Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park is a kind experience, where wild game animals and bush safaris meet the incredible Indian Ocean. Where else in the world can you wake up on the beach AND see animal tracks right outside your tent?
Game drives bring you close to all kinds of large creatures, including secretive leopards, basking buffalos, and glimpses of rare antelopes. And if you are incredibly lucky you might see an elephant going for a cooling swim. This is a relaxing take on safari, no jostling for views or racing across the plains, it’s a gentle game of hide-and-seek with the wild inhabitants.
Get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs and take a guided walk, the best way to stumble upon sable antelope, zebra, waterbuck, reedbuck, eland, hartebeest, wildebeest, and giraffe! Or take a boat cruise on the Wami River, go canoeing to see the birds on the Mafui Creek, and if the time is right then turtle hatchlings are an amazing experience you don’t want to miss.
You can go snorkeling or swim in the warm waters of the ocean where marine species like dolphins and graceful humpback whales visit the area from time to time.
Once day turns to dusk the night creatures are out by the shore, once more. Maybe genet, civet, or porcupine will pass your tent, or even an elephant or four?
About Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park is situated on the east coast of Tanzania, 130km north of Dar es Salaam and encompasses 1,062 square kilometers.
Saadani National Park is a new protected area as it was created in 2005 by combining the important biological areas of the Saadani Game Reserve, Mkwaja ranch, Wami River, and Zaraninge Forest. It is the only national park in Tanzania that borders the ocean.
Indian traders first noted Saadani village in the 6th century and during the 18th and 19th centuries it played an important part in the ivory and slave trade. Nowadays it is mostly reliant on the fishing industry.
Main Attractions
Saadani is a unique place where the bush meets the ocean. Its main attractions are:
- Unique safari setting on the coast
- Experience a different way of safari on a river cruise
- Great bird watching
- Swimming and relaxing on the beach
Safaris from bush to beach at Saadani NP
Game drives in the bush, a picnic or lunch on the beach. Where else is this possible? Saadani’s unique location makes it a popular stop, although this is definitely still a park that is off the beaten path and you won’t see huge numbers of visitors here. Instead, you will have the feeling you have the park all to yourself.
River safaris in Saadani NP
Don’t forget to hop in the boat for a cruise on the Wami River. It is a great way to see a different part of Saadani NP, the river, and life around it. Animals come for a drink, hippos snort in the shallows, birds are on the lookout for a fish, and crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. You might be lucky and see the elephants coming down for a drink.
Great bird watching in Saadani NP
Saadani is blessed with a huge variety of birds, including marine and riverine birds. When the migration birds come through, this number is increased again. It is a great place to add some new birds to your list.
Swimming and relaxing on the beach at Saadani NP
Where else in the world can you break up your game drive and go for a swim in the ocean or a stroll along the beach? It is a unique experience and one not to be missed.
