Saadani National Park

📍 Location

  • Country: Tanzania

  • Region: Coastal & Tanga regions

  • Coordinates: Along the Indian Ocean coast

  • Nearest Cities: Bagamoyo (~70 km south), Pangani, and Dar es Salaam (~130 km south)

🌍 Overview

  • Size: ~1,100 km²

  • Established: 2005 (upgraded from a game reserve)

  • Unique Feature: Only national park in East Africa with ocean beachfront — where you can see elephants on the beach and swim in the sea after a game drive!

🌿 Landscape & Ecosystems

  • Indian Ocean shoreline with sandy beaches

  • Mangrove forests

  • Riverine and acacia woodland

  • Savanna grasslands

  • The Wami River (important for boat safaris and hippo/croc spotting)

🐘 Wildlife

Saadani offers moderate wildlife viewing — not as dense as Serengeti or Ruaha, but very rewarding for the adventurous traveler.

🦁 Mammals:

  • Elephants (often near the beach!)

  • Lions (rarely seen)

  • Leopards (elusive)

  • Buffalo

  • Warthogs

  • Giraffes

  • Waterbucks, reedbucks, duikers

  • Hippos and crocodiles (especially along the Wami River)

🐦 Birds:

  • Over 300 species

  • Kingfishers, flamingos, fish eagles, bee-eaters, and marine birds

🐢 Marine & Coastal Life

  • Dolphins, green turtles, and sometimes humpback whales (seasonal)

  • Saadani beach is a nesting site for sea turtles (protected area)

  • Rich coastal mangrove ecosystems

📆 Best Time to Visit

Season Months Highlights
Dry Season June – October Best for wildlife viewing
Green Season November – April Great for birds, lush scenery
Avoid March – May Long rains, poor road conditions

🛥️ Activities

  • Game drives (mostly 4×4 tracks inland)

  • Beach relaxation (swimming, sunbathing)

  • Boat safaris on the Wami River

  • Birdwatching

  • Walking safaris (with armed ranger)

  • Cultural tours to nearby villages and historical sites (like Bagamoyo)

✈️ Getting There

🛫 By Air:

  • Small airstrips at Saadani and Mkwaja

  • Charter flights available from:

    • Dar es Salaam

    • Zanzibar

    • Arusha

  • Operators: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air

🚗 By Road:

  • From Dar es Salaam: ~4–5 hours (via Bagamoyo)

  • From Pangani or Tanga: ~3–4 hours

  • Roads can be rough, especially in wet season — 4×4 is recommended

🏨 Where to Stay

🏕️ Inside the Park:

  • Luxury: Saadani Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge

  • Mid-range: Kisampa Camp, Babs’ Camp

  • Camping: Public and special campsites (basic facilities)

🏨 Near the Park:

  • Budget guesthouses and lodges in Bagamoyo or Pangani

💰 Park Entry Fees (as of 2024)

Visitor Type Entry Fee (24 hrs)
Foreign Adult ~$30–$50 USD
Foreign Child ~$15–$25 USD
Tanzanian Adult ~10,000–15,000 TZS

Always confirm with TANAPA for updated fees.

🌟 Why Visit Saadani?

  • Beach + Safari in one destination

  • Fewer tourists — off-the-beaten-path

  • Excellent for photographers, honeymooners, and nature lovers

  • Combine with Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, or Pangani for culture and relaxation