Niassa Province

Niassa is the northernmost major province of Mozambique and spreads across a vast territory. Lake Niassa forms its western border and defines the landscape of this sparsely populated region.

Lichinga, the current capital, was founded in 1931 as Vila Cabral during Portuguese rule. The town grew from a simple settlement into a planned center with organized streets.

Different languages fill daily conversations here, with Makhuwa, Yao, and Nyanja being the most spoken. This linguistic diversity shapes how communities interact and connect across the region.

Lichinga has an airport with regular flights to other cities and a rail link to the port of Nacala. Visitors should expect basic infrastructure and longer travel times, as the region is sparsely developed.

The Niassa National Reserve is one of the largest wilderness areas in southern Africa and is shared with an adjacent province. This vast protected area offers a rare glimpse into undisturbed nature that persists across the region.

Location: Mozambique

Capital city: Lichinga

Shares border with: Cabo Delgado Province, Nampula Province, Zambezia Province, Southern Region

Website: https://niassa.gov.mz

GPS coordinates: -13.25000,36.50000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:03