SaadaniNational Park
Saadani National Park is the only park in East Africa where the savannah meets the Indian Ocean. On the same day you can watch elephants and giraffes in the bush, take a boat along…
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Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park is the only park in East Africa where the savannah meets the Indian Ocean. On the same day you can watch elephants and giraffes in the bush, take a boat along the Wami River among hippos and crocodiles, and walk on an empty beach. Close to Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo and Zanzibar, Saadani is a relaxed, uncrowded way to combine beach and bush.
Saadani became a national park in 2005, joining a former game reserve with surrounding forest and ranch land. Its landscape is unusually varied: coastal thicket, open grassland, mangroves, the Wami River estuary and long sandy beaches.
Wildlife densities are lower than in the northern parks, but the setting is unique. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and hartebeest are seen on game drives, and boat safaris on the Wami reveal hippos, crocodiles and a wealth of water birds, including kingfishers and flamingos in season. Green turtles nest on protected stretches of the beach.
Saadani is ideal for travellers who want some wildlife without long drives, families looking to add variety to a beach holiday, and anyone who has already seen the big parks and wants something different.
June to February; the long rains from March to May make some tracks impassable
Hot and humid coastal climate, cooled by sea breezes; long rains March to May
TZ, Coastal Tanzania
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Before You Go
Saadani can be reached by road from Dar es Salaam in around four hours (longer after rain), or by a short light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Two nights is enough for game drives, a river trip and time on the beach.
Road access can be difficult during the long rains, so we recommend flying in between March and May.
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Saadani National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Saadani National Park different from other Tanzania safari parks?
Saadani is the only park in East Africa where the savannah meets the Indian Ocean, so you can watch elephants and giraffes in the bush, boat along the Wami River among hippos and crocodiles, and walk on an empty beach on the same day. It is also a relaxed, uncrowded alternative to the busier northern parks.
How do you get to Saadani National Park and can it be combined with a beach holiday?
Saadani sits close to Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo and Zanzibar, which makes it an easy add-on to a coastal or island beach trip. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can tailor the transfers and itinerary and quote a trip on request.
How good is the wildlife viewing in Saadani compared with parks like the Serengeti?
Wildlife densities are lower than in the northern parks, but the setting is unique. Game drives commonly turn up elephant, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and hartebeest, while boat safaris on the Wami River reveal hippos, crocodiles and abundant water birds.
What can you see on a boat safari along the Wami River in Saadani?
The Wami River boat safaris bring you close to hippos and crocodiles, along with a wealth of water birds including kingfishers and flamingos in season. The river runs through the park's estuary and mangrove landscapes.
When did Saadani become a national park and what is its landscape like?
Saadani became a national park in 2005, joining a former game reserve with surrounding forest and ranch land. Its scenery is unusually varied, covering coastal thicket, open grassland, mangroves, the Wami River estuary and long sandy beaches.
Who is a Saadani National Park safari best suited to?
Saadani suits travellers who want wildlife without long drives, families looking to add variety to a beach holiday, and anyone who has already seen the big northern parks and wants something different. Green turtles nest on protected stretches of its beach, adding to the coastal character.
