About Saadani National Park

In East Africa there is only one such place where the beach meets the bush. It is the none other than the Saadani National Park in Tanzania. The beautiful sandy beaches with palm trees and spectacular views of the blue water of Indian Ocean borders the protected areas of the national park. So if you are sunbathing on the beach here an occasional elephant may stroll past or any other animal to drink water.

This unique destination has been protected as a game reserve since the 1960s. Later in 2002 it was expanded to cover twice its former area. The reserve suffered greatly from poaching prior to the late 1990s, but in recent years a marked turnaround has been seen, due to anintensivetightening up on poachers. This place is currently flourishing with lush green forests and is the most attractive destination of Tanzania Safari Tours.

Saadani National Park Location

Saadani National Park Location is the its most unique feature. Located around between Dar es Salaam and Tanga at a distance of 200 km and 75 km respectively and bordering the mainland coast, the Saadani National Park covers 1100 square km area. Here the climate is coastal, i.e. hot and humid. The major attraction here is the unique combination of marine as well as mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating set up.

How To Get There At Saadani National Park

When travelling by road you can access the park through 271km drive from Dar-es-salaam – Mandela village via Chalinze town. From Mandela drive on a rough road for 61km to Saadani park entry gate. Or take a daily public bus commutes from Dar-es-salaam / Bagamoyo and Saadani village to Tanga City and Mkwaja village.

If travelling by air Flight (light aircrafts) can be arranged to Mkwaja or Saadani airstrip from any part of the country such as Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Manyara, Dar-es-salaam etc.Also while travelling by water one can reach Saadani by boat from Dar-es-salaam, Tanga, Pangani, Bagamoyo and Zanzibar.

What To Do In Saadani National Park

You can go for a variety of activities at Saadani National Park like:

• Boat safari at the delta of Wami River and the ocean, mangrove vegetation, water loving birds, Hippos and Nile crocodile.
• Visit Green turtle breeding site at Madete area.
• Visit to Mafui sand bank Island that opens during the day and closes in the evening, a sand bank where you snorkel in the caves with colorful fish and green turtles. A place where lunch and sun bathing can give maximum relaxation.
• Walking safari on natural trails of Saadani gets you close to nature.
• Day game drive.
• Night game drive for sighting nocturnal animals
• Relax on the cleanest beach on the coasts of Bagamoyo and Tanga, where one gets to see the sunrise and enjoy your Saadani National Park Safari.

Saadani National Park Animals

You are likely to encounter on a drive to see Saadani National Park Animalslike giraffe, buffalo, warthog, common waterbuck, reedbuck, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, wildebeest, greater kudu, eland, yellow baboon and vervet monkey. Herds of up to 30 elephant are occasionally seen.

The best time for wildlife viewing is all year round. But the access roads are sometimes impassable during April and May. The best wildlife viewing is after the rains, in January and February and from June to August, when there is still plenty of water on the plains, and the wildlife stays within the park.

Saadani National Park Fees

A Visa or MasterCard is also required to pay Saadani National Parks Fees. Some upmarket hotels and tour operators accept credit cards for payment, often with a commission averaging from 5% to 10%.

Saadani Safari Accommodation

The Park offers various types of accommodation and their facilities for both Residents and Non-residents visiting the Park. You can go for:

• Rest houses near the beach, with a furnished sitting room, master bedroom, three single rooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
• Bandaz which are located along the beach, each with two rooms of four beddings and
• Single rooms for couples with outside dining and kitchen equipped with cooking gas, deep freezer and utensils.
• There are other privately owned accommodation facilities inside and outside the park includes Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, TemboKijani Lodge and A Tent with A View Lodge. Please visit their websites for more information.

Saadani National Park Park Rules And Regulations

There are various rules and regulations that need to be kept in mind:

• Do not get out of/ stand on/ hang out of the vehicle near any animal.
• Green Turtles are endangered and their breeding sites are limited. Do not disturb the adult, hatchlings or nests on the beach.
• Coral reefs are sensitive habitats for marine life. Do not break off or walk on the fragile corals.
• Do not leave any trash behind: take it with you or dispose of it properly.
• Extinguish cigarettes in your vehicle’s ashtray to avoid bush fire.
• Remember that the park gates open at 6am and close at 6pm.

These rules have been made to protect the wildlife during Tanzania Safari Tours. So be aware to follow them and enjoy your Saadani National ParkSafari.