Saadani National Park is on the coast about 4 hours drive north of Dar es Salaam. It cannot compare with Selous or Serengeti for productivity of game viewing but the 1000 sq kms of coastal savannah environment provides an enchanting atmosphere and offers several gentle but fascinating activities - as well as the chance to relax on the clean, deserted beach.
Saadani is in the unique position of providing the opportunity to observe Africa's big game and bird life interacting with the sea. Four of the 'Big Five' 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.
A boat safari on the Wami River in the south of the park should bring you close (but not too close!) to pods of hippo, and large crocodiles bask on the sandbanks here. There is a small elephant population in north Mkwaja and in Mligaji region, 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. At Madete beach there is a green turtle nesting site.
There is also a small village in Saadani which can be visited by arrangement.
We highly recommend a stay at Saadani, either for just a few days or even for a longer stay. The combination of beach and big game is unique.
