Mundari Trip - A Journey into South Sudan's Heart
2-Day Immersion with the Mundari Tribe
a bout the trip ahead...
Trip Overview
Mundari Cattle Camp
Immerse yourself in the heart of Mundari culture, where vast herds of sacred cattle graze along the White Nile, embodying the tribe's nomadic lifestyle.
Traditional Night Dances
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional dances under the stars at the cattle camp, celebrating the community's rich cultural heritage.
Cherished Petty Bulls
Witness the unique rituals surrounding the prized bulls, adorned with flora and bells, integral to the Mundari's cultural identity
Cultural Activities
Engage with herdsmen as they perform essential tasks, such as washing and dyeing cattle, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the cattle camp.
What to expect
A 2-Day Immersion with the Mundari Tribe
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 kilometers. 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 cow bells 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: Dinner
Our second day dawns with a truly enchanting sound: the melodious serenade of a local vocalist addressing their prized petty bull. These castrated bulls, often adorned with striking black and white markings and distinctive, uniquely shaped horns – a result of a careful shaping process performed during their youth – are deeply cherished within Mundari culture. Their horns, configured in a unique upward and downward sweep, are truly a sight to behold.
These magnificent bulls are further adorned with vibrant flora and a melodious bell around their necks, creating a harmonious symphony as the vocalist pours their heart out in song to their beloved companion. The cattle camp hums with activity in the morning light, a tapestry of cultural practices unfolding before our eyes. Herdsmen engage in the essential routines of stimulating cows for milk, coloring their hair with natural dyes, and washing them with cow urine – all vital practices for their livelihood.
Occasionally, we are privileged to witness the heartwarming spectacle of a pregnant cow giving birth to a new calf – a truly cinematic moment, a profound testament to the enduring circle of life and the inherent beauty of nature.
Around 10 AM, the majority of the cows are released to graze, while their calves remain behind, protected within the camp. After an hour, the calves are also permitted to graze, though they are kept separate from the larger herd due to their limited endurance for long-distance treks. We seek the cool sanctuary of large trees, where we can relax and observe the traditional wrestling matches that often materialize – a display of strength and agility. Meanwhile, the women and girls can be seen diligently gathering fruits, while the herdsmen enjoy the refreshing milk straight from their beloved cattle.
As the day progresses, we begin our journey back to Juba, where we savor a delicious South Sudanese lunch at a local restaurant. With our bellies full and our spirits uplifted by the profound experiences of the past two days, we proceed to the airport, ready to embark on our journey home, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime.
We extend a heartfelt invitation for you to return to South Sudan for another unforgettable adventure, to explore other regions and immerse yourself further in the rich tapestry of its culture and traditions.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Quality Hotel
Tiang Safari Prices
Trips Includes
- Tour car and tour driver/guide
- Accommodation is bed and breakfast only
- All meals on the trip
- Alien registration
- All activities in the itinerary
- Tourism permits (Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life, Media Authority & National Security)
- Community payments
- Drinking water
Trips Excludes
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- Gifts and clothes
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, curio purchases
- Alcoholic Beverages
Related trips...
Explore similar trips to extend your adventure
- A 2Day Mundari trip
- A 3Day Mundari Festival
- A 3Day mundari trip
- A 12Day Exclusive 6tribes Cultural Trip to SSD
- A 15Day South Sudan Trip