Saadani national park was gazetted as a game reserve in 1969 and fully established as a national park in 2005, the park covers an area of 1062 kilometers squared, the park derives it’s name from a village within the parks boundaries known as Saadani village. One unique thing about Saadani is that it’s the only national park in the country boardering a sea; it’s also positioned in the historical towns of Zanzibar, Pangani and Bagamoyo. Its a great 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. Zaraninge forest is one of the significant coastal rain forests existing in Tanzania. The park boasts with four of 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 has got a number of animals including Roosevelt’s sable this endangered species can only be found at Kenya’s Shimba lands and Selous game reserve. Other animals like red duiker, antelopes, hartebeests, elephants, wildebeests, warthogs, buffalos, reedbucks,zebras and many others. The best time to do this activity during dry season in the months of June to August then January and February. The game drives are always from 6:00 am to 5:00 eats African time. Primates like the white and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkey can be seen often. Game viewing is also mostly done on the Want River. Saadani is an awesome pick for your next Tanzania adventure holidays.
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 river banks.
Bird watching: Tanzania is one of Africa top destinations for birders; the best palace 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 eagle, bateleurs, mangrove kingfisher, flamingoes, little bittern, lesser kestrel, lanner falcon, 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 to 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 cool off the afternoon scotching sun, sun bathing is also fun as you view elephants come 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 pawns making your beach holiday a one to remember.
Cultural experiences: A part 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 lives perhaps enjoy a traditional dances performance from the locals as well as visit the fishing villages
Canoeing: 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 4 hours drive from Dar- es Salam.
The accommodation ranges from tents, bandas, luxurious hotels, rest houses and camping where to sleep will depend on the tourist’s choice and bugdet.
