Niassa Reserve

The Niassa Reserve is the largest protected area in Mozambique and one of the largest conservation areas on the African Continent. Situated on the Tanzanian border in northern Mozambique and stretching across part of Cabo Delgado Province and nearly one third of Niassa Province it is twice the size of the world-famous Kruger National Park. An untouched and relatively undiscovered 42,000 km² expanse of wilderness the reserve is dominated by the Rovuma and Lugenda rivers. Scenically stunning, the most striking feature of the Niassa Reserve are the towering granite inselbergs that dominate the topography. The highest of these, the Jao and Mecula mountains, are almost a vertical kilometre from top to bottom.

Niassa Reserve boasts an African wild dog population of over 200, significant for an endangered mammal with a global population estimated at 3000. The park boasts a sable antelope population of 9000, an elephant population of 12000, over 400 bird species, and large populations of Cape buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebra and leopards. The area has three endemic herbivore species; Johnston's impala, Niassa wildebeest and Boehm's zebra.

Due to its remoteness Niassa Reserve is not a destination that appears on the standard safari "circuit" of must see reserves and game parks. It is however a must for those adventurous travellers seeking a journey of discovery in a pristine wilderness area of outstanding beauty - it really is one of Africa's last great wildernesses.