Saadani National Park
The only national park in East Africa where the bush meets the beach ÔÇö elephants on the sand, lions in the coastal forest, and dolphins in the surf.
Saadani National Park is Tanzania's most unusual safari destination ÔÇö the only wildlife reserve in East Africa where Indian Ocean beaches and big-game savannah meet. Here, elephants wander onto white sand beaches, lions patrol coastal thickets, and hippos share river estuaries with fishermen's dhows.
Covering 1,100 square kilometres along the coast between Dar es Salaam and Tanga, Saadani offers a genuinely unique combination: morning game drives through acacia savannah followed by afternoon beach relaxation on deserted shores, or vice versa. No other park in Tanzania ÔÇö or indeed East Africa ÔÇö can deliver this combination.
The Wami River, which forms the park's southern boundary, is the highlight for many visitors. Boat safaris along its mangrove-fringed channels reveal massive crocodiles, hippo pods, and an extraordinary diversity of waterbirds. Green turtles nest on the park's beaches between March and August.
Saadani may not offer the mega-herds of the Serengeti, but its unique bush-and-beach combination, its uncrowded atmosphere, and its accessibility from Dar es Salaam make it a compelling addition to any Tanzania itinerary.
Safari Tours in Saadani National Park
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Saadani supports a surprising diversity of wildlife for a coastal park. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, reedbuck, and waterbuck inhabit the savannah and woodland areas. Lion and leopard are present, though sightings require patience ÔÇö the coastal vegetation is denser than open savannah.
The Wami River hosts large populations of hippo and Nile crocodile. Green turtles nest on the beaches between March and August. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins frequent the offshore waters. Over 300 bird species have been recorded, with the mangrove and coastal habitats attracting specialist species.
How to Get There
Saadani is approximately 4 hours by road from Dar es Salaam, with the final section on dirt roads requiring a 4x4. Charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha land at the park's airstrip in under an hour. A boat transfer from Zanzibar (approximately 2 hours) is also possible.
Park Fees & Regulations
Park entry fees are $35.40 per adult per 24 hours (non-resident). Boat safari fees on the Wami River apply separately. The park is less expensive than the Northern Circuit parks, making it an excellent value destination.