Saadani National Park is where the beach meets the bush—the only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa to boast an Indian Ocean beachfront. It possesses all the attributes that make Tanzania’s tropical Tanzania and islands popular. Yet, it is also where an elephant strolling past might interrupt those idle hours of sunbathing. However, lions come to drink at the nearby waterhole!
It has been protected as a game reserve since the 1960s. In 2002, it expanded to cover twice its former area. The reserve suffered greatly from poaching before the late 1990s. But in recent years, marks have turned around due to a concerted clampdown on poachers based on integrating adjacent villages into the conservation drive.
In East Africa, there is only one place where the beach meets the bush. It is none other than the Saadani National Park in Tanzania. The beautiful sandy beaches with palm trees and spectacular views of the blue water of the Indian Ocean border the protected areas of the National Park. So, if you are sparking on the beach here, an occasional elephant or animal may stroll past to drink water. This unique destination has been protected as a game reserve since the 1960s. Later, in 2002, it was expanded to cover twice its former area. The reserve suffered greatly from poaching before the late 1990s, but in recent years, a marked turnaround has been seen due to an intensive tightening up on poachers. This place is flourishing with lush green forests and is the most attractive destination for Tanzania Safari Tours.
Saadani National Park Location
Saadani National Park’s Location is Park’sst unique feature. Located between Dar es Salaam and Tanga, 200 km and 75 km, respectively, and bordering the mainland coast, the Park covers 1100 square km. The climate is coastal, i.e., hot and humid. The major attraction here is the unique combination of marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setup.
How To Get There At Saadani National Park
You can access the Park through 271km drivParkom Dar-es-salaam – Mandela village via Chalinze town. From Mandela, drive on a rough road for 61km to the Saadani Park entry gate. Or take a daily public bus commute from Dar-es-salaam / Bagamoyo and Saadani village to Tanga City and Mkwaja village. If traveling by air Flight (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. Also, one can reach Saadani by boat from Dar-es-salaam, Tanga, Pangani, Bagamoyo, and Zanzibar while traveling by water.
Best Things to do in Saadani National Park
You can go for a variety of activities at Saadani National Park like:
- Boat safari at the delta of 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. It is also a place where lunch and sunbathing can give maximum relaxation.
- Walking safari on the natural trails of Saadani gets you close to nature.
- Day game drive.
- Night gamdrivesve for sighting nocturnal animals.
- Relax on the cleanest beach on the coasts of Bagamoyo and Tanga, where one gets to see the sunrise and enjoy your Saadani National Park Safari.
Saadani National Park Animals
You are likely to encounter on a drive to see Saadani National Park Animals like giraffe, buffalo, warthog, common waterbuck, reedbuck, Lichtenstein’s hartLichtenstein’seest, greater kudu, eland, yellow baboon, and vervet monkey. Herds of up to 30 elephants are occasionally seen. The best time for wildlife viewing is all year round. However, the access roads are sometimes impassable during April and May. The best wildlife viewing is after the rains, in January and February, and from June to August, when there is still plenty of water on the plains, and the wildlife stays within the Park.
Saadani National Park Fees
A Visa or MasterCard is also required to pay Saadani National Parks Fees. Some upmarket hotels and tour operators accept credit cards for payment, often with a commission averaging from 5% to 10%.
Saadani Safari Accommodation
The Park offers various types of accommodation and facilities for Residents and Non-residents visiting the Park. You can go for:
- Park houses are near the beach. It has a furnished sitting room, a 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 kitchen equipped with cooking gas, deep freezer, and utensils.
- There are other privately owned accommodation facilities inside and outside the Park, including Sanctuary Park Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, Tembo Kijani Lodge, and A Tent With A View Lodge. Please visit their websites for more information.
Saadani National Park Park Rules And Regulations
Some various rules and regulations need to be kept in mind:
- Do not leave/ stand on/ hang out of the vehicle near any animal.
- Green Turtles are endangered, and their breeding sites are limited. Do not disturb the adults, hatchlings, or nests on the beach.
- Coral reefs are sensitive habitats for marine life. Do not break off or walk on the fragile corals.
- Please do not leave any trash behind: take it with you or dispose of it properly.
- Extinguish cigarettes in your vehicle’s ashtray to the vehicle’s fire.
- Remember that the park gates open at 6 am and close at 6 pm.
These rules have been made to protect the wildlife during Tanzania Safari Tours. So be aware to follow them and enjoy your Saadani National Park.
