Best Things to do in Saadani National Park

HISTORY AND CULTURE       

Historical Significance of Saadani Village

Saadani village once served as an important harbor town and slave trading center in East Africa. Today, it is a small Swahili fishing village with about 800 inhabitants who primarily engage in fishing. The surrounding villages also rely on farming, with coconut cultivation being significant in the region.

Rise of Saadani as a Trading Center

After periods of Portuguese and Arab domination, Saadani gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries due to rising international demand for ivory and enslaved people. The village emerged alongside towns like Bagamoyo and Pangani as new trading centers that connected Zanzibar with long-distance trade routes from Tabora.

Bwana Heri and Resistance

At the end of the 19th century, Bwana Heri bin Juma ruled Saadani. He is remembered in oral tradition as the village’s mythological founder-hero, having resisted Zanzibari attempts to occupy the town and defeating the sultan’s troops in 1882. In 1886, borders for the German protectorate were established, and two years later, coastal people organized resistance against the Germans under Bwana Heri and Abushiri bin Salim al Harth.

German Occupation and Economic Shifts

On June 6, 1889, Saadani was bombarded and taken by the Germans. Bwana Heri, regarded as an honorable enemy, was tasked with rebuilding Saadani. However, by the end of the 19th century, the caravan trade of Saadani and Bagamoyo declined, and Dar-es-Salaam emerged as the primary trading center of the coastal region.

Agricultural Changes and British Influence

Following the transfer of the protectorate to the British after World War I, cash crops like coffee, cotton, and sisal were introduced to replace previous commercial production of rice, sugar, and copra, which had been exported to Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean. The area saw the establishment of sisal, kapok, and cashew estates, along with cattle ranches, marking a significant economic shift.

Remnants of the Past

Today, ruins of stone houses still testify to Saadani’s former flourishing condition. Visitors can find remnants of an old German boma (government house) and several graves that reflect the village’s rich history.

SAVANNAH

Types of Savannah

The humid savannah of Saadani National Park can be divided into three easily distinguishable types: tall grass savannas with herbaceous cover growing up to 2m and scattered palms, short grass grazing land mainly situated on former sisal plantations, and black cotton plains, where the clay soil creates particularly harsh conditions.

Tree Cover and Fauna

Different degrees of tree cover can be distinguished, with Acacia Zanzibarica, characterized by its long spines, being typical for Saadani and covering large areas of the Park. Buffalo, which can weigh up to 850kg, inhabit the tall grass savannas. Several herds of hartebeests can also be observed grazing in Saadani National Park.

Common Species

The common waterbuck occurs throughout the park area, easily recognized by the white ring around their tails and weighing up to 270kg. Reedbucks are notably dense in Saadani National Park, although this medium-sized antelope (45kg) might be challenging to spot in tall grasses where they seek shelter. Warthogs are omnipresent, often seen even in Saadani village, having learned that they are safe from harm due to the local Muslim population.

Iconic Wildlife

Giraffes, Tanzania’s national symbol and the tallest animals in the world, are numerous in Saadani National Park. Their tongues have special callus plates, allowing them to browse effectively on spiny acacia trees. Large herds of white-bearded wildebeest graze in the short grass savannas; these were introduced to the area in the 1970s, along with plains zebra and eland.

Carnivores and Other Species

The lion, the largest of the African carnivores, is also found in Saadani, though it is rarely seen. Visitors may hear hyenas at night and could encounter genets, porcupines, and bush pigs. Other species within the park include yellow baboons, vervets, and various types of monkeys, enriching the diverse wildlife experience of Saadani National Park.

 

RIVER AND OCEAN

From East to West, the open ocean with coral reefs changes to a brackish water ecosystem characterized by mangrove forests, salt pans, and bare saline areas. Further inland, the Wami River is the most critical freshwater source, along with numerous temporary rivers and dams.

The sea retreats up to 100 meters at low tide, forming a convenient passage for local people and wild animals. These beaches are the only place north of Dar-es-salaam where sea turtles still come to lay their eggs. The most common species is the green turtle, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. Besides nest thieves on the beach, turtles are particularly threatened by commercial fisheries and water pollution. The marine extension of the Park includes the Mafui sandbanks, whose colorful coral reefs are important breeding sites for many fish species.

Evergreen mangrove trees grow in the transactional zone, just above the mean sea level. Salt-tolerant tidal forests provide a resting and feeding place for many bird species, bats, monkeys, hippos, and reptiles. Numerous fish species, such as prawns, also lay their eggs in these protected habitats.
The high demand for resistant mangrove wood leads to overexploitation, making protecting these forests even more important. In Saadani National Park, an enormous mangrove forest grows along the Wami River. Large groups of hippos and Nile crocodiles can also be observed here. The Wami River is perfect for watching birds such as kingfishers, fish eagles, and many wading birds.

FOREST AND SHRUBS

The less-known coastal forest is characterized by a high biodiversity, with many plants occurring only in this area (endemics).
Forests play a vital role in protecting soil against erosion and thus regulating the water cycle. In addition to the two extensive forests of Zaraninge and Kwamsisi, many of the smaller patches of forest and shrubs represent essential animal habitats. However, these forests and shrubs are vulnerable to illegal logging, charcoal production, and farming expansion.

In Saadani, elephants are relatively shy and usually hide in woody parts of the Park during the day. Leopards are also found in dense bushes and trees (thickets). These rarely-seen animals are mainly nocturnal and can live near humans. Other showy animals living mostly in woody areas are the greater kudu and smaller antelopes such as Suni and Duiker. The tree crowns are inhabited by colubus monkeys, which exist mainly on leaves, strictly nocturnal bush babies, and many fruit-eating bird species, insects, and butterflies.

