THE NIASSA RESERVE - MOZAMBIQUE
The Reserve is known as one of the largest
protected Miombo forest ecosystems in the
world, with a surface area of 42,000 km², the
Niassa Reserve is the largest conservation area of
Mozambique and it contains by far the greatest
concentration of wildlife in the country.
LOCATION
Located in the northern Mozambique, covering
parts of Cabo Delgado Province and nearly one
third of Niassa Province, the Niassa Reserve core
area of 22 000km² is bordered by the Rovuma
River in the north (Tanzania border), Lugenda
River in southeast, Luatize River, southwest and
Lussanhando River in the west. A buffer area of
20 000km², which was divided in six management
concessions, is also part of the Niassa Reserve.
The total area is twice the size of Kruger National
Park in South Africa.
ACCESS
 Lugenda Wilderness Camp has its own
airstrip, with fly-in access from Pemba
International Airport via Johannesburg,
Maputo and Dar es Salaam. Scheduled flights
to Pemba from Jhb can be booked with
Airlink or LAM – Mozambique Airlines
 Transfers to Lugenda Wilderness Camp from
Pemba Airport are operated via light aircraft
transfer (duration: +/- 90 min)
 Guests are required to overnight in Pemba
before being transferred to Lugenda the
following morning
 Due to the use of light aircraft for your
scheduled transfer, you are requested to limit your luggage to a MAXIMUM OF 15KG and to utilise SOFT LUGGAGE
CARRIERS
THE CAMP
Lugenda Wilderness Camp is the latest addition to the Rani Resorts’ Mozambique portfolio of properties. Unique to all other Rani
properties, Lugenda is aimed at the discerning few who have a passion for wildlife, the wilderness and enjoy complete seclusion.
The camp is situated within the Niassa Reserve, on the eastern bank of the Lugenda River, amongst the Ngalongue Mountains
(towering inselbergs or island mountains). The Serra Mecula is positioned across from the camp. It was on Mecula Mountain that
Paul Von Lettow Vorbeck and his 250 000 men held up towards the end of their incredible First World War East African Campaign
against 1.5 million allied troops.
The camp consists of a main building housing a reading lounge area, self service bar, dining area and boma. On either side of the main
building, are four East African-styled luxury tents - no more than 40 meters from the Lugenda River.
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ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation consists of 8 luxury East African-style tents, 6 x Kings and 2 x Twins. All tents have an en-suite bathroom with bath
and shower, ceiling fan, hair dryer, safe and wooden viewing deck. The tents have a concrete screed floor with individual Victorian
styled deep tub and shower. The tents are situated underneath large wild fig trees, which attract wild elephant during the early
morning and late afternoon.
FOCUS
Personalised service; remote wilderness retreat, perfect for adventure enthusiasts, solo travelers, honeymooners and seasoned
safari travelers looking for a unique experience.
ACTIVITIES
The Niassa Reserve borders with Tanzania, covering an area of 42,000km² (twice the size of Kruger National Park) and is one of the
largest protected Miombo forest ecosystems in the world. The reserve includes four of the Big Five as well as the endangered
African wild dog and unique species such as Boehm’s zebra, Johnston’s impala and Niassa wildebeest.
The area is well-suited to game drives, and the vehicle seats 8 guests per vehicle. The safari activities are directed by qualified and
fascinating guides who are passionate about the area and ensuring the best possible experience for their guests.
Big game such as elephant, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and zebra can be seen on drives. Other game such as impala, wildebeest, hippo,
lion, leopard, warthogs and spotted hyena can also be seen. The area is still in development and new roads are currently being built.
Due to the size of the area, game drives are normally lengthy in time.
The Niassa Reserve is also a birders' paradise and includes the rare Angola pitta (Pitta angolensis), Pel’s fishing owl (Scotopelia peli),
and an abundant raptor population. Rovuma River is an Important Bird Area and over 370 bird species have been identified already.
For adventure enthusiasts, experience the ultimate canoeing safari on the Lugenda River between May and July; hike up incredible
inselbergs for a night out, literally, on top of the world for an unforgettable camp-out under a blanket of stars (May to August and
October to December); discover ancient Batwa pygmy cave paintings.
GAME
The results of an aerial census carried out in October 2002, estimated an elephant population of 12 000 with evidence of an
increasing trend in numbers. The Reserve also has over 9000 of the sable antelope and several thousands each of Cape buffalo,
Lichtensteins 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 common. The endangered Cape hunting
dog (African wild dog) occurs with an estimated population exceeding 200 animals, which makes the Niassa Reserve one of the last
best refugees for this species. Of particular interest are three endemic subspecies, which exist in Niassa but are rare elsewhere,
namely: Niassa wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus johnstoni), Boehms zebra (Equus burchelli boehmi), and Johnstons impala
(Aepyceros melampus johnstoni).
The best time for birding is early in the season (April – June) when the grass is still high. However, this is not the best time for game
viewing, as the bush is very dense.
The best time for big game viewing is from July to December. The wild dogs are around the Lugenda area in May to July, but they
tend to move off and go far from our concession around August.
Best time to see elephants in camp: September and October.
CAMP CLOSURE
Due to the rainy season in the area, Lugenda Wilderness Camp is operational from May to beginning December each year.
CHILD POLICY
Regrettably, no children U/12 unless by prior arrangement.
MANAGEMENT
Lugenda Wilderness Camp is managed by Derek Littleton.
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