Niassa Game Reserve

Niassa Game Reserve: A Wilderness Adventure in Mozambique

Nestled in the northern region of Mozambique, the Niassa Game Reserve is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa, covering over 42,000 square kilometers. This vast expanse of wilderness offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Africa's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Unique for its remote and unspoiled environment, Niassa is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and the endangered African wild dog. The reserve's mosaic of miombo woodlands, river systems, and granite inselbergs create a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. Bird enthusiasts will find over 400 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Best Time to Visit It is recommended to visit the reserve during the cooler months, from May to December.

Activities Niassa offers a variety of activities for adventurers: hiking, game drives, safaris, canoeing, and rock climbing.

Accommodations For your stay, there are accommodations available in the district capitals of Mecula, Mavago, Marrupa, Mueda, and Montepuez. For a more exclusive experience, consider the Lugenda Wilderness Camp, located on the banks of the Lugenda River within the reserve.

Wildlife and Landscape Niassa is renowned for boasting the country's largest populations of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and African wild dogs. The reserve features a diverse landscape including miombo woodlands, mountain forests, riparian vegetation, open savannas, and grasslands. Beyond the Big Five, the reserve is home to species such as sable antelope, zebra, eland, kudu, impala, grey duiker, klipspringer, and hippopotamus, as well as a variety of birds and reptiles.

Special Highlights The reserve shares a border of approximately 300 km with Tanzania and includes a transboundary wildlife corridor with the Niassa-Selous Game Reserve. This unique and remote environment is perfect for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

For those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Niassa Game Reserve provides a truly unique and immersive experience. 

Access to Niassa Game Reserve

Located in the remote northern part of Mozambique, Niassa Game Reserve offers a pristine wilderness experience. Despite its remoteness, reaching the reserve is manageable whether you're traveling by air or by road. The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering glimpses into the diverse landscapes of Mozambique.

By Air: :  There are limited but reliable air travel options to reach Niassa Game Reserve:

• LAM (Linhas Aereas de Moçambique) operates flights from Maputo to Lichinga or Pemba, which are the closest major airport to the reserve.

• Accessing Niassa Game Reserve by air is convenient through charter flights:

  • Departure Airports: You can reach the reserve from the airports in Lichinga and Pemba.
  • Airstrips in the Reserve: Within the reserve, there are airstrips available at Mbatamila (the reserve's headquarters), Mecula, and Kambaco.

By Road: Reaching Niassa Game Reserve by road offers a scenic and rewarding adventure through Mozambique's diverse landscapes: