21 Mar 2017
Basata, Egypt
Sustainable Tourism

Located in South Sinai, Basata Eco-lodge was built in 1986, setting a precedent for Egypt’s tourism scene. Basata means ‘simplicity’ in Arabic, and, away from the technologies and noises of the city, it offers a beautiful sea view. 

A resort respecting its environment:

Using local and biodegradable building materials like bamboo, clay and natural stones, Basata eco-lodge found itself aiming for a sustainable way of to run their operations. By avoiding everything artificial like artificial cooling and planting, this resort is a mix of nature and the Egyptian traditional architecture.

A positive impact on the environment:

Nothing goes to waste at the Basata eco-lodge. All recyclable materials are picked up by a local NGO and sent to a recycling plant that was both founded by the owner of Basata.

Due to the lack of electricity in the area, the eco-lodge functions with generators, that are always turned off during the day in order to save energy. They also replaced light bulbs with energy-saving ones.

Salt water can be used to wash dishes and flush toilets, saving on water consumption. Wastewater is also used in irrigating endemic palm tree plantations.

Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers
Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers

A lot of activities related to nature and local culture

 To create a great and unforgettable experience, Basata eco-lodge offers a lot of activities (boat trip, hiking, campfire, safari or snorkling,…) in order to discover natural and cultural heritage. And to approach the land differently, you can also meet with locals.

Guests are guided by Bedouin guides throughout safaris or hiking.

Basata avoids to offer activities which could be an attempt to nature like beach buggies, diving on the coral reef, for instance.

 

Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers
Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers

 

You’re a guest… but you also take part in the action !

Guests contribute by their behavior to the preservation of the natural environment while they enjoy their stay.

Based on honor and trust values, Basata lets guests be responsible within its establishment. At their arrival, a piece of paper is given to them where they record items they want to take from the kitchen. Furthermore, recycling bins (glass, plastic, food waste, metal) are set up within the resort, making guests more responsible and aware about waste sorting and recycling.

Basata eco-lodge renews itself and its services continuously, not hesitating to ask guests and people online some new eco-ideas. An inclusive philosophy that could inspire others !

 

Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers
Meet Egypt’s first eco-lodge saving on energy and water consumption | The Switchers
BASATA Sustainable Tourism