Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge is one of those places that make you feel morally good at the end of your stay. You know, the type that of vacation where you’re giving back to a destination. While wearing your responsible tourism cap, take a venture at practicing permaculture – a design for use of agriculture in a sustainable manner, trek through the trails in Ethiopia, and regain your energy at the on-site organic restaurant.Volunteers are more than welcome at Strawberry Fields Eco-lodge and are encouraged to adventure this side of Ethiopia.
Permaculture way of life
Aerial view of Strawberry Fields / photo by Alex McCausland
With the first working demonstration site in Ethiopia, Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge prides itself in its capabilities to teach guests how to plant their own fruits and veggies, take care of the land and live a natural life. Permaculture is an approach to designing a village and agriculture system that simulates the relationships found in natural ecologies1. All the fruits and veggies harvested at the permaculture garden are used in Strawberry Fields’ on-site organic restaurant. What started in 2007 as a 2.2Ha plot of land known to the locals as a “lokollota”, or dead soil, this site is now an oasis to not only strawberries, but also a cultivating ground for visitors to grow papaya, mulberry, wanza, mango, beans, chick pea and sweet potato, just to name a few.
Currently, Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge is working with three schools to maintain their own permaculture farm. Mr. Tichafa Makovere from Zimbabwe was once a leading activist for initiatives like ReSCOPE (The Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme). Now, Mr. Makovere is the lead trainer and consultant for the project led by Strawberry Fields.
Organic restaurant
Permaculture farm entrance / photo by Alex McCausland
Once you’re tuckered out from planting your tazmir (Mexican apple) for the day, regain your energy at the organic restaurant. Better yet, you’ll enjoy foods coming straight from the permaculture farm itself. From fresh soups, salads, or just your ol’ burger and chips, the on-site organic restaurant is there to please you. You can even pick your own veggies going into your dish!
Don’t forget about the local dancing either. For a small fee, Strawberry Fields can arrange your very own Konso Cultural Dancing and Music night. With no limit on the size of a group, take the entire family!
Eco Lodge
Strawberry Fields lives up to its expectations for being an eco-lodge. With solar powered buildings, solar showers and composting toilets, your
responsible travels go a long way. Live like a local king or queen in a “tikka”, a thickly thatched wooden circular hut. The walls are clay, perfect for insulation from the daytime heat. Neatly furnished with a bed, bedside table, chairs and washbasin, each furnished aspect has been built by the hands of local people, adding a touch only obtainable by the traditions set forth in Ethiopia.
Trek Ethiopia for up to 12 days
The eco trails supported by Strawberry Fields is with the full intention of supporting the local economy and community. Along the way you will encounter true Konso culture whilst interacting with the community. Itineraries range from 3-day excursions to up to 12-day adventures, each day experiencing a different aspect and sight of Ethiopia.
Getting There
Want to feel prepared before you go to a land unknown? The website for Strawberry Fields Eco-lodge has taken great time to provide you with enough local knowledge to be a guide yourself.
The fee for a short stay volunteer is $50 USD per week, while for longer stay volunteers the stay is only $30 USD per week. The only extra cost to you is your transport! Arrive by plane to Arbaminch, about 85km from Konso. From there, Strawberry Fields can arrange your transportation to the lodge.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture
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