeks at Friede's, just before last Christmas (and Channukah) and I loved every second of it. We grazed the goats in the Negev desert and fed them in the evenings. How cute are the little ones!! I got plenty of time to get to know their lifestyle and fell in love with the way they treat the goats and with the… read more

(Excellent )

12/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

This was the dream place to volunteer. Ezuz village is charming and every day with goats was wonderful for me. Dror and Celia are lovely couple, always in good mood, very helpful, patient and they do things with all their heart. I think the time I spent there was magic. I learn so many things. Every day in the morning I was going out with goats… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Laura was absolutly wonderful, she was helping on our farm at one of the most difficult times - the kidding - when all the nanny goats start to have their babies (kids), she had to learn very quickly how to help the nannys give birth (the ones that had problems) and take care of orphaned kids and also take the herd out to graze, all the… read more

(Excellent )

13/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Alisa) for host

What a magical place filled with magical people! And magical goats! Ceilia and Dror are wonderful hosts, very caring, very sweet natured people who value their volunteers a lot. The surroundings are also beautiful, and nothing fills my soul more than an Ezuz sun set. But don't just come for the serenity, shepherding work is fulfilling for both the… read more

(Excellent )

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