 

TOURISM ACTIVITIES

• Boat safari at the delta of the Wami River and the ocean, mangrove vegetation, water-loving birds, Hippos, and Nile crocodiles.

• Visit the Green Turtle Breeding site in the Madete area.

• Visit Mafui Sand Bank Island, which opens during the day and closes in the evening. This sand bank is where you snorkel in the caves with colorful fish and green turtles. Lunch and sunbathing can give maximum relaxation.

• Walking safari on the natural trails of Saadani gets you close to nature.

• Day game drive.

• Night game drives for sighting nocturnal animals.

• Relax on the cleanest beach on the coasts of Bagamoyo and Tanga, where one gets to see the sunrise.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

• Clean beach and the Indian Ocean.
• Wild mammals such as waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, yellow baboon, hartebeest, wildebeest, zebra, elephant, and lion are abundant.
• Green turtles breeding site.
• Wami River.
• Zaraninge coastal forest.
• Over 220 species of birds, including migratory birds.
• Historical remains.
• Swahili culture.

PARK ACCESSIBILITY

By road

Saadani National Park is located about 44km North of Bagamoyo town. The Park can be easily accessed through the Wami River from Bagamoyo.

The Park can also be accessed by a 271km drive from Dar es Salaam—Mandela village via Chalinze town. From Mandela, drive on a rough road for 61km to the Saadani Park entry gate.

A daily public bus commutes from Dar-es-salaam / Bagamoyo and Saadani village to Tanga City and Mkwaja village.

Furthermore, one can get to Saadani from Arusha—Moshi-Segera-Tanga-Pangani OR Arusha—Moshi-Segera—Kwamsisi-Mandela, about 561 Km.

From Tanga City, one can reach Saadani by driving and crossing the Pangani River on a public ferry. It is about a 3-hour drive (130 km) on a rough road to the Park Entry gate.

 

By air

Flights (light aircraft) can be arranged to Mkwaja or Saadani airstrip from any part of the country, such as Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Manyara, Dar es Salaam, etc.
Zanzibar Island is about 40km away from the Park. It takes about 14 minutes to fly from Zanzibar to Saadani Airstrip. 

 

By Water

However, one can reach Saadani by boat from Dar-es-salaam, Tanga, Pangani, Bagamoyo, and Zanzibar.

NOTE: In the rainy season (March-April), the muddy roads can make traveling in the southern parts of the Park tough. It is advisable to inquire about the condition of the road before traveling.

Best time to visit the Park:

But, it is advisable to visit the Park during the season. However, the Park has lots of attractions all year round. July to March is the best time for flamingo-watching in the salt pans.

ACCOMMODATION

Then, the Park offers various types of accommodation and facilities for both Residents and Non-residents visiting the Park.

• The rest house is near the beach, with a furnished sitting room, main bedroom, three single rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
• Bandaz, which are located along the beach, each with two rooms of four bedding and

single rooms for couples with outside dining and a kitchen equipped with cooking gas, a deep freezer, and utensils.
These facilities offer campers an opportunity to sleep at camping sites by pitching
tents at the public campsite, which is located along the beach of Saadani,

• Particular campsites: Kiwandi campsite is in the Zaraninge forest, Kinyonga campsite is along the Wami River, and Tengwe campsite is in the wilderness zone.

Visitors are advised to bring their own food, which they may cook using park facilities.
Other private accommodation facilities inside and outside the Park include Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, Tembo Kijani Lodge, and A Tent with View Lodge. Please visit their websites for more information.

 

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

Threats to Saadani National Park

Because of the situation in the coastal part of Tanzania and many conflicting interests in developing this region, Saadani National Park faces numerous threats to its survival. The most severe is the ever-increasing demand for land to feed a growing human population that borders the Park. This pressure can lead to habitat destruction and increased human-wildlife conflict, jeopardizing the delicate ecosystems within the Park.

The Impact of Irresponsible Behavior

But, the damaging poacher’s snare. Activities like driving off-road, where it is not allowed, can harm fragile soils and disturb plants, as well as disrupt wildlife during critical breeding periods. Responsible actions can significantly contribute to preserving the Park’s unique character and biodiversity.

Park Regulations for Preservation

Therefore, to help protect Saadani National Park, it’s essential to respect the following general rules and regulations:

1. Speed Limit

   Keep to the 50kph speed limit for your safety and the safety of the wildlife.

   Night Driving

   Driving at night is prohibited (from 7 pm to 6 am).

   Designated Roads

   Stay on the designated roads/tracks to minimize ecological disturbance.

   Wildlife Interaction

   Do not harass, feed, or interfere with wildlife.

   Vehicle Conduct

   Do not leave, stand on, or hang out of the vehicle near any animal.

   Protect Green Turtles

   Green Turtles are endangered; do not disturb adults, hatchlings, or nests on the beach.

   Coral Reefs

   Do not break off or walk on fragile corals, which are vital marine habitats.

   Leave Nature Untouched

   Please leave all plants, animals, skulls, bones, rocks, or any other object in the Park where they belong.

   No Introductions

   Do not bring any animal, plant, or object into the Park.

   Authorized Picnics

   Picnic only at designated areas.

   Trash Disposal

   Do not leave any trash behind; take it with you or dispose of it properly.

   Cigarette Disposal

   Extinguish cigarettes in your vehicle’s ashtray to avoid bushfires.

   Fire Safety

   Do not start a fire unless at authorized camps.

   Park Hours

   Remember that the park gates open at 6 am and close at 6 pm.

   Visit at Your Own Risk

   You enter the Park at your own risk, so take necessary precautions.

   Explore at the pace of the wild, sync your pulse with the earth, and discover true freedom.