Desert Shade Eco Lodge
Desert Shade Eco Lodge descritpion
Located on the edge of Ramon Crater in the Ngev Desert, Desert Shade Eco Lodge is just a walking distance away from Mitzoe Ramon. It offers ecologically built tents, while the communal building with free Wi-Fi and large windows boasts breathtaking desert views. The on-site winery features boutique wines made from only locally produced grapes.
Built from mud and sheeting and covered with earth materials, the tents come with a stone bunk with mattresses, fan and heating. Guests have access to a shared bathroom with hot water available 24/7.
Tea is available in the common area during front desk hours. Desert Shade Eco Lodge can organise hiking, biking or jeep safari tours upon request. Packed lunches can be provided, while bike rental service is also available.
Buses from Beer Sheva or Eilat stop 1,650 feet away. The complex is about 0.6 miles from the centre of Mitzpe Ramon, where you can find a supermarket, bank and some restaurants.
Recommand
Low rates——No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
16 properties in Mitzpe Ramon——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
235 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at Desert Shade Eco Lodge. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Facilities of Desert Shade Eco Lodge
Outdoors ：Sun Deck
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Hiking | Bicycle Rental
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Baggage Storage | Meeting/Banquet Facilities
General ：Heating
Reviews for Desert Shade Eco Lodge
Review 1：Huts had thin walls, so pack some ear plugs. Shared bathrooms mean it feels a bit like a hostel, which might not be for everyone. Huts are pretty small, so make sure you're fine with that.
Review 2：Excellent view from the rooms. Great common area in Bedouin style with free tea all the time. Unique mud huts. Close to everything in the town, but you feel like you're in the desert. The huts had heaters, so even in January we were warm. I would definitely recommend this place to people. What it lacks in creature comforts it makes up in charm and location.
Review 3：Probably not for young kids
Review 4：I traveled with my sister. I was looking for a classic kind of desert experience and that is what I got. The staff (Gil) was very nice and interesting, and he was able to give us great recommendations for hiking and restaurants. The communal hut thing was beautiful and the view was great. Coming back next time for sure!
Review 5：It can get cold in winter.
Review 6：Very friendly staff and the lodge is really in a perfect location. The rooms are in a beduin style which also adds to overall experience. Breakfast is really good and very authentic for a reasonable price.
Review 7：Breakfast is served for extra charge and isn't bad, but a little specific, there are no fruit or vegetables.
Review 8：Excellent location, friendly staff, fantastic landscape. The place is rather comfortable if you know what to expect - and it's expected to be close to nature. Warm at winter nights, it's important. Highly recommended to those who want to visit the Mahtesh without a car, the Eco Lodge is easy to reach by foot. There's a kitchen with a possibility to cook something simple and much place to eat outdoors. Generally I liked it and surely will come there again.
Review 9：Rather basic breakfast - and the addition cost for it didn´t seem justified enough. I´d say it´s overall quite expensive accommodation even for the Eco-lodge.
Review 10：The place itself is really great. Our basic mud hut was very nice. No luxury, but one shouldn´t be expecting it either. Good location very close to the crater. Nice staff. Very clean WC / washing facilities.
Review 11：Swimming pool was closed. I really looked forward to swimming there.
Review 12：Room was very clean and large. We had a nice view on the dead sea although not requested. We could join the diner buffet which was very nice as well as the breakfast. The female receptionist was very kind and helped a lot explaining about where to go for swimming, shopping etc.
Review 13：The bed was not so comfortable, and the room was basic without breakfast but we were ready for it after reading all the reviews here :-)
Review 14：Beautiful location! amazing sunrise!!!. The stuff were really nice, especially Gil who helped us with all we needed.
Review 15：The pictures might confuse people to think it's a motel (and with it motel standarts). They provide GREAT tents like experience (better than regular tents) but don't expect AC\locked rooms\mini fridge.
Review 16：On the edge of the crater, nice helpful staff, cheap price.
Review 17：Too expensive. The bed was too short for us.
Review 18：Very friendly and helpful staff. Shared clean bathroom facilities. Internet available only in common places. Great panoramic view. Overall nice experience.
Review 19：This is a very special accommodation, total unique and we got what we expected. The staff is very friendly - to stay here in the dessert is a " Must do"
Review 20：The bed is quite short, it's a liitle strange, not too bad for a short stay though.
