Key facts
| Area | 1,100 km² |
|---|---|
| Location and distance | Tanzania's coast on the route from Dar es Salaam to Pangani, around 560 km |
| Getting there | around 3 hours overland from Tanga, alternatively by light aircraft |
| Park fee per person per day | 30 USD, children aged 5 to 15 years 10 USD, under 5 years free, plus 18% VAT. |
| Best months | June to October |
| Typical wildlife | Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles |
| Accommodation | Saadani Safari Lodge, Simply Saadani Camp, Saadani Beach Camp, Miseni Retreat |
Highlights and wildlife
Saadani National Park is the only national park in Tanzania that borders directly on the Indian Ocean. Across around 1,100 km², open grassland, bush, river floodplains and mangrove forests alternate with sandy beaches. Elephants often stay near the coast and along the river courses; occasionally you even see them on the beach. Giraffes, buffalo, zebras and wildebeest use the open grassy areas, along with warthogs and various antelope species. The park is significantly less visited than the large savannah parks.
On a boat trip on the Wami River, you get close to hippos and crocodiles. Numerous waterbirds live on the banks and in the mangroves, along with waders, birds of prey and bird species of the savannah. Lions live mainly in the areas further inland; leopards also occur in the park. Both predators appear far less often than the animals of the open grassland, so you need a little patience for a sighting.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Saadani is the dry season from June to October. The tracks are then easy to drive on, and many animals are more often seen along the river courses. This dry period is also pleasant for beach stays on the Indian Ocean. In the rainy seasons the park appears green and lush, and wildlife viewing remains possible. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, the climate is warm and tropical all year round.
| Month | Weather | Animals |
|---|---|---|
Dry season, good tracks | ||
Green and lush |
Fees and rules
For your cost planning, the park fee remains 30 USD per person per day. Children aged 5 to 15 pay 10 USD, children under 5 are free. 18% VAT is added to the stated amounts. The tariff is set by the national park authority TANAPA.
Getting there and combinations
Saadani lies on the coastal route from Dar es Salaam to Pangani, around 560 km. By road you reach the park from Tanga in around 3 hours; alternatively, you can arrive by light aircraft. This location makes Saadani a good transition between a safari inland and days by the sea. For example, you can travel on to Nyerere National Park and combine the wilderness of the south with the coast. A stay on Zanzibar can also be added.
