Saadani National Park (NP) is a 410 sq. mile wildlife sanctuary in East Africa, the only park in Tanzania with an Indian Ocean beachfront with elephants and Swahili fishermen on view. Guests visiting the park can enjoy a unique wildlife experience in this national park, which was a game reserve up until 2005, enjoying sunbathing on the beach watching elephants strolling past and animals drinking at the nearby waterhole.
The unusual mix of this park with the salt flats, Indian ocean, white sand beaches, marine park, river and mangrove makes this an incredibly diverse and special place which can be explored by car, on foot and by boat. A boat safari here at Saadani NP is something to behold and never fails to please visitors. Guests can enjoy a picnic lunch amongst fantastic big game mammals, hippo pods and crocodiles lounging on the banks of the Wami river.The game drives are always from 6am to 5pm with game viewing mostly done on the Want River. Primates like the white and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys are often seen.
A safari guest can relish the palm trees as they sway in a cooling oceanic breeze. White sand and blue water sparkle alluringly beneath the tropical sun, a magical combination. Traditional dhows sail slowly past, propelled by billowing white sails, whilst Swahili fishermen cast their nets below a brilliant red sunrise. Another highlight of this safari is its location, a park on the safari circuit yet one of the most untouched natural resources of Tanzania, off the beaten track and away from the crowds of tourists and the sound of other safari vehicles.
Game drives at Saadani National Park provide a unique safari experience, combining the beauty of Tanzania’s coastal ecosystems with the wildlife of the savanna. Located along the Indian Ocean, Saadani is the only park in Tanzania where you can enjoy both beach and safari experiences. During a game drive, you’ll journey through diverse landscapes, including coastal forests, savannah plains, and the Wami River, each offering different opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide range of animals, such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras, as well as elusive species like wild dogs and leopards. The Wami River is a key feature of the park, and during game drives, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along its banks.
A walking tour in Saadani National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the historic old Saadani village, which was once a thriving coastal trading port. The village played a significant role in the ivory and slave trade during the 19th and early 20th centuries. As you stroll through the village, you’ll have the chance to see the remains of old buildings and structures that date back to this busy trading era, offering a glimpse into the past when Saadani was a key port along the Indian Ocean coast.
This walk provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the area’s cultural heritage while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the park. The remnants of the old buildings, including colonial-era ruins and Swahili architecture, give insight into the region’s rich history. These historical sites are scattered around the village, offering a striking contrast to the natural beauty of Saadani’s savannah and coastal landscapes.
Cultural tours in Saadani National Park offer an opportunity to explore the traditions of the region’s main ethnic tribes, including the Waswahili, Wazigua, and Wadoe. Visitors can learn about the unique practices of the Wamangati, who send their cattle from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Zanzibar on traditional dhows for trade. The tours also provide insight into local customs, agriculture, and maritime heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural history of Saadani and its people.
A beach day in Saadani National Park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. The park’s pristine beaches are clean, serene, and lined with palm trees, creating an idyllic setting for a peaceful day by the sea. With the ocean’s temperature typically around 25°C, swimming is comfortable and enjoyable. Visitors can unwind, take in the coastal scenery, and soak up the sun. For those looking to explore, Maziwe Reef is easily accessible by boat from anywhere along the Saadani coast, offering opportunities for snorkeling and discovering vibrant marine life. It’s the perfect way to complement your safari experience with a bit of coastal tranquility.
From Zanzibar, it’s a short 20-minute hop by plane over the Zanzibar channel, making this an obvious, easy and less expensive safari destination and an obvious combination with Zanzibar beaches. International flights into the country also arrive via Dar es Salaam (DAR) airport for visitors wondering how to get to Tanzania. DAR airport is located 18km south of Dar Es Salaam and a Tanzania visa and certain vaccinations may be required to enter the country.
Saadani is the closest wildlife park to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. It’s a 4-hour car journey from Dar.
Prices per day: USD $20 per adult. Carrying a small amount of Tanzanian currency, the Tanzania Shilling (TZS) is recommended as back-up when paying for items where credit card facilities are unavailable. Visitors can also review further details on overallTanzania safari prices here.
Visitors must respect the rules of the park including the flora and fauna. Details will be provided at the park entrance gate.
There are a small number of accommodation options at Saadani NP where visitors can stay during their trip.
Lodges will typically have deluxe rooms, ensuite bathrooms, prepared dinners, excellent service and superb views across the surrounding landscape.
Newlyweds may also indulge on a Tanzania honeymoon safari or a luxury safari where they’ll receive a lot of extra pampering and top notch service at superb safari locations including Serengeti National Park, ensuring they feel all the love on a Tanzania safari.
Bars/restaurants/amenities: Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.
Tanzania boasts some of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, offering an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the wild. From the Serengeti’s vast plains to the Ngorongoro Crater’s diverse wildlife, each destination promises incredible wildlife sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep connection with nature. Explore the top safari spots in Tanzania with us.