Review 21：The place is very friendly, the huts were comfortable and the value for money was good
Review 22：the walls are thin , you can hear people speaking from the other rooms Shower needs reconstruction
Review 23：The view is amazing The rooms are lovely Just a walking distance from the little town
Review 24：There is none. But if you expect a hotel-like place: it is not ;)
Review 25：My mom and me loved the location and the atmosphere. The whole place is filled with a heart for nature. The stuff is very nice. It like camping, just with another kind of tent. The clay keeps the same enjoyable temperature inside day and night. The view over the Maktesh Ramon is amazing!
Review 26：It should be more detailed on "booking" that this camp is more like a camping than an hotel : sheets and towels available, hutts ok, but no restaurant, shared showers and toilets, no dishes... it is not really a problem unless it is mentionned.
Review 27：the view ! the terrace, the houses, the breakfast
Review 28：We are both unusually tall and blankets were short for us. Maybe it will be fine to have few longer blankets for these cases :-)
Review 29：Very nice place, close to amazing view to Mitzpe Ramon. Big hall to chat with other guests. Hut was cozy, clean and big enough for us.
Review 30：The shower facilities are old and unclean. The shower curtains do not permit you very much privacy and there are no shelves to or hooks to put any of your items.
Review 31：The huts are fantastic. A unique way to experience staying at Mitzpe Ramon. The staff member was very friendly and helpful. The views are fantastic, especially at sunrise and sunset. Perfect location.
Review 32：A great facility, well designed and looked after a d very clean for a desert lodge. Offering the chance to explore desert experience whilst still being in reach of running water, hot showers, a supermarket and small eateries in the nearby town of Mitzpe Ramon . I have explored other deserts , but have always needed to travel with a local guide due to their remoteness and lack of water -- Desert Shade is a really good compromise between a completely remote " away from civilisation experience" , and a " holiday " facility. Desert with comforts ,
Review 33：They should offer some sort of breakfast, more tha just bread and toppings.
Review 34：The lodge is located right above the Machtesh. Make sure to leave your curtain open and you'll be wakened by the magnificent sunrise over the desert. Facilities are simple, so it's really just a more comfortable way to sleep in the desert.
Review 35：Location is very quiet, people are friendly, original constructions, nice night sky, a good restaurant 1/2 Km NW and a commercial center very close, great desert ride with a stunning view of the crater using home rented bikes (50 NIS/day). Possibility of breakfast if ordered the evening before.
Review 36：Kitchen could do with a few more pots, pans, knives and forks etc but this is a very minor quibble.
Review 37：Brilliant location close to the crater, run by very friendly, helpful people. Good base for walking in the desert and close to bus routes. Always a pot of mint tea on the go. Great to sit outside and watch the sun rise or fall.
Review 38：in practical matters the place is lacking and for what you get, it is not cheap. When you arrive with your bulky package of pillows (not provided) you are greeted by the news that there is no lock on the “room”, so you have to keep your valuables in the car (it would be nice if you could at least deposit stuff or have a locker). The room is a so called earthship built from old tires and clay that is supposedly ecologic. Why an electrically heated cave without isolation or even a proper door is ecologic is beyond me, but one things is for sure you are going to get to know your neighbors most intimate conversations(and more) and your hear EVERYTHING! When you leave your cave and go to the “kitchen” it turns out to be inadequate, without plates, cups, cutlery and only two cooking places which creates long lines at dinner time. The showers are primitive with no privacy. To summarise, my impression is that Desert Shade Farm is run by people who were enthusiastic about the idea about ecological hosting, but don’t really have the stamina to pursue it. Perhaps this is the reason the place has many unfinished buildings and tires decorated with since long dead flowers litters the place. במקום חסרים דברים אלמנטריים לאירוח, ויש תחושה שבעלי המקום קצת מזלזלים באורחים שלהם, ולא מתאמצים לחשוב על הפרטים הקטנים אך ההכרחיים לאירוח. האירוח במקום הוא שילוב לא ברור של תנאי קמפינג וצימר, ולדעתי בעלי המקום עדיין לא מצאו את האיזון הנכון בין השניים. במטבח המשותף חסרים דברים אלמנטריים- כדאי לציין במייל המקדים שיש להביא צלחות כוסות סכו"ם וכו'. המקלחות במצב מביך- הפרטיות מושגת באמצעות וילון פלסטיק רעוע. החדר מחומם היטב בלילה- אבל השמיכות דקות, מאובקות וללא ציפיות (שוב, אפשר להגיד להביא ציפיות מראש), בחדר שומעים כל רחש מסביב, ולבסוף- אין מנעולים, ואין אלטרנטיבה למנעול כלומר לוקר או מקום בו ניתן להפקיד חפצים, את הדברים יקרי הערך צריך לשמור ברכב. מה הבעיה לסדר לוקרים - התחושה שצריך ללכת לשירותים עם הסמרטפון והטאבלט לא נעימה.
