Saadani National Park
Where the Bush Meets the Beach.
Tanzania's Only Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary
Saadani National Park offers one of the most unique safari experiences in all of Africa. It is the only place in East Africa where the savanna meets the sea, creating a remarkable ecosystem where you can see wildlife on the beach. Imagine the surreal sight of elephants strolling along the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean or giraffes silhouetted against the turquoise water. A Saadani National Park safari is a truly one-of-a-kind adventure that perfectly combines a classic game drive with a tropical beach holiday.
The park's diverse landscape includes mangrove forests, palm-fringed beaches, and grassy plains. The vital Wami River flows through the park and into the ocean, providing fantastic opportunities for a boat safari. Here, you can spot huge pods of hippos, massive crocodiles basking on the banks, and a dazzling array of riverine birds. Saadani's proximity to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a shorter, more accessible safari without compromising on a rich and diverse wildlife experience.
Key Saadani Experiences
Bush & Beach Safari
The ultimate combination: enjoy game drives in the morning and relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean in the afternoon.
Wami River Boat Safari
Cruise along the river to see hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife, including kingfishers and fish eagles.
Green Turtle Sanctuary
Visit the protected nesting sites for green turtles at Madete Beach, a crucial conservation project in the park.
Guided Walking Safaris
Explore the wilderness on foot with an armed ranger for an intimate and thrilling connection with nature.
Saadani Gallery
Saadani National Park FAQs
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October, when animals congregate around the Wami River. However, the park is beautiful year-round, with the green season (November to May) being excellent for bird watching.
Saadani's defining feature is its location on the Indian Ocean coast. It is the only national park in Tanzania where you can combine a traditional vehicle safari, a boat safari, a walking safari, and a beach holiday all in one destination.
While the beaches are beautiful, swimming is generally advised only in designated, protected areas near the lodges. Due to the presence of wildlife and the river mouth, it's important to follow local guidance for safety. The lodges often have swimming pools as a safe alternative.
Saadani is one of the more accessible parks. It can be reached by a 3-4 hour drive from Dar es Salaam or by a short charter flight. It's also possible to reach it via a boat and road transfer from Zanzibar, making it a perfect safari add-on to a Zanzibar holiday.
Saadani is home to a good population of giraffes, buffalo, elephants, waterbucks, reedbucks, wildebeest, and warthogs. Lions and leopards are present but can be shy. The Wami River is packed with hippos and crocodiles, and the birdlife is prolific throughout the park.
Experience the Best of Both Worlds
Why choose between a safari and a beach holiday when you can have both? Saadani offers a unique adventure you won't find anywhere else. Let us create a tailor-made itinerary that combines the thrill of the bush with the serenity of the beach.
Plan Your Saadani Adventure