Saadani National Park
Where the Bush meets the Beach
Welcome to Saadani National Park
Park History
Saadani National Park is a one of a kind paradise with unique ecosystem where beach life meets wilderness. This gives you not only the opportunity to plunge into the Indian Ocean straight after your safari, but also to be submerged in a unique display of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a naturally fascinating setting.
The name Saadani has a close link to the Arab settlement in the area during the 19 Century. The name of a fishing village that, origin ally known as Utondwe which changed to Saadani.Saadani is such an important name in the country’s history since the time immemorial centuries or more, mentioned in chronicles of the Portuguese and notable travellers like Johannes Rebman, El-Masoud, Ptolemy, and Richard Burton among others. The historical Saadani leaves us with the evidence of not only visits of these travellers, but also of a former town which was once a trade centre coordinating overseas and hinterland bather trade, including slave trade.
It was officially declared to National Park status in 2005 under Government Notice No. 188. The Park covers an area of 1,100sqkm after annexation of the former Saadani Game Reserve, Mkwaja Cattle Ranch, Zaraninge Forest Reserve and Wami River.
Climate
The Park experiences an Eastern African coastal climate with bimodal rainfall, which ranges 800 – 1200mm annually. Long rains fall from March to June and short ones from October to December. February and July are the best driest months with peak temperatures reaching up to 29C. The best period for visits is the dry season, although the Park remains attractive year-round.
Park Purpose
Protection and conservation of coastal zone and its diverse resources and range of activities including the Beach , Green turtle and its habitat, Zaraninge low land forest, Estuaries and mangrove at Wami river, endemic, rare and endangered species, historical and cultural sites and interesting mix of scenery.
How to get there
Saadani National Park
By Air
Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, Arusha or any other major town landing at all seasons Saadani Airstrip in the South or Mkwaja Airstrip in the North.
By Road
· 131km from Dar es Salaam via Bagamoyo off Makurunge to Gama Entrance Gate
· 146km from Tanga via Pangani and Mkwaja to Madete Entrance Gate
· 225km from Dar es Salaam off Chalinze and Mandera junction via Miono to Mvave Entrance Gate
· On the Arusha – Dar es salaam road, off Mkata Junction via Kwamsisi to Madete Entrance Gate 79km from Mkata to Madete.
Park Attractions
These are places of interest where tourists visit, typically for their inherent or exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty offering leisure, adventure and amusement to visitors.
Wild Animals
The spectacular concentration of wild animals like Waterbuck, Giraffe, Warthog, and Yellow baboon, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Hartebeest, Elephant, Buffaloes and Lion is obviously.Wami River and Estuary
Mafui Sandbank
It is within the marine extension of the park whose colourful coral reefs are important breeding sites for many fish species. While in the sandbank tourist enjoys snorkelling and diving underwater and learn on many different type of Indian Ocean living organisms. The chances of seeing dolphins and humpback whales putting on their show in the Indian Ocean are beyond.
Madete beach and nesting site for Green Turtle
Madete beach is one of the most significant breeding sites for the Green turtle the largest of the hard shelled sea turtles in Tanzania. Female’s Green turtle lays eggs along the shore and return to the sea. The high season is in July - November and a moderate season in January - March. Approximately 8 nests can be available during the season. The incubation time of the eggs buried in the sand is 45 – 60 days after which the hatching emerge.
Wami River and Estuary
It is among few African coast where large wildlife is still present in an estuarine situation. Here you are as close as one likes to get to hippo, crocodile and other wildlife. Bird watchers will also be treated to not-often-seen migratory birds that love the shore, such as different kinds of sandpiper, Eurasian oystercatcher and the common greenshank. Evergreen mangrove trees along the river provide resting and feeding place for many birds’ species, bats, monkeys and other reptiles.
Zaraninge Forest
It is an evergreen lowland coastal forest with closed canopy. Zaraninge is known to be a home to some endemic, rare and threatened species of plants and animal life. It is mostly support elephant life during dry season.
