2-Day Journey with the Mundari Tribe
From
Duration
Tour Type
Overview
Discover the Mundari, a nomadic cattle-herding tribe residing along the White Nile River in South Sudan. Their vast herds of sacred cattle graze on the fertile river land, while the Mundari people rely primarily on milk for sustenance. Immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage and experience the unique lifestyle of this fascinating community.
Included/Exclude
- Tour car and tour driver/guide
- All meals on the trip
- Accommodation is bed and breakfast only
- Alien registration
- Tourism permits (Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life, Media Authority & National Security)
- All activities in the itinerary
- Drinking water
- Community payments
- Visa fees
- Personal Insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, and curio purchases
- Gifts and clothes
- Alcoholic Beverages
- International flights
Tour Plan
Our adventure begins as we pick up our clients from Juba International Airport and head towards the hotel. After a refreshing break and a hearty lunch, we embark on a shopping expedition for some local snacks to fuel our journey to the Mundari cattle camp.
As we depart Juba, we delve deeper into the heart of Mundari land, traversing approximately 74.2 kilometres. The journey takes us through picturesque landscapes, and we soon arrive at the cattle camp, where our team swiftly sets up our campsite for the night. The chef, meanwhile, prepares a delicious dinner to tantalize our taste buds.
The warm welcome from the Mundari people is palpable, their smiles and handshakes radiating genuine hospitality. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells fill the air as the herds return to the camp, creating a serene and picturesque ambiance. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, providing a breathtaking backdrop for photographers.
As the day draws to a close, the herdsmen gather cow dung and pile it near the fireplace. The smoke rising from the fire helps to ward off pesky flies and mosquitoes, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
Witnessing thousands of cattle return to their designated areas is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The herdsmen place ropes around their necks and sprinkle ash on their horns and bodies, a process akin to a cow bath. The cows seem to enjoy this soothing ritual, which helps to prevent parasites and relax their muscles.
After the cattle have settled, we retreat to our campsite for a delightful dinner accompanied by refreshing drinks. Under the starry sky, we may even have the opportunity to witness traditional night dances at the cattle camp before retiring to our tents for the night. The tranquillity of the countryside and the distant mooing of cows create a peaceful and unforgettable sleep.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Our day begins at dawn, filled with the enchanting sounds of a local vocalist serenading their prized petty bull. These castrated bulls, adorned with beautiful black and white markings and distinctive horn formations, are a cherished part of Mundari culture. The horns, shaped into a unique upward and downward configuration, are a result of a process performed during the bull's youth.
The bulls are adorned with vibrant flora and a melodious-sounding bell around their necks, creating a harmonious symphony as the vocalist sings to their beloved companion.
The morning bustle of the cattle camp is palpable, filled with a variety of cultural activities. Herdsmen engage in stimulating the cows, dying their hair, and washing them with cow urine, all essential practices for their livelihood.
Occasionally, we may witness the heartwarming spectacle of a pregnant cow giving birth to a new calf. It's a truly cinematic moment, a testament to the circle of life and the enduring beauty of nature.
Around 10 AM, the cows are released to graze, while the calves remain behind. After an hour, the calves are also allowed to graze, but they are kept separate from the larger herd due to their limited endurance for long distances.
We retreat to the shade of large trees, where we can relax and observe the traditional wrestling matches that may be organized. The women and girls can be seen gathering fruits, while the herdsmen enjoy the refreshing milk.
As the day progresses, we return to Juba, where we savour a delicious South Sudanese lunch at a local restaurant. With our bellies full and our spirits uplifted, we head to the airport to embark on our journey home.
We invite you to return to South Sudan for another unforgettable adventure, where you can explore other regions and immerse yourself further in the rich tapestry of its culture and traditions.
Meal plan: Breakfast
