How to get to Saadani National Park
How to get to Saadani National Park, Saadani National Park is accessible by car by a 271-kilometer journey from Dar-es-Salaam to Mandela hamlet via Chalinze town. Travel 61 kilometers from Mandela to the entry gate of Saadani Park on a rough route. Alternatively, one may utilize a daily public bus service from Dar es Salaam or Bagamoyo to Tanga City and Mkwaja hamlet. Flights (light aircraft) to Mkwaja or Saadani airstrip can be arranged from any region of the country, including Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Manyara, Dar-es-Salaam, and others.
Saadani National Park is accessible by boat from Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Pangani, Bagamoyo, and Zanzibar by maritime routes.
Getting to Saadani National Park can be achieved via two methods: road transport or air travel.
Via road transportation.
To get the Saadani National Park from Dar es Salaam, one must traverse a well-paved road for approximately 3 hours, covering 160 kilometers to Mandera settlement, and subsequently proceed down a rugged road for an additional 65 km to reach the Mvave Park Gate. This will direct you to the park’s headquarters. Saadani National Park may be accessed from Dar es Salaam via Bagamoyo.
Travel from Tanga town through Pangani to the Mkwaja Gate on an unpaved road for 4-5 hours, covering a distance of 120 kilometers.
Via road transportation.
Charter flights are available from Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar. Additionally, the area is accessible from several prominent towns.
What are the activities in Saadani National Park?
Activities at Sadaani National Park encompass wildlife drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris led by an armed ranger. Historical visits to the ancient Saadani fishing town can be arranged to observe the remnants of structures that existed when it was a thriving harbor for ivory and slave trade. Cultural visits of the principal ethnic tribes in the region (Waswahili, Wazigua, and Wadoe) are available. Additional ethnic groups from other places have relocated to the area due to enhanced trade prospects. The Wamangati, hailing from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transport their livestock to Zanzibar on traditional dhows for livelihood purposes.
In contrast to other national parks in Tanzania, travelers can merge a safari experience with a tranquil beach retreat in Saadani National Park. The beaches are pristine and adorned with palm trees. The coast of Saadani is characterized by a hot and humid climate, with ocean temperatures typically averaging around 25°C, making swimming enjoyable. Maziwe Reef is readily accessible by boat from any location along the Saadani coast.
Saadani National Park caters to adventurous and luxury travelers, as well as families. Available accommodations comprise public campsites, luxury lodges, and tented camps both within and outside the National Park.
Boat Safaris
Discover the marvels of the renowned Wami River, an oasis for avian enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados. The Wami River exemplifies stunning natural beauty, teeming with avian species and fauna. The boat safari commences directly from your lodge, where numerous hippos are located in front of the suites, and proceeds to the river mouth. Throughout the journey, one observes clusters of hippopotamuses, numerous crocodiles, ospreys, colobus monkeys, and a multitude of avian species. No excursion on the Wami is ever identical.
Sea Safaris
A pristine atoll in the Indian Ocean, approximately 20 miles off the coast, features a sandbank that is only visible during low tide.
Based on the tide, you depart the lodge to engage in snorkeling, swimming, and unwinding in the exquisite blue waters. Snorkeling equipment, beverages, and a light packed meal are supplied.
Walking safari
The optimal method to investigate the region is through a walking safari led by a certified safari guide. Solo walking is highly discouraged. A walking safari in the vicinity of our property is an exhilarating endeavor. In Tanzania, only here may one traverse lowland coastal woods, acacia woodlands, and arid riverbeds refreshed by the Indian Ocean. The walking safari commences in the tropical forest and proceeds to the coastal savannah. A professional guide will demonstrate the distinctive flora and fauna of this fascinating region.
Jeep expedition
Saadani National Park is recognized as one of the last surviving safeguarded coastal regions in Africa and the sole national coastal park in East Africa.
In this location, safaris are distinctive and personal. Encounters with other cars are infrequent. Maintaining silence in cars is crucial, as the animals are unaccustomed to human presence and are thus often apprehensive. The optimal times to visit are early morning and late afternoon, as the temperatures are more agreeable for both animals and humans during these periods.