Saadani National Park in Tanzania
Officially gazetted in2005 after existing as a game reserve since 1969, Saadani national park the only sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the sea. The park is the 13th Tanzania’s national park sitting on an area of approximately 1062km2. Managed under the Tanzania National Parks Authority, Saadani National Park is located administratively in southeast Tanga region and northeast Pwani region.
Saadani National Park encompasses different ecosystems including the former Saadani game reserve, the former Mkwaja ranch area, the Wami River and the Zaraninge forest. During the tour, tourists can view various animals basking along the Indian Ocean shores since the park hosts a variety of wildlife including the four of the big African animals which are lion, African bush elephants, leopards, and cape buffalos. Other animals in the park include giraffes, red duikers, mongooses, genets, hippos, warthogs and others.
Activities in Saadani National Park
Saadani National park has got a number of safari activities which can seriously catch both the eyes and memories of any traveler on a Tanzania safari. Among the activities include boat cruising, bird watching, nature walks, game drives, cultural experiences and others.
Game viewing: Saadani National Park is a home to a number of wildlife including primate species and the four of the big five African animals. Explore the park especially during a game drive and get closer to different animal species like lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, red duikers reedbucks and others. Primate species in the park include white and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and others. Game drives are always very interesting during the dry season which is in the months of June to August and January and February.
Birding: The best place for birding in Saadani National Park is at the Mangrove lined canopy of the Wami river banks and grasslands. Among the birds in the park include flamingos, mangrove kingfisher, lesser kestrel, avid birders, lanner falcon, bateleur, little bittern crowned eagle and others. View most these birds during a nature walk and a boat trip on river Wami.
Boat trip: This is one of the pleasure activities in Saadani National Park. The experience is done on the sparkling Wami River which is near the mangrove trees. Have an opportunity of viewing a numerous aquatic animals like crocodiles and hippos and also the water birds at the river banks.
Nature walks: Have a guided nature walk through Saadani National park and explore the mangrove forests in the park. During the walk, sight species like butterflies, birds, monkeys, fish pawns and others.
Swimming: Fuel your body and relax your muscles after a long day safari walk and game viewing by immersing yourself in the mighty Indian Ocean and cool off the hot afternoon sun.
Cultural experiences: Besides animal viewing, participate in the village walks and learn more about the local people in Saadani National park. These people will tell you how they survive in different aspects of life. Perhaps, enjoy the cultural practices and performances of these local people like dances, songs, stories, folks and others.
Best time to visit Saadani National Park
The dry season is the best time to visit the park which is July to September. This is so because at this time the vegetation is not always very thick thus offering a clear view of different wildlife.
Accommodation in Saadani National Park
Saadani National park has well improved accommodation facilities that are affordable to every client. The rooms range from luxury, midrange to budget rates. Among them include: Saadani river lodge, Tanganyika Coastal campsite, Kisampa Bush Retreat, Saadani Safari lodge, Kuro Maringo, Simply Saadani Camp and others.