Lugenda Wilderness

Lugenda Wilderness Camp is perfect for travelers looking for a remote safari experience. It is currently the only photographic safari property operating in Northern Mozambique’s Niassa Reserve, an area the size of Whales!

Lugenda is accessed via a 90-minute flight from Pemba to a small dirt airstrip with some stunning views along the way. The camp itself is only eight tents, set among the trees along the banks of the Lugenda River. The tents furthest from the main area feel very private, cool and peaceful among the trees (the tent closest to the main area seemed to be lacking a little bit of privacy). There is electricity and running water throughout the property, there are charging outlets in the rooms, and the electricity is run off of a generator. The tents and main area are simply decorated and comfortable. The staff are friendly and welcoming and seem quite close-knit (possibly because they are so isolated!). The food is simple but good, and meals are communal with guests, guides, and managers all sharing stories and events from the day, adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

While the game viewing is not as prolific as somewhere like the Maasai Mara or Kruger National Park, everything from lions, to leopards, to elephants and crocs are there to be found with a little patience. Game drives are supplemented with canoe trips down the Lugenda River, walking safaris, and trips to see cave paintings from Batwa tribes that used to inhabit the area. Every sundowner and coffee break spot is breathtaking and gives you the chance to really appreciate being the only safari-goers in this massive area.

For travelers ending their safari at the beach in Mozambique, adding Lugenda for another few nights (we recommend 3) of safari is absolutely worth it. It would be an especially welcomed contrast for travelers coming from a more crowded safari destination such as Kruger. We would advocate visiting Lugenda between July and September when drier conditions make game-viewing easier.