Saadani National Park

Overview

Saadani National Park is a splendid place to cherish both bush and beach. It’s the only national park of East Africa touching the borders of Indian Ocean. Covered with 1,062 sq km (415 sq miles, it is one of the places where you can take the sunbathe as well as enjoy the wildlife. A variable mix of both marine and mainland flora and fauna can be enjoyed here. The park is a unique combination of vegetation together with the winding Wami River, mangrove forests, dense palm trees and coral reefs of Indian Ocean. The surroundings inside the park are mainly grassland mixed together with acacia thickets. Part of the extensive Zaraninge coastal forest is also located within the park boundaries, which is a bio-diversity hotspot in Tanzania.

Saadani National Park holds a blooming population of wildebeests, hartebeests, lion, elephant, leopards, waterbucks, buffaloes, giraffes and reedbucks. The Wami River boat safari takes you to witness hippos and huge crocodiles. Among birdlife giant kingfishers can also be seen. Other common birds include the woolly necked stork, common sandpipers, lilac-breasted rollers, palm nut vultures, fish eagles and ground hornbills.

Best Time to Visit

January and February offer the best time for bird watching in Saadani National Park. From June to August, there is plenty of water on the plains so the wild seldom comes out. October to May birding is at its finest with the

How To Go

Your point of entry to the land is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha town or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. To access Saadani National Park you need to take a charter flight from Zanzibar

Uniqueness

A variable mix of both marine and mainland flora and fauna
Boat trips on the mangrove-lined Wami River come with a high chance of seeing hippo, crocodile and a selection of marine and riverine birds

Park Fees

This park has one of the higher conservation fees due to its size and popularity. There are also fees such as camping, porters and guides, and motor vehicle entry fees. The fees are subject to