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

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.

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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	0 m At Sea Level	Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec