Namibia - Mundulea Nature Reserve

Namibia is synonymous with parched desert landscapes, enigmatic shipwrecks and vast swathes of wilderness, but nestled among these breathtaking vistas are a few lesser known gems. Mundulea is one of these, a once in a lifetime experience which should not be missed by all truly discerning travellers to Namibia.

Kate & Bruno Nebe established Mundulea in 2001 after purchasing a group of farms in the Otavi Mountains. After dismantling the existing boundaries and erecting secure game fencing around the perimeter, they began to swell 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 ancient region.

Mundulea is located in the Karstveldt region south east of Otavi. The underlying rock formations are principally made up of Dolomite, Lime and Marble and are known for their fathomless cave systems, deep gorges and underground lakes. In addition the Nature Reserve boasts examples from three important fossil groups; Pre-Cambrian, Jurassic and some more recent from around 13 million years ago.

So in-between tracking rhino on foot, scouring the horizon for leopard or bird watching around a waterhole, you could also perhaps venture a little way into the virtually unexplored cave systems of Mundulea with your guide, and experience a taste of the pioneer spirit!

Mundulea is now host to many species including Kudu, Oryx, Springbok, Warthog, Ostrich, Wildebeest, Hartebeest and more notably good numbers of Eland, Giraffe, Tessebe, Black Faced Impala, Dik Dik and Duiker. Predators include Leopard, Cheetah, Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena as well as Lynx, Serval and other small cats.

In addition Mundulea is part of the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme run by Namibia's Ministry of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism. The first bull arrived in October 2006, he is the last of his sub-species (Diceros bicornis chobiensis), and he was joined in February 2007 by three females and one young bull (Diceros bicornis bicornis).

The rhinos must be settling into their new home well as the first baby was born around three months ago! Hopefully there will be a good number more to come.

Early in 2008 Bruno completed a new semi-permanent camp at Mundulea which allows visitors space to relax in a little more luxury whilst enjoying this unique environment. Each of the four Meru style tents has its own innovative en-suite bathroom and shaded veranda, all the furniture was made on site using natural materials with meticulous attention to detail.

The camp nestles amongst mature trees and the structures have been perfectly designed to blend into the surrounding environment. A central boma area and kitchen provide the setting for delicious dinners cooked over an open fire.

From this base camp, visitors are accompanied on relaxed, expertly guided walking trails to discover the intricacies of the eco-systems which support Namibia's vast biodiversity of animals, birds, plants, trees, reptiles and insects. Each walk is geared to the individual guest's interests and abilities, and each day ends with a chance to share experiences under the star strewn skies of Namibia's ancient landscape.