Due to nearby hunting concessions and a lack of habituation, animals tend to be skittish in Niassa Special Reserve. Four of the Big Five are present (no rhino). Elephants are quite common. Lions are sometimes spotted and, if you’re very lucky, you could see wild dogs too. There is a good variety of antelope species including Lichtenstein's hartebeest, greater kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, klipspringer and reedbuck.
Wildlife Highlights
Of special interest is the large population of sable. These regal antelopes are usually found in thick miombo woodland. Also worth noting is the three endemic subspecies found in Niassa: Grant’s zebra (lacks the shadow stripes of other subspecies), Nyassa wildebeest (larger than other subspecies) and Johnston's impala (smaller than other subspecies).
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best time for spotting animals in Niassa is from July to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season (May to October). Wildlife is easier to see at that time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the rivers and other permanent water sources.
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