[2][failed verification] Founded in 1954 while Mozambique was still Portuguese East Africa, Niassa did not receive effective protection until the end of the Mozambican Civil War with the signing of the Rome General Peace Accords.

Since then, the Mozambican government has set up management systems in order to protect the ecology of northern Mozambique.

Mozambican officials admit constraints to development of the park's appeal include "remoteness and difficult access ... lack of any established tourism infrastructure and the logistical hardship associated with starting an enterprise under these conditions.

Niassa Reserve is twice the size of Kruger National Park and comparable to the total area of Wales, Denmark or Massachusetts.

[5] The reserve is home to Mecula Mountain, located at the center of the park with a height of 1,441 metres (4,728 ft).