Niassa National Reserve

Niassa National Reserve, which spans 10 million acres and is located on the Rovuma River, is more than twice the size of Kruger National Park. The reserve is Mozambique’s largest protected area and forms part of the proposed Selous—Niassa Wildlife Protection Corridor, which would connect northern Mozambique’s extensive conservation areas with southern Tanzania’s untamed wilderness. Niassa forms part of the Eastern miombo forests, which also include sections of Tanzania and Malawi.

With miombo forest comprising half of the reserve, it is one of the world’s largest miombo woodland preserves. The rest is primarily open savannah, with a few wetlands and isolated areas of forest thrown in for good measure. Niassa can sustain a broad diversity of flora and fauna due to the reserve’s diverse habitats, which range from the montane forests of the Macula Mountain slopes to the meandering channels of the Lugenda River.

The reserve, which is remote and untamed, has remained relatively undiscovered by the outside world, with only a few visits each year. The reserve's wildlife populations, like those throughout Mozambique, were decimated by poaching during the civil war and are still fearful of humans. In recent years, however, wildlife has rebounded dramatically, and Niassa now features major populations of endangered African wild dogs, over 400 bird species, and an estimated 16,000 elephants, as well as three endemic species: the Niassa wildebeest, Boehm's zebra, and Johnston's impala.

Buffalo, baboons, and antelope are among the animals you'll see on safari, and. carnivores including lions, hyenas, and leopards can also be found—however, sightings are rare. Unlike more well-known safari destinations, the emphasis here is on diverse and gratifying wildlife encounters away from the tourist hordes, rather than ticking off the 'big five.'

The middle to end of the Dry season is July to October, and these are the ideal months for wildlife viewing because much of the water in the bush has dried up, and thirsty animals cluster around the few remaining water sources. However, October is scorching hot, making it unbearable for those who dislike the heat. The mornings are cool from May through August, and warm clothing is required.

The air is fresh and the landscapes are green from November to April, and this is excellent for birdwatching, with migrant species in the area. Newborn animals can be observed during this season. However, the park may close from December to the end of April.

While the Niassa Reserve rivals the Serengeti in terms of area and species diversity, the environment provides a wildly different game-viewing experience than a normal East African safari. In contrast to Tanzania and Kenya's broad savannah grasslands, the majority of the reserve is covered in miombo woodland, making wildlife sightings more difficult. Because of Niassa's remote position, visitors are limited and routes are mostly free of cars, allowing intrepid travellers to have a more tranquil and relaxing safari.

Nkwichi, a beach lodge on Lake Niassa in Mozambique, is our recommended lodging option. With blue waters, excellent beach sand, and forest, the unspoiled scenery is truly magnificent. Lake Niassa, a Rift Valley freshwater lake shared with Malawi, is one of the world's largest. Nkwichi Lodge, nestled among the fig trees and boulders, blends in perfectly with its surroundings. The chalets and private houses at this Mozambique beach lodge are individually unique and roomy, with indigenous stone, wood, and thatch used in their construction. Each chalet or home has a beautiful view of Lake Niassa, which gleams in the sunlight.

For more information or booking enquiries, please contact us here.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com