Spanning an area of 42,000 square kilometres (10 million acres), the Niassa Game Reserve is the largest protected area in Mozambique, and one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the whole of Africa. Twice the size of South Africa's famed Kruger National Park, the Niassa Reserve boasts a high concentration (if not massive variety) of wildlife, incredibly varied bird life, and absolutely stunning natural scenery. Visitors to the Niassa Game Reserve will be spellbound by the interesting and changing landscape, ranging from mountain forests to miombo forests and savannah grasslands - not to mention the high concentration of wild animals, including 13,000 elephants, 200 endangered wild dogs, lions, leopards and a huge assortment of birds. Tourists are urged to visit between April and October, as this is the prime viewing season. The best place to stay in the Niassa Reserve is definitely the world-class Lugenda Wilderness Camp, which offers visitors comfortable lodgings, game drives, hiking trails and incredible star-gazing opportunities.