Review 39：The view and staff המיקום טוב, המארחים נחמדים, ה"אוהלוג" הזוגי נעים, נקודה חשובה לזכותם: אפשרו לנו לבטל ברגע האחרון ממש, אבל בחרנו להגיע בכל זאת.
Review 40：The kitchen could have been better equipped with cooking utensils. Shower and toilet basic but clean
Review 41：Breathtaking views of the makhtesh crater. huts were simple yet comfortable. Very quiet area so made for serene sleeping environment. Was given taste of the wine made at the lodge very pleasant way to spend an evening. Highly recommend this lodge for anyone that enjoys time away from hectic city life.
Review 42：Great alternative accomodation. Mud huts were very cosy at night and comfortable in the day. Location is incredible. And the feeling of the environment they have set up with communal area and seating looking over the desert is great.
Review 43：I forgot nights are cold in "winter", even in Israel, even in the desert...
Review 44：I knew it was more like a camping, but I choose it because of the situation on the border of the Ramon Crater.
Review 45：mattresses not so comfortable, no pillow cases, shower and bathroom (shared) very old, but always hot water
Review 46：location, desert feeling, spectacular views, tents, star gazing, staff, mountain bike rental, their red wine, their breakfast
Review 47：You cannot lock the door of the room, so you have to carry your valuables with you.
Review 48：Perfect location for exploring the crater. This place was the most atmospheric and interesting accomodation during our stay in Israel. What you book is a kind of a little "house" or tent (which is actually a clay hut) with matresses. You get blankets and also sheets for your bed, bringing an own little pillow is recommended though. We slept really well and were surprised how cosy the room was. Toilets and washing rooms are outside in a different building. It's a bit like on a camping site...There's also a large common room/building and a self-catering kitchen. You can buy some drinks (beer, wine etc.) in the common room. Breakfast was also great and worth the price. Very nice owners and staff. Familiar atmosphere. Don't expect a hotel. ;-) If you know what you can expect it is great! And it is surely one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the morning...There's also some places to eat nearby.
Review 49：Loved the location and watching the sunrise each morning. The simplicity and laid back atmosphere makes this place most enjoyable and the communal lounge area is a relaxing place to end your day. Thanks Maya and Ziv for being great hosts.
Review 50：The beds are very short. Even at 5'11" my head was half off the mattress and my feet on the wall. If you are two people, request sheets for the third mattress, then at least you can sleep in the cross direction...
Review 51：Very authentic place, right at the edge of the crate with a stunning view. Very friendly people and a unique experience. Simple but I liked it a lot.
Review 52：The place tried to charge us more than our original reservation. The staff wasn't always available.
Review 53：The location and design if the place is beautiful. Blends into nature. Perfect for people who like this style of accommodation.great atmosphere ,-bikers, hikers, families.
Review 54：nothing
Review 55：First thing you see when you arrive on the location is the breathtaking view on the dert mountains. The scupture park is also right in front of you. Ledo from the reception was very helpful and friendly and made me feel at home immediately. I had planned to stay one night, but then made it three. The little mud huts are very charming and there is always a kettle of fresh made mint tea in the meeting room. I really loved this place.
Review 56：The problem I've had here, however, has been the owners. They are not very flexible or accommodating, and I feel I'm not a paying customer, but an inconvenient house guest. I believe their focus is more on groups than individual travelers. But, the accommodations are like camping but with a bed and electricity, and the view can't be beat for the price. I would certainly recommend it.
Review 57：I have two places I stay when I go to mizpeh, both with their own charms. I enjoy the location of desert shade; incredible view of the canyon. It's like camping, but with the conveniences of electricity and a bed. Very rustic.
Review 58：It's not a 24-hour hostel so when I go there at 8.pm the sky was totally dark. I felt a little bit scary when I went along the road to the hostel because there's no light in this 300-meter road, but it's quite interesting.
Review 59：If you like the green concepts and the way of life among the bedouins. This hotel is little bit far from the urban life and you can hear the sounds of wind in the desert and the feelings of sands on your face, hair when you live in this place.The owner is a nice guy who lives near this hostel.
Review 60：The wonderful place, amazing View.
Review 61：Terrible breakfast. Poor conditions in the room.
Review 62：The location.
Review 63：Very friendly and helpful people and an amazing view.Located directly at the edge of Ramon crater and near the city center.I will be back for sure.
