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. The significance of this population is enhanced by the presence of numerous old tuskers. At least 18 elephant bulls with tusks of 100 pounds per side have been individually identified. The Reserve also has over 9,000 of the majestic sable antelope and several thousands each of Cape buffalo, Lichtenstein hartebeest, eland and zebra. There are smaller populations of kudu, bushbuck, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, reedbuck and hippo. Duiker and warthogs abound. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are also common. The endangered Cape hunting dog also lives in the Reserve, with an estimated population exceeding 200 animals which makes this area an important refuge for the species. Also of particular interest are three endemic subspecies which exist in Niassa but are rare elsewhere. These are the Niassa wildebeest with a distinctive white band across its muzzle, Boehms zebra and Johnstons impala.
For tourists, the Niassa Reserve offers pristine wilderness, spectacular scenery, some unique wildlife features and an exciting bush experience well off the beaten track. It is also just one hour's flight away from the unspoilt beaches of Lake Niassa to the west and the warm Indian Ocean to the east. The plan is to develop and implement a coherent tourism strategy including ecotourism and adventure trails in the core areas and safari hunting and wildlife breeding in the buffer zone. Two investors have already begun operations in the buffer zone and safari hunting is available at the Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (Luwire). A small lodge in the Reserve at Tambala has recently been constructed and it can accommodate ecotourists and conservationists. The first adventure safari in late 2000, involving tourists from Europe and a specialist operator from Zimbabwe, was a huge success.
The Reserve is not only one of the most significant conservation areas in Africa but it also offers a unique opportunity to develop a new conservation model in Mozambique based on a partnership between rural communities, government, the private sector, and national and international NGOs.