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 (Scheduled flights to Pemba 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) For any flights arriving in Pemba after 14h00, guests need to overnight in Pemba & will be 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 and dining area. On either side of the main building, are four East African-styled luxury tents - no more than 40 meters from the Lugenda River. The main pool is directly in front of the main building, virtually on the banks of the Lugenda River. Page 1 of 2 Updated 2013 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. ACTIVITIES The area is well-suited to game drives, and the vehicle seats 8 guests per vehicle. The game drives are directed by qualified guides. In 2009, guests can also participate in the Moja Wilderness Experience, which incorporates mekoro excursions and walks along the Lugenda River. 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. 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. Please discuss this with your guide to ensure you are well prepared. 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 would be from July – December. The wild dogs are around the Lugenda area in May - July, but they tend to move off and go far from our concession around August. CAMP CLOSURE Due to the rainy season in the area, Lugenda Wilderness Camp will be operational from May to beginning December each year. CHILD POLICY Regrettably, no children U/12. MANAGEMENT Lugenda Wilderness Camp is managed by Derek Littleton. Page 2 of 2 Updated 2013 .