Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Saadani bush in an old coconut plantation, the 8 tented bandas & 3 suites are elegantly perched on stilts individually spaced out along the pristine beach. All the uniquely styled beachfront bandas offer total privacy, are fully en suite and have large balconies overlooking the azure sea. Emphasis is on relaxation and appreciation of the natural environment with a variety of activities offered from the lodge.
Each banda makes use of natural products with driftwood and coconut fibres adorning the rooms and interior materials have been designed along specific Saadani themes. The gorgeous new honeymoon suite is drapped in luxurious romantic fabrics and has a private balacony and forested walkway to a sunken bath in the mangroves!
The spacious restaurant and bar is also elevated on stilts overlooking the sea. Freshly caught seafood is a speciality and 3 balconies offer atmospheric views of the Indian Ocean.
Saadani cannot compare with Selous or Serengeti for productivity of game viewing but the unique environment provides an enchanting atmosphere and offers several gentle but fascinating activities in the immediate lodge surroundings. This is a perfect destination for relaxing and enjoying rural Tanzania on the Indian Ocean with a taster of safari.
There are several nature trails around the lodge with great bird watching, and guided night walks show some little seen species such as the elephant shrew.
Saadani is in the unique position of providing the opportunity to observe Africa’s big game and bird life interacting with the sea. 4 of the Big 5 are present (no rhino) and there are healthy populations of giraffe, reedbuck, waterbuck, eland, zebra, buffalo, warthog and smaller antelopes. The lion population is increasing and sightings are now commonplace though still not guaranteed.
Half day game drives take you to the heart of the best game viewing areas, with over 10 years experience of Saadani the lodge monitors the game movement patterns throughout the season and expert guides maximise your safari experience. Recently the lodge has become involved in elephant and lion tracking research projects so these species are more commonly seen than before.
A boat safari on the Wami River in the south of the park is conducted as part of a full day safari combined with game drives. Large pods of hippo are guaranteed and large crocodiles bask on the sandbanks.
Walking safaris around the buffer zone of the reserve provide a fascinating insight into this unique environment.
There is a small elephant population in north Mkwaja and, whilst sightings cannot be guaranteed, early morning safaris offer the best opportunity to see the elephants.
Birdlife in Saadani is fantastic with coastal, riverine, grassland and woodland species in abundance.
The nearby Madete beach is a green turtle nesting site. The lodge supports a turtle project and guided beachcombing walks explain how to help preserve this endangered species.
The lodge is currently 4½ hours driving time from Dar es Salaam or Saadani is just half an hour by air using chartered flights. Zanzibar is a mere 20 minute flight away making Saadani geographically the closest wildlife reserve to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel
Over the last 10 years, this camp and Tent with a View has backed countless development projects for the local villages, such as educational project for sanitation, an antenatal clinic, electricity for the dispensary, water, food relief, employment, and so on. They have also started a green turtle conservation project.