Pangani town
The name Pangani owes to the river that runs through northern part of the Historical Town. Pangani is a very old town, it is believed to be established before 6th Century BC as a coastal dhow port, but later became a station on the caravan route from Late Tanganyika for exporting slaves and ivory. Several historical sites in and around the town serve as reminders for the strong Arabic influence and the later German, British colonial era in Tanganyika. The town served as port, when sisal plantations were set up in the colonial period, before the Tanga Harbour constructed. Nowadays it is mainly a fishing town with a lot of coconut trees, providing nice beaches for quiet vacation. Pangani is close to the Saadani National Park only 40km to Madete entry gate which is approximate 1hr drive on rough road.
Accommodation
The Park provides variety of accommodations which are found inside and outside the park. Beautiful public and special camping grounds are available inside the park.
Inside the park
- Private owned lodge known as Saadani Safari Lodge with 30 bed capacity, the Saadani Safari Lodge
Saadani Safari Lodge
- Park owned Tourist Cottages known as Bandas together and Rest-house with 25 bed capacity.
Campsites
Public Campsite
Two (2) Public campsites (Beach & Kinyonga)with basic facilities- water, kitchen & washrooms providing accommodation in the Park with a capacity of 50 campers per day in each camp. Campers should come with their camping gears.
Special Campsite
Two (2) Special campsite(Tengwe and Kiwandi)- naturally wild with no facilities
Outside The Park
There are several lodges and camps that are privately owned as: - Saadani River Lodge – 40 Beds and Saadani Park Hotel – 36 Beds
Tent with a view – 22 Beds
Tanganyika Coastal Campsite & Lodges
- Kuro Maringo Camp - 6 Beds
- Tembo Kijani Eco Camp - 17 Beds
- Barry’s Beach Resort – 21 Beds
Park Activities
Game Drive
This activity is conducted from 06:30 – 18:30 HRS, no additional fee for this activity. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are recommended, although the roads are easily accessible during the dry season.
Guided walking to the bush(1-3hours)
Preferable time to conduct the activity is from 06:30 to 10:00 and at the evening from 15:30 to 18:30. Prior information is required for the activity.
River Cruising at Wami River
The activity is conducted at Wami River to the estuary area and takes maximum of 2hrs.
Crocodile Along River Wami bank
River Cruise
Relax in a flawless and sparkling Indian Ocean Beach
Beach Activities
Visit to Mafui Sandbank
Visitors interested to picnic, swimming and sighting different marine organisms normally goes to this sandbank. Organism like star fish, corals can be easily encounter. Professional snorkelling and diving activities are conducted with own tourist tools.
Saadani Facilities
TOURIST SERVICES
These are actions of helping tourists to enjoy the safari. Number of tourist services are offered, which among others include: -
Guiding and resource interpretation:-on arrival visitors get prior information about the park and its potentialities on conservation and tourism.
Visitor safety and security: - there is reliable provision of safety and security to all tourists within the Park boundaries.
Facilities
Mvave Entry Gate is located in the southern of the park and it is 65km long from Mandera junction.
Gama Entry Gate is located southwest of the Park 66km from Bagamoyo town through Makurunge junction. The gate is accessible only during the dry season.
Madete Entry Gate is located northern of the park and can be easily accessed visitors from Pangani, Muheza or Tanga town. It can be accessible throughout the year but one can experience difficulties during the peak of rain season.
Saadani Tourism Office
Located at the south of the Park. Mostly coordinates tourism activities within the developed area and other conservation activities.
Porokanya Dock
Located to the southwest near sea salt plantations. This place is accessible during the dry season and is where river cruise activity is conducted. There is one fibre boat with capacity of 15 people.
Saadani Airstrip
Mostly commercial and some private aircrafts from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha bring tourists and landed safely throughout the year.
Support the work of Saadani National Park by visiting the park and seeing the wildlife that call this place home. Visiting parks helps support local livelihoods and help protect wildlife for generations to come
Learn more about the work of Tanzania National Parks to protect and manage Tanzania's wildlife for Tanzanias and the world
