Saadani National Park was gazetted as a game reserve in 1969 and fully established as a national park in 2005; it covers an area of 1,062 square kilometers. the park derives its name from a village within the park’s boundaries known as Saadani village. One unique thing about Saadani is that it’s the only national park in the country bordering a sea; it’s also positioned in the historical towns of Zanzibar, Pangani and Bagamoyo. It’s a wonderful national park to visit for lifetime Tanzania safaris.
Saadani national park includes the former Saadani game reserve, Wami River, Zaraninge forest and Mkwaja ranch area. The Zaraninge forest is one of the significant coastal rain forests existing in Tanzania. The park boasts four of the African big five, primates and numerous species of birds.
Saadani national park offers outstanding views of dolphins, humpback whales and green turtles. It’s one of the last breeding sites for green turtles.
Saadani National Park is home to a variety of animals, including Roosevelt’s sable; this endangered species can only be found in Kenya’s Shimba Hills and Selous Game Reserve. Other animals in the park include red duikers, antelopes, hartebeests, elephants, wildebeests, warthogs, buffalos, reedbucks, zebras, and many others.
The best time to do this activity is during the dry season in the months of June to August and then January and February. The game drives are always from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm East African time. Primates like the black and white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys can be seen often. Game viewing is also mostly done on the Want River. Saadani is an awesome pick for your next Tanzania adventure holiday.
Boat cruising:
One of the best experiences at Saadani national park is boat cruising at the sparkling Wami river streamlined with Mangrove trees. You will have very high chances of seeing hippos and crocodiles close to your boat plus a number of water birds at the riverbanks.
Bird watching:
Tanzania is one of Africa top destinations for birders; the best place for birding at Saadani is at the Mangrove lined canopy of the Want river banks and the grasslands. Some of the birds at the park can be named below: crowned eagles, bateleurs, mangrove kingfishers, flamingoes, little bitterns, lesser kestrels, lanner falcons, avid birders and African skimmers can be found all year round.
Boat cruise:
One of the most remarkable activities at Saadani national park is taking a boat cruise on the Wami river where you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and see a lot of wildlife like hippos, crocodiles and elephants at the sand shores.
Swimming: The best way to relax your muscles after along day walk or game viewing is by immersing yourself in the mighty Indian ocean and cooling off in the afternoon scorching sun. Sunbathing is also fun as you view elephants coming to drink water.
Guided nature walks: Tourists can take guided nature walks and explore the Mangrove forests and come across green turtles, butterflies, doves, bats, monkeys and fish ponds, making your beach holiday one to remember.
Cultural experiences: Apart from being involved in fishing, tourists can explore the African fishing villages and learn how people have survived in the past years and also their ways of life, perhaps enjoy a traditional dances performance from the locals, as well as visit the fishing villages
Canoeing: The Best time to visit Saadani national park is in the dry season when the vegetation is not very thick, hence clear views of wildlife; this is from July to September. Saadani national park can be accessed by air or road transport; it’s about a 4-hour drive from Dar-es-Salam.
The accommodation ranges from tents, bandas, luxurious hotels, and rest houses to camping; where to sleep will depend on the tourist’s choice and budget.
