Matembwe Gate is a popular entry point into the Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park, which is one of the largest protected areas in Tanzania. This gate is located in the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve and offers easy access to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the reserve.

Matembwe Gate offers a convenient entry point into the Selous Game Reserve, which is one of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife areas in Tanzania. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris to view the wildlife up close, as well as many other activities in the area. With its comfortable accommodations and easy access, Matembwe Gate is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the Selous Game Reserve.

Getting to Matembwe Gate

If you’re planning to visit the Selous Game Reserve through Matembwe Gate, you can do so by driving from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. The distance between Dar es Salaam and Matembwe Gate is around 260 kilometers, and it takes approximately 5 hours to drive there. From Zanzibar, you can take a ferry to Dar es Salaam and then drive to Matembwe Gate.

Entry Requirements

To enter the Selous Game Reserve through Matembwe Gate, you will need to obtain a permit from the Tanzania Wildlife Authority. The permit allows you to enter the reserve and stay there for a certain number of days. You will also need to pay an entry fee and a conservation fee.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options near Matembwe Gate, including lodges and tented camps. These accommodations offer comfortable and convenient options for visitors to the Selous Game Reserve. Some of the popular lodges and camps near Matembwe Gate include Selous Kinga Lodge, Rufiji River Camp, and Sand Rivers Selous.

Wildlife Viewing

The Selous Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and many others. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris to view the wildlife up close.

Activities

Apart from wildlife viewing, there are many other activities to enjoy near Matembwe Gate. Visitors can take guided walks in the bush, visit local villages and learn about the culture of the local tribes, go fishing in the Rufiji River, and enjoy bird watching.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve through Matembwe Gate is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the wildlife is concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The weather is also pleasant during this time, with cool temperatures and clear skies.

Safety Precautions

It is important to take safety precautions when visiting the Selous Game Reserve through Matembwe Gate. Visitors should always follow the instructions of their guides, keep a safe distance from the wildlife, and avoid walking alone in the bush. It is also important to take precautions against malaria, which is prevalent in the area.