Niassa National Reserve Niassa – the word evokes images of vast expanses of pristine wilderness untouched by Man, teeming with a rich diversity of rare species of birds and game. Niassa does not disappoint. Welcome to one of the Largest Miombo Woodland Preserves in the World Miombo Woodland covers more than half of the reserve; other habitats include open savanna with wetlands and forested regions. The vistas from the Inselbergs within the park will take your breath away. Mecula Mountain - with its botanical rarities - is located in the center of the Niassa National Reserve, the highest rock formation at 1441 meters above sea level. Plenty of Wildlife Inselberg The Niassa National Reserve extends through northern Mozambique to the border with Tanzania comprising an area of 42 000km2 which is twice the size of the Kruger Park. One of Africa´s largest reserves, Niassa is home to Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo as well as to rare and endangered species such as the endemic Johnston`s Impala, Niassa Wildebeest, Boehm´s Zebra, Sable Antelope and a healthy population of African Wild Dog. Forty species of fish have been recorded in its rivers which are also home to thriving Hippopotamus and Crocodiles. Is Niassa National Park just a bigger Kruger? Niassa is for the adventurous traveler who has already ticked the “big five” and would like to experience something available nowhere else in Mozambique: an extremely remote wilderness where animals behave like wild animals. In the Niassa National Reserve, a place so vast that 13,000 elephant disappear for months at a time, every game sighting is an added bonus of an already exhilarating experience. Bird watchers twitch in anticipation at the prospect of visiting Niassa National Reserve and having a chance to see up to 500 recorded species. The reserve is north of the Zambezi , where a whole new book of bird species live. Some of the specials include the Taita Falcon, Southern Banded Snake-eagle, Böhm´s Bee-eater, the African Pitta and the Stierlings Woodpecker. Click to download a bird list (PDF PDF, 195 kB). Visiting the Niassa Reserve Crossing sandbanks The reserves isolation from civilization render it not only one of Africas few remaining bona fide wild places, but also very exclusive. Despite being the size of Denmark, the Niassa National Reserve is extremely remote and the safest way to travel in and out is by chartered flight from Pemba. Contact Dana Tours to arrange your air transport and stay at Lugenda Wilderness Camp. Lugenda knows Niassa and you will enjoy their expert hospitality and guiding services. Let them introduce you to this wilderness paradise. Game drives and walks are arranged at your request and will be tailored to meet your needs and desires. As an additional inspiration, consider booking the Niassa Mobiles with Sarah Travel & Tours. These begin and end at Lugenda Camp, but are walking tours through the reserve and guests stay at mobile camps within the reserve. Depending on your needs, the game and time of the year, the tour may move along the Lugenda River and camp at a different spot each night. Or alternatively guests stay in one camp for several nights and explore that area in depth. Mecula Mountain may be included in the tour. Self-Driving and Camping in Niassa National Reserve This is not an option for most people. From Maputo you need at least 4 full driving days to get to the entrance of the park. The Niassa National Reserve (see niassareserve.org) laments the state of its own roads and specifically states that a “high clearance vehicle with differential drive” is a minimum requirement, plus “…all visitors must be self contained in terms of camping equipment, fuel, food, medical supplies and communication” This means sat phone and mobile clinic! If you are thinking of camping in Niassa, do not expect the type of facilities you have experienced in South Africa: “Basic camping facilities are available near the entrance gate at Kiboko on the Lugenda River. It is recommended that all visitors contact the Ministry of Tourism or check with the Reserve headquarters on the availability of these facilities”.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 07:00:00 +0000
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