Review 64：The location, the simple desert architecture, the friendly atmosphere
Review 65：We had an amazing stay at the Eco lodge! The place is simple and basic, but very comfortable and with the best view from the crater you can ask for!
Review 66：Wonderful view!
Review 67：beds could have been cleaner
Review 68：nice style, and the free tea is also nice.
Review 69：Short beds and very thin walls.
Review 70：Great location at the canyon, short walk into town and a very nice view. Really nice and helpul staff.
Review 71：breakfast was not great
Review 72：views, location, people
Review 73：Bath & Other facilities far from lodge.
Review 74：Nice view!
Review 75：no pillows...heating wasnt working right so it was very cold
Review 76：location staff helpful architecture of Eco Lodge was beautiful
Review 77：Walk to showers and toilets
Review 78：Location
Review 79：some hooks Pegs on the wall would be helpful
Review 80：Location, common area
Review 81：Th view on the crater is amazing and the cottages very cozy and nice. Basic but beautiful.
Review 82：Noisy couple next door, we were feeling in the same room
Review 83：Amazing view, nice room, friendly atmosphere,... good place
Review 84：No food available (except breakfast), had to get everything from the supermarket
Review 85：Great location Friendly staff Great wine Amazing landscape
Review 86：I had to pay in cash and was not advised if this. The kitchen was very basic.
Review 87：Amazing location. Helpful staff.
Review 88：Great place. Awesome location
Review 89：The room did not have a means to lock it, forcing us to walk around with our valuables all day. There is no possibility to pay by credit card. You can pay in euros, but not very favorable rate
Review 90：Perfect location a few minutes walk from the edge of the crater The free-flowing sweet mint tea at the lodge, self use kitchen.
Review 91：Nothing. It was even better than expected!
Review 92：Incredible views of the Ramon Crater from your cabin, lovely hostess Maya and the sense of a back-to-basics community. What a fantastic place, highly recommended!
Review 93：getting diner in the town isn't easy in the off-season.
Review 94：Special place with mud-buildings, a primitive, back to basics look and very relaxed. Reminds one of Mad Max.
Review 95：While it is normal that with the style of an ecolodge the comfort is not comparable to a five-star feather bed, it was nevertheless a bit of a pity that the mattresses are too short. Just okay for myself (1m64), but way too uncomfortable for my friend (1m76)
Review 96：Absolute great experience. The huts are wonderful, very clean and well kept. The location - unbeatable. The staff incredibly sweet and helpful. Highly recommended place!
Review 97：Excellent location right in front of the crater and within walking distance to town. The lodges are charming and exactly what to expect from a desert camp. Very beautiful reception/common area with a great view. Definitely recommend it and would go back!
Review 98：very well located with an amazing view. Clean facilities, basic accommodation but it was what I was looking for. Very friendly and helpfull staff. Nice homegrown wine.
Review 99：Special and very nice eco-place, tents and mud huts built with recycling materials, not for people looking for luxury but in our eyes the perfect place for a visit in the desert. Close to the edge of the crater, beautiful view.
Review 100：The staff, while very sweet and friendly, were not knowledgeable about Mitzpe Ramon and could not recommend restaurants or activities in the area. Do your homework before you arrive (try out Desert Archery and the Star Man's astronomy experience). Make sure you know the Spice Route complex schedule, as both times we went there all shops except one restaurant and one soap factory were closed. The shared showers had no doors and too-small curtains. Our room did not have a means to lock it, forcing us to walk around with our valuables and passports all day. While the location was excellent and a fun place to stay, this did not feel like an "eco lodge" with no signs of being self-sustaining.
Review 101：Amazing location, right on the doorstep of the Desert Sculpture Park (definitely a highlight for us). A few minutes walk from the edge of the crater, worth waking up early for and watching the spectacular sunrise. Also a quick walk to the city centre and the charming Hadassar restaurant in the Spice Route complex. The free-flowing sweet mint tea at the lodge was a special treat.
Review 102：The beds were 30 cm too short.
Review 103：The place has one of the most stunning vistas in Israel, just at the edge of the Ramon crator. The staff was friendly and forthcoming, the shared toilet clean and the breakfast delicious (tahine, dates, yoghurt, marmelade and bread). There is always warm tea available in the reception area, which makes one feel welcome. The mudhouse we stayed in felt very comfortable and the light at the inside had beautiful reflections from the recycled bottles.
Review 104：Quite cold in the night - need warm clothes.
