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| Mozambique: What to see | ||
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Niassa Game Reserve Remote enough to have provided refuge to the last of Mozambique's herds of buffalo, sable and roan as well as around 12 000 elephant, a group called Compania do Niassa have required the rights to developing this vast area. Although independent visitors are not encouraged, you can take your 4x4 on the 5 day drive up to Mecula town where there is a government DNNF (Direccao Nacional do Fauna e Florestas Bravia), game-guard (fiscais) office and you will be assigned a 'ranger' who will have to accompany you. Best known for The remoteness of this reserve was its saving grace during the years of conflict in which the wildlife populations of the other Parks suffered greatly from poaching. It is the last refuge of Mozambique's herds of buffalo, sable, roan and around 12 000 elephant. Compania do Niassa have required the rights to developing this vast area. Location Niassa Game Reserve is situated in the far north of Mozambique on the border with Tanzania in Niassa Province. Wildlife Species found here include buffalo, elephant, lion, sable, roan, and the largest remaining population of African Wild Dogs. Its elephant population is said to number around 10,000. The black rhinos were unfortunately eradicated by poaching during the years of poaching. Although independent visitors are not encouraged, you can take your 4x4 on the 5 day drive up to Mecula town where there is a government DNNF (Direccao Nacional do Fauna e Florestas Bravia), game-guard (fiscais) office and you will be assigned a 'ranger' who will have to accompany you. The Jurege River provides excellent game viewing but one should Park and approach on foot as the game are skittish and will scatter if disturbed. Restoration Roads are being repaired and reopened, bridges are being rebuilt, and anti-poaching measures introduced. Game counts are regularly taken, and electric fences have been erected to control the movement of the elephants and other animals. Environment Niassa is the highest province in Mozambique with the Linga Plateau covering a quarter of it and is mostly 1000 m above sea level. The Rovuma River borders the Reserve in the north. Vegetation A full range of miombo woodland while evergreen montane forests cover the slopes of the mountains. Climate and when to go The rainy season runs from December to March with monthly rainfalls of over 200 mm. The dry season is between May and November and this is the only time when travellers should negotiate travel within the Park as the roads are still undeveloped. Game viewing is also obviously better at this time as well. Activities Limited game drives and bird watching. At Mecula you can organise to have a ranger accompany you in the Park. Accommodation Enquire about the current status on camping from the D.N.F.F in Maputo (01) 460036, or the Endangered Wildlife Trust in JHB (011) 4861102. Permit Visitors intending to travel to Niassa Game Reserve need to arrange a permit before travelling. This can be done either from the D.N.F.F in Maputo (01) 460036, or the Endangered Wildlife Trust in JHB (011) 4861102. Precautions A permit must be obtained to travel in this Park. Travellers need to be completely self-sufficient and should only travel in a convoy of less than two 4WD vehicles and then only in the dry season May to November. The closest town Mecula has no facilities but at the small market bread, vegetables and beer may be available. TOP |
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