Reviews of Mundulea Reserve

"It was a real privilege to be able to stay here. For those who are interested in or already know something about ecology, geology and/or natural systems, a visit to Mundulea is wonderful. It is an opportunity to see a unique attempt to restore an ecological system, and to discuss the processes and interactions both large and small. We valued the opportunity to learn from Bruno, whose mix of knowledge and experience makes for very interesting discussions on a range of topics, not just on the things we could see around us. Mundulea would not be everybody's cup of tea - for example, whilst Mundulea is perfectly comfortable, for the money it would be possible to have a more luxurious or opulent stay in a lodge or hotel elsewhere.

The tents we stayed in were comfortable and we liked that the fixtures and fittings had been ingeniously made from recycled materials. The tent and outdoor bathrooms did get extremely cold (it was unusually cold when we were visiting - well below freezing - but it is a fairly good bet that it will get cold here and other places at night at this time of year) - hot water bottles were provided but still visitors should ensure they pack thermals for evenings and nights. We were colder here than anywhere else. The food we were served was really tasty and all the more impressive because we could see how it was being ingeniously cooked over one fire.

We visited Mundulea early in our trip, which meant that we hadn't seen much of the wild plants or animals that we would have had we already visited Etosha or other areas. However, Bruno did a good job of not making us feel too ignorant (well.. most of the time!). The way he challenged us to interpret what we found on our walks was really stimulating, it's a really good way to learn. Although we did see lots of interesting 'big' animals, it was nice to be able to discuss and explore less obvious but equally interesting flora and fauna. We also had quite a lot interesting discussions about geology, reflecting our interests.

Compared to other places we fount it refreshing to be able to walk and explore, rather than sitting in a car or following a prescribed route (as was necessary for other places we visited in central - north Namibia).

The private road within the reserve up to the farm house was a little rough with some vegetation between the wheel tracks which was a little too much for our Toyota Corolla hire car. Indeed, when leaving the reserve we damaged the undercarriage of our car despite driving at close to a snails pace. We would recommend to prospective guests at Mundulea that a standard saloon car is not suitable to access the reserve." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"This camp is very different and exciting. Location is magical: a proper camp set right in the bush. No contact with the outside world except satellite phone.

Walking only guided by Bruno who has a huge amount of knowledge of the surroundings and wildlife. Cooking is over an open fire. Tents have solar powered lighting and an open shower-hot water in the evening and luke warm in the morning.

The "basic" feel about this accommodation may not suit everyone but for us this was a wonderful experience which we will remember with great affection forever. The combination of walking, being actually in the bush, excellent guiding and the waterholes were fantastic.

One suggestion: we think it would be a good idea to have a charging point if that were possible." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa

"As ever we had a wonderful few days with Bruno learning more about the whole ecosystem, and the progress of all Bruno's hard work trying to restore the area to what it had once been, before it was a cattle farm. We managed plenty of walking while Bruno taught us much about what we saw along the way. And although, as is the nature of these things, you are not guaranteed to have game sightings, we drew the lucky straw on this occasion and saw plenty. Including an eland calf just a few days old. Whilst we were there on one afternoon and evening we listened to and watched a lightning storm, which brought with it some early rain which was torrential and which lasted several hours.

The food was excellent (Soya Milk was provided) and much time was enjoyed in the evening round the fire & dinner table discussing Bruno's plans for Mundulea and learning more about Namibian life and the country." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia

"We spent three night here at the end of our Namibian trip and had a marvellous time. Bruno is an impressive and entertaining interpreter of the landscape and wildlife - and not as restricted in walking as he ought to have been given that he had broken a bone in his foot days before we arrived.

After a lot of driving and viewing big game earlier in our trip, it was good to get more walking and to focus on the smaller birds, animals, plant life and landscape in a setting which is changing so significantly as part of Bruno's 're-wilding' process.

