Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park is a one of a kind paradise with unique ecosystem where beach life meets the 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^th Century. The name of a fishing village that, originally 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 1,100 sq km 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

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.

Best Time to Visit

The park can be visited throughout the year; however, the best time to visit is between June and February. Short rains are usually experienced in October to November while long rains are from March to May. The climate is coastal, hot and humid with annual maximum temp of 29C and with an average rainfall varying from 800 to 1200mm.