Review 105：Very good location near Ramon crater. Very special room. Nice common space to meet other tourists. Good breakfast. Free tea available. Kitchen available. More stars in the sky than in Jerusalem and other city places because of less "light pollution"
Review 106：car tyres are used as building material among others
Review 107：staff was very helpful and kindly, cosy lounge with a fantastic view, free tea and full-bodied wine, very natural cottages
Review 108：It was cold to go outside when taking shower at night. No wash stand in the room. Hard to find.
Review 109：I like the interior of the inside of the house. Fast wifi in the lounge area.
Review 110：Obviously the place has known far better days, when camels trips or 4x4 wheels expeditions were offered. Now you can still rent mountain bikes, but the customers are backpackers style. The "rooms" are old goats' shacks completed by a few walls made of recycled bottles and dirt ! No private toilets nor showers, they are just good for scouts camps or army nostalgic. The doors are made of blankets on an old wooden frame so no lock at all. The "beds" are simple mattresses on a mason shelf. We have been given 2 rough towels, 2 sheets far too small for the bedding and 2 pillow cases - but where were the pillows ?! none sorted. Lots of blankets around though... We hesitated where to go from the very entrance, as the feeling is it is an abandonned place ! A really rough place : AVOID !
Review 111：The location right on the edge of the makhtesh - like to have a view on the moon for yourself ! The common lodge has a nice "desert feeling" decoration and the most welcoming atmosphere with its nomadic red blankets. There was some friendly guy there to look after us, but not the owners who are a bit "cold".
Review 112：1. impressive scenery (canyon) 2. good area for trekking 3. good area for biking (they rent bikes) 4. accommodation: basic -good for people who don't look for high standard. We visited the site out of season. Could be problematic when is crowded.
Review 113：did not sleep too comfortably but I don't regret the experience. my daughter thought it was the most amazing place on earth.
Review 114：The location and the beautiful view of the crater. The peace and quiet and overall serenity of this place.
Review 115：I wouldn't recommend the breakfast.
Review 116：From this place in the desert you can watch a beautiful sunrise. The lodge is more like a camping site and doesn't offer much comfort.
Review 117：The place is beautiful! The room are so originals. We spend a great and relaxing night in front of mitzpe Ramon crater. We will come back soon! Enjoy your trip!!
Review 118：Only minor things -- light in room was barely enough strength to see; No lock on door to leave valuables.
Review 119：Friendly staff, location, Israeli breakfast, local wine, casual atmosphere, reception area, Price.
Review 120：Don't expect the Hilton Hotel. It's a very simple accommodation. But that fits perfectly!
Review 121：You get what you expect. An experience in the desert. Very quiet. It's a place to come down. The huts are simple but very cosy and have a wonderful view. The stuff is very nice and relaxed. He tried to help us with every problem. In the end we had a good vegetarian breakfast with the enormous crater infront of us.
Review 122：It was cold even with a heater in January and the mattresses and blankets could use cleaning/updating.
Review 123：The staff was very helpful and the setting is amazing. A great place for backpackers in the warmer months.
Review 124：When we arrived with The car The entrance Was a big mess. Then you enter The gate and The place is Simple but nice.
Review 125：The location is wanderful in front of The desert crater. We had The superior tent which is quite a funny small house Made of mud and bottles. At end of december it Was warm and comfortable. I would suggest to people that dose not like anonymous hotels. It is a sort of camping but more comfortable. You have free wifi, tea and coffe. The staff is Very kind.
Review 126：It was not my first time at the Lodge... and hopefully it will not be the last. The hospitality and friendliness of the personnel, together with the location, make this place somehow unique in Israel!
Review 127：Owner is not the most helpful, when I asked about bus times he told me to check the internet...he is not rude though, just a bit lazy maybe.
Review 128：Really nice communal area and rooms are really well equipped, clean and modern.
Review 129：you can not eat in the lobby, there is no organized tours in the crater.
Review 130：friendly staff, at one with nature, stunning views, authentic, delicious tea for constant access, bike rental, good wi-fi
Review 131：that I have to leave....!
Review 132：The lodge is near the Maktesh and so there is an amazing view! A great location to look at the sunrise. It is also a nice place to just sit and watch te view. The 'sculpture road' is just in front of the lodge. And it is very easy to walk to the visitors center. The stay in the mudhouse is a very nice experience. The shared bathroom is a little bit old, but there is plenty hot water. The breakfast is not included, and they dont accept creditcards.
The Fine Print
Based on local tax laws, Israeli citizens must pay VAT.This tax is not automatically calculated in the total cost of the reservation, and must be paid at the hotel.If you expect to arrive after 20:00, please inform Desert Shade Eco Lodge at least 24 hours in advance.