Saadani National Park

Bush Meets Beach
Where the bush meets the beach – see elephants walking in the sand. The Saadani national park is the only park which is situated on the beach.

BEST FOR

boat safari
Where the bush meets the beach – see elephants walking in the sand. The Saadani national park is the only park which is situated on the beach.
Our Rating of Saadani National Park
  • Remoteness 46% 46%
  • Family 65% 65%
  • Animal Viewing 65% 65%
  • Landscape 80% 80%
  • Flora 85% 85%
  • Birding 65% 65%

Our Rating Of Saadani National Park

%

Saadani National Park

Where the bush meets the beach – see elephants walking in the sand. The Saadani national park is the only park which is situated on the beach.

BEST FOR

boat safari

BOAT SAFARIS

Bush Meets Beach

  • Remoteness 46% 46%
  • Family 65% 65%
  • Animal Viewing 65% 65%
  • Landscape 80% 80%
  • Flora 85% 85%
  • Birding 65% 65%

Our Rating Of Saadani National Park

%

Home » National Parks » Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park

The Saadani National Park is a rare treat for those wanting to soak up a safari adventure beside the sea. This fertile strip of the land is the only wildlife sanctuary along the hot and humid coast of Tanzania and combines the best of both worlds for those travelers who don’t want to be landlocked in the depths of the African wilderness.

This spectacle of ocean and rainforest wilderness is a rare sight to behold as on the same day you can witness humpback whales splashing off shore and elephants trundling through the sweeping grasslands. At the Saadani you have the chance to explore the hot and earthy savannah, the thick and fragrant forests and the rushing rivers and vast expanse of ocean. No other park in the whole of Tanzania can offer such diversity in one sweet swoop.

 Saadani combines the best of both worlds when it comes to the ultimate African safari, no other place can provide the refuge of the ocean breeze when trekking through the rainforest and to be able to bathe in the salty waters of the Indian Ocean after a hard day on Safari is a reward like no other. This idyllic piece of heaven is simply waiting to be explored and offers an endless bounty of activities for the adventurous heart. Beach, bush and river it would seem that the Saadani has it all.

Our Top Tips For Saadani National Park
  • Close to Dar es Salaam and easily accessible.
  • Truly different safari experience – combine beach and bush
  • Boat Safaris on the Wami River are a real highlight.
  • Can be part of wider Selous or Ruaha safari trip.

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Accommodation In Saadani National Park

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Accommodation In Saadani National Park

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Flora & Fauna In Saadani National Park

In the long dancing grasses of the Savannah you can watch the Waterbucks graze, hear the hyenas call and even catch glimpse of a sloping lion if you are lucky. In the Saadani giraffes are numerous and it is a common sight to watch their long brown tongues wrap around the prickly Acadia trees and see them elegantly stumble through the bush. Herds of zebra also cross these grasslands and warthogs snuffle the dry and cracked soil in the hopes of finding something juicy to munch.

The sweet smelling mangroves that wrap around the shoreline of the Saadani provide a safe haven for many species of animal. Bright feathered bird’s perch on the branches, monkeys swing through the trees with armfuls of fruit and bats flit to rest easy in the shady trees as the sun rises. Reptiles lay in the cool shade beneath the trees as sea turtles waddle down to the soft sands to lay their eggs. The beaches are the perfect place to lie back in the glistening sun and catch sight of whales and dolphins playing in the gentle rollers, past where the wooden fishing boats bob against azure blue skies.

Along the Wami Rivers that meander through the mango groves of the Saadani National Park you can watch large groups of lazy hippos wallowing on the banks and see the scaled backs of crocodiles as they submerge down in the water like planks of driftwood. Along the river banks you can also spot a high number of wading birds such as fish eagles and beautifully plumed kingfishers.

In the coastal forests of the Saadani you can often spot shy elephants hiding in the dense thickets, spotted leopards stretching in the undergrowth readying for the days hunt and the mystical figures of the Greater Kudu Antelope drifting in and out of the leafy trees.

Tiny fishing villages dot the coastal shores and entrance to the Saadani National Park and these parts are alive with culture and resonant with Africa’s trading history. It is a wonderful experience to stop by the villages and interact with the locals who spend most of their life out on the Indian Ocean gathering fish.

DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

SEA

SWAMP

 

Location Of Saadani National Park

 

Saadani is geographically the closest reserve to Dar es Salaam (130km) and, even considering the present situation of impassable coast road, it is still a similar distance in terms of time to Mikumi NP, the next closest wildlife destination. Saadani offers an irresistible combination of beach and wildlife viewing, especially for families with children.

Saadani sits almost directly opposite Zanzibar’s Stone Town, located just 27 km away. Flights from Zanzibar to Saadani take just 15 mins, making both day trips as well as longer stays an appealing and easily accessible wildlife option from Zanzibar.

Fun Facts About Saadani National Park

30 

 Total Land Area

Elevation above sea level

Nearest Major City & Airport

When To Visit

1,060 sq km About the same size as Hong Kong

0 m

At Sea Level

 

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At Sea Level

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
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Fun Facts About Saadani National Park

 Total Land Area

1,060 sq km About the same size as Hong Kong

Elevation above sea level

0 m

At Sea Level

Nearest Major City & Airport

DAR
About 220 km East

When To Visit

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 

 

Infographic Of Saadani National Park
Safaris In Saadani National Park

This is usually in a large vehicle with space for up to 8 guests.

  • Can decrease prices a lot especially for groups less than 3.
  • Great opportunity to meet other people from around the world.
  • You have separate rooms but the benefit of good company during transfers and meals.

View Shared Safaris

This is a private vehicle allowing you complete freedom.

  • You can decide on when you want to start & end your safari day.
  • Complete freedom – stop when & for how long you want.
  • Recommended for specialist photographers, honeymooners and families

View Private Safaris

Safaris In Saadani National Park

This is usually in a large vehicle with space for up to 8 guests.

  • Can decrease prices a lot especially for groups less than 3.
  • Great opportunity to meet other people from around the world.
  • You have separate rooms but the benefit of good company during transfers and meals.

View Shared Safaris

This is a private vehicle allowing you complete freedom.

  • You can decide on when you want to start & end your safari day.
  • Complete freedom – stop when & for how long you want.
  • Recommended for specialist photographers, honeymooners and families

View Private Safaris

Be Inspired To Visit Saadani National Park
What To Do In Saadani National Park

BOAT SAFARIS

BIRD WATCHING

GAME DRIVES

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Udzungwa National Park

Read More About Saadani National Park