07 April 2010

Namibia: Mundulea Game Reserve - a hiker's paradise

Mundulea Nature Reserve is situated just 2hrs south of the Namutoni Gate of Etosha National Park, in the Otavi Mountains. It is set in 120 kms² of prime, unspoilt bushveld, in the Karstveldt region, south-east of the town of Otavi. This beautiful landscape has rugged hills, steep gorges and a vast network of caves and underground lakes.


View Mundulela Game Reserve in a larger map

Kate & Bruno Nebe established the reserve in 2001 after purchasing the former farmland in the Otavi Mountains. After dismantling the existing boundaries and erecting secure game fencing around the perimeter, they began to add to the existing wildlife numbers with a carefully chosen variety of indigenous species. The aim has been to establish a reserve rich in Namibia's native flora and fauna, a place as close to its natural heritage as possible, where visitors can experience a true step back into the lush wilderness of this region.
The base camp consists of 4 permanently errected tents set amongst mature trees and a central boma area. From here you set out on foot to explore this rich and unique biosphere. The walking and hiking trails are carefully chosen to suit to the interests and abilities of the guests. Trails range from gentle ambles through sloping savannah, to rocky mountain climbs and descents into canyons and gorges.
There are many antelope species already flourishing but giraffe and springbok - once plentiful in this area - are having to be gradually reintroduced. The reserve's most recent arrivals were the endangered black faced impala and a small group of tsessebe. Often-seen predators include leopard, cheetah, hyena, honey badgers, jackal, serval and lynx. Aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared foxes, meerkats and pangolin are also sometimes spotted.

4 day Mundulea hiking trail [more info & online booking >>]
Duration: 4 day(s)
Departure time: As this is a private tour, there is no specified time but generally your guide meets you at the Mundulea main farm house after lunch and then you are transferred to the camp where you'll be accommodated for the next 3 nights.
Pickup info: Although transfers can be arranged from Swakopmund or Windhoek, most guests book this as part of a self-drive trip and so drive directly to Mundulea.

The itinerary is tailor-made for each group depending on interests, fitness levels etc. However, all exporation is on foot. For the more adventurous, there are numerous caving systems that can be investigated.

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