Nunda, itself, is the local Thimbukushu name for the fruit of the Jackalberry tree. You’re in a tropical climate zone which means it rains, mainly between December and March, but this area receives the highest rainfall in Namibia.
Camping riverside is a stunning experience. Watch as long dark shapes lurch out of the inky water. Hippos.
Hippos are huge and possess powerful teeth, so if one wants to pitch a tent where you want to pitch yours, let him. They don’t enjoy fisticuffs as they can get really hurt, so tend to avoid fighting. However, if you go after his mate, or his dinner, run. Or climb. Climbing might be a better bet.
They’re social beasts though, they hang out in groups called schools, bloats, pods or sieges. Bloats just sounds unfortunate, best avoid calling them that, definitely don’t want hippo wrath. There are usually 10 to 30 together, including both females and males, although some groups have as many as 200. Yikes. And, no matter the size, the school is usually led by a dominant male. The dude. Goodnight. Zip up tent.
When you wake in the morning you can wander down to the Popa Falls. It’s more a series of cascading rapids that run over a series of quartzite ledges than a waterfall but it’s quite a sight. Especially in the wet season.
And because the Okavango is perennial, there’s a diverse range of flora and fauna. Many different species of fish, birds, antelope and other large mammals have made their homes close to where you are sleeping. On the shady and lush banks of the mighty river.
Note: The main lodge has non camping guests too and lodge guests may have priority over certain facilities.
So, there are excellent birding, wildlife and fishing opportunities. You can find tilapia, sharptooth catfish, nembwe and tiger fish.
Activities include game drives, boat trips, Mokoro canoe trips, hikes and visits to a traditional village. Please note - lodge guests may have priority.
There are daily game drives to the Mahango and Buffalo Core Areas. Wild dog, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and antelope all hang out. This area is also home to the largest herds of sable and roan antelope in Africa. Plus an estimated 430 bird species with over 20 endemic. Look out for rock pranticole, yellow wagtail, wattled crane, great snipe, African rail and African skimmers.
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