Basata Eco-Lodge

Basata means "simplicity" in Arabic, which personifies the philospohy behind this environmetally conscious touris project.

Basata offers a serene escape from the concrete city life and the pressures of modern living. TV’s, blaring radios, and air-conditioning are not a part of the Basata way of life. However, snorkelling at sunrise, interacting with the eclectic clientele, and admiring the moonrise or star gazing are.

The Basata Concept and Philosophy

Basata is not an average tourist village, it is an eco-lodge with an underlying philosophy of trust, community and cultural understanding.

An eco-lodge as defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) is a “nature-dependent tourist lodge that offers the tourist an educational and participatory experience, and is developed and managed in an environmentally sensitive manner.”

Basata's concept and philosophy were devised and developed by Sherif El Ghamrawy in response to his desire to preserve the pristine and at the time undeveloped area he chose to establish the eco-lodge.

It attempts to create a unique form of tourism that has a relatively low impact on the surrounding environment and the native inhabitants, the Bedouins. Neither the eco-lodge nor the underlying philosophy are static, both are organic and continue to evolve and develop according to the requirements of the guests and the environment.

The distinctive environmental issues facing Basata and the entire coastal region of the Sinai include but are not limited to preserving the abundant marine life and the beauty of the desert from environmental impact and both protecting and supporting the culture of the Bedouins. Therefore, Basata's concept and philosophy focuses on architecture, waste, recycling and responsible tourism.

Trust and Responsible Tourism

Basata operates on a system of honor and trust, something mostly forgotten in the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Upon arrival guests are given a piece of paper upon which they record the items that they take from the kitchen. At the end of their stay, the bill is calculated accordingly. Guests are also requested to adhere to the recycling system practiced here. Bins are marked separating refuse into categories, glass, plastic, food waste and metal. These materials are then sent to a recycling plant or fed to the animals. This open system puts responsibility back into the hands of the guests and makes them feel at home, thus increasing awareness of the effects of their actions on nature and on other people while leaving the area unspoiled for future generations. Basata is a picturesque place that people cherish and return to year after year. The effects are long lasting and teach all who experience it to work together with nature and not against.

Architecture, Building, and Landscaping

Construction of buildings and huts in Basata is conducted in harmony with the Sinai landscape. Each is uniquely designed and constructed using only natural materials endemic to the region by Egyptian architects and workers using traditional methods and reflecting traditional Egyptian architecture. This unique architecture affords guests a feel for the local culture. In addition, through optimal use of natural wind patterns, there is no need for air-conditioning or any other form of artificial cooling.

The use of indigenous building materials significantly benefits the building process. Only materials that are biodegradable (i.e. bamboo, clay and natural stones) are utilized. Substances that pollute or damage the environment are not. The use of only organic materials promotes a healthy climate of living for all inhabitants and visitors. The amount of space between both, chalets and huts, allows for privacy, even during the high tourist season. Construction can proceed at any time, unhindered, as the traditional forms of building do not include the use of any heavy construction equipment and there is no noise disturbance.

There is no artificial planting and landscaping of flora not endemic to the region. Moreover, such greenery requires huge amounts of valuable water and polluting fertilizers and ultimately destroys the land. Through the use of traditional architecture, the special character of the desert is preserved and enhanced.