Saadani National Park – Where the Bush Meets the Beach

Saadani lies on Tanzania’s central coast between Bagamoyo and Pangani, about 200 km north of Dar es Salaam and 75 km south of Tanga. It is the only national park in East Africa that borders the Indian Ocean.

It combines marine and terrestrial ecosystems—you can see elephants, lions, and giraffes near the beach, then relax on sandy shores where turtles nest.

A: By road (4–5 hours from Dar es Salaam, 3–4 hours from Tanga), by air (light aircraft to Saadani or Mkwaja airstrips), or by boat from Dar, Bagamoyo, Pangani, or Zanzibar.

Game drives in savannah and coastal habitats.

Boat safaris on the Wami River (hippos, crocodiles, birds).

Beach relaxation and turtle nesting observation.

Walking safaris and cultural visits to Swahili fishing villages

Beach lodges, tented camps, and eco-retreats inside or near the park. Guesthouses are available in Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Dar es Salaam for broader budgets

The dry season (June–October) is best for wildlife viewing and easier road access. The green season (November–April) offers lush scenery and birdlife but roads may be challenging

Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, antelope, and over 200 bird species

No—Saadani is less visited than northern circuit parks, offering a more exclusive and intimate safari experience