The Niassa Reserve covers 42.000 km2 -an area the size of Wales - and is one of the largest nature reserves in the world - certainly the largest in Mozambique and Southern Africa.
Allegedly, the reserve is home to fauna and flora yet to be discovered.
On the vast planes of miombo woodland, engraved by intertwining rivers, the majestic Inselbergs rise in the landscape. Some isolated and insular, others shoulder to shoulder.
Along and between these rivers wander the large herds of game as they have done since the days of the ivory traders tales. The reserve is home to a rapidly growing elephant population of 12,000 head including the rare large-tuskers. Eighteen bulls carry 200 pound-plus sets of tusks, the abundance of animals allows limited trophy hunting in the buffer zones fringing the park.
Although in the Reserve proper, only cameras are allowed. The park is privately run by SRN under a strict conservation programme that includes development initiatives for the communities within the park whilst promoting wildlife eco-tourism.
Soon the Niassa Reserve will be an important cornerstone in the World Banks Trans- Frontier Conservation Area greater eco-tourism and conservation programme.
"A coast to coast" project linking biodiversity corridors from Lake Niassa to the proposed marine reserve in the neighbouring province. Cabo Delgado. And including Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.
There is no other single area in Africa that has such diversity of landscape under its protection.
