The location of Saadani National Park is its most distinguishing feature. The Saadani National Park is a 1100 square km area located between Dar es Salaam and Tanga, at a distance of 200 and 75 kilometers respectively and abutting the mainland coast. The climate is coastal, which means it is hot and humid.
The main draw here is the unusual mix of marine and terrestrial plants and animals in a culturally fascinating setting.
The park is accessible by car via a 271-kilometer drive from Dar-es-Salaam to Mandela hamlet via Chalinze town. Drive 61 kilometers from Mandela to the Saadani park entrance gate on a bumpy road. Alternatively, you can take a daily public bus from Dar es Salaam / Bagamoyo and Saadani village to Tanga City and Mkwaja village. Flights (light aircrafts) to Mkwaja or Saadani airstrip can be scheduled from any area of the country, including Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Manyara, Dar-es-Salaam, and others.
Saadani can also be reached by boat from Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Pangani, Bagamoyo, and Zanzibar while traveling by sea.
Saadani National Park offers a range of activities, including a boat safari through the Wami River’s delta and into the ocean, mangrove vegetation, water-loving birds, hippos, and Nile crocodiles.
Animals like as giraffe, buffalo, warthog, common waterbuck, reedbuck, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, wildebeest, greater kudu, eland, yellow baboon, and vervet monkey are likely to be seen on a drive to view Saadani National Park. Elephant herds of up to 30 elephants have been spotted on occasion.
The ideal time to see wildlife is at any time of year.
During April and May, however, the access routes are occasionally impassable. The greatest times to see animals are after the rains, in January and February, and from June to August, when the plains are still wet and the wildlife remains within the park.
Saadani National Parks fees must also be paid using a Visa or MasterCard. Some high-end hotels and tour operators allow credit cards as a form of payment, with a commission ranging from 5% to 10%.
For both residents and non-residents visiting the Park, the Park offers a variety of lodging options and amenities.
Rest cottages near the beach with a furnished sitting room, master bedroom, three single rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen are among the options.
Each of the Bandaz along the beach has two rooms with four beds and single rooms for couples, as well as an outdoor eating area and a kitchen with cooking gas, a deep freezer, and tools.
Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, TemboKijani Lodge, and A Tent with A View Lodge are among the privately-owned lodging facilities inside and outside the park. For further information, please visit their websites.
Park Rules and Regulations for Saadani National Park
There are a number of guidelines and regulations to be aware of:
These regulations were put in place to safeguard the animals on Tanzania Safari Tours.
So keep an eye out for them and enjoy your safari in Saadani National Park.