The camp itself is fun - with leadwood {baboon proof} furniture and an incredible array of recycled equipment in the open kitchen and boma. The lively and educational conversations over dinner and around the fire were as good as the walks and helped make the stay memorable." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"A great experience and very special place to stay.
No luxuries but we didn't expect them however the beds were comfy and the ensuite, fitted with animal skulls and a turtle shell for a soap dish was great.
Food was some of the best we had with Bruno and Tommy creating miracles with a camp fire.
We were so lucky that no other people had booked while we were there so had Bruno all to our selves. His knowledge and enthusiasm is unrivalled and for anyone interested in the whole ecology of Namibia and not just the 'big five' it is a wonderful, educational three days.
Need to be hardy as five hours walking in the heat during the morning was quite tough but it was worth it. The evening walk of two or three hours was easier though avoiding the acacia trees was a full time event!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"What a very different experience from anything else we have done in Southern Africa before, but an amazing few days amidst an extraordinary project to create a reserve as it would have been before it had been farmed.

Bruno's knowledge is second to none - breakfast, lunch and dinner time was a feast of simple but delicious food as well as an opportunity to hear more of the story of Mundulea, as well as understanding so much more about conservation, poaching and other subjects relevant to Namibia and it's neighbours.

Not for the faint hearted given all the walking in the bush and essential to take good walking shoes or boots, but so rewarding for the effort that goes in," See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia

"It was a real treat to spend time in the bush with Bruno. When we arrived we were whisked off to observe the rescue, tagging and release of a very rare pangolin, an animal we would never otherwise have seen. This was followed by 3 nights in bush camp with Bruno and Tommy (who looked after the camp and cooking), walking and learning about anything and everything to do with Namibia. Although we did not see many animals while walking, there were many tracks and traces.

Bruno's knowledge of plants, animals, geology and politics is exemplary and he takes obvious pleasure in sharing this.

The only slight criticism is that the walks sometimes seemed to be rather lacking in objective. The vegetation at this time of year can be rather uninspiring. Perhaps a little more discussion and briefing before each walk might have helped." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia

"Loved catching up with Bruno - it was a total delight. He still remains to me one of the best guides in Africa. Sadly it poured down with rain for 2 days but it did not in any way dampen the experience - we thought it was great.

No, we did not see a pangolin and for 95% plus travellers there is no chance, however Chris, as you already know, be very selective about the clients that you send there.

We loved it and have promised to go back. We love Bruno and his knowledge and experience of life in the bush. Could you please forward us the details of the Pangolin Trust as we want to get involved and Pete is going to work on a game for the website to promote the plight of Percy the Pangolin." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa

"This was a very special place: a bush camp, not luxurious (it doesn't set out to be luxurious) but comfortable.

Bruno is an outstanding guide and what he is doing on the reserve is fascinating. It was lovely eating food cooked by Tommy over an open fire." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia

"Mundulea is a private reserve where the owner, Bruno, is looking to restore the environment to its pre-cattle farming state. This is not a short-term project as over-grazing has caused significant bush-encroachment. But Bruno is very dedicated to the cause, which is well worth supporting - not least because this sort of private project may ultimately (and sadly) prove to be the best hope for Africa's megafauna in particular in the medium- to long-term.

Bruno himself is a true (latter-day) 'renaissance man'. Sculptor, film-maker, photographer, birding guide and bush expert, he has a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics and is genuinely curious about many others. Over the four nights we were there our conversaations ranged across, inter alia, the origins of multi-cell life (based on local fossiles), the eating habits of porcupines (more complex than you might think), the genetics of the zebra (and kite) family, undoing the damage of over-intensive farming, local politics, the Chinese in Africa, and human dietary issues.

Mundulea is a true bushcamp. But the accommodation is very comfortable - and we commend in particular the shower which is as good as any we have found on our numerous trips to Africa. Much of the fittings have been made by Bruno and his team from locally available materials (including scrap metal from the area's farming days). Bruno produces amazingly good meals on an open fire, which would do credit to many a modern kitchen.

The waterhole right outside the camp attracts a good range of mammals day and night and, although we were a few weeks early for the peak period, we also saw a wide range of birds.

Best of all, no trucks! Mundulea is all about walking and we enjoyed some excellent rambles through the bush morning and evening.

In short, highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia