Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (LUWIRE) was created to preserve and enhance the vast unique ecosystem found in northernmost Mozambique.
An idea was formulated to set aside a considerable area of land totaling around 7500 Square kilomtres along the east bank of the Lugenda River bordering the Niassa Game Reserve to create a safe haven for flora and fauna.
The Niassa Game Reserve is along the Rovuma river which forms the border with Tanzania. It covers an area of 42,000 square kilometres, including a buffer zone comprising 20,000 square kilometres. It is twice the size of Kruger National Park in South Africa and is comparable in size to Wales, Denmark or Massachusetts. It contains by far the largest concentration of game in Mozambique: an aerial survey carried out in October 2000 estimated an elephant population of around 12,000, with evidence of rapid increase in numbers.
Niassa Province is one of ten Mozambiquan provinces, and is situated in the northern part of Mozambique. Niassa is spread over 129 000 sq km of undulating hills, and is home to less than a million people. (Niassa has a population density of 6.7 people per sq km.).
The Provincial capital Lichinga is home to about 10% of the provinces' population. The road network in the province is not well developed; gravel roads link Lichinga to the other major towns of Cuamba and Mandimba. The rail link to Lichinga is still under repair.
In 1858 the famous doctor, missionary and scientist David Livingston discovered Lake Niassa from the south on his third expedition into Africa. Due to the numerous slave traders operating along the lakeshore, his experiences at lake Niassa reinforced his quest to free Africa from slavery and exploitation. Livingston nicknamed the lake 'Lake of Stars'.
Niassa offers a wilderness with fantastic fauna and flora. Beside the Niassa Reserve there are a few game parks and community reservation areas that offer a lot of game (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelopes, etc). Further more it can be mentioned that big herds of African Wild Dog, buffalo and elephants with enormous tusks are common especially in the Reserve.
There are opportunities and constraints for tourism development in Niassa. On the positive side is the pristine wilderness quality of the area, spectacular scenery offered by the majestic granite inselbergs and numerous rivers, some of the largest concentration of wildlife in Mozambique, and an exciting bush experience well off the beaten track.
