Saadani National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets — the only place in East Africa where the wild bush meets the sea. Located between Dar es Salaam and Tanga, this extraordinary park blends white-sand beaches, tropical mangroves, and classic savannah ecosystems into one breathtaking destination.
For travelers seeking something different from the typical inland safari, moreover, Saadani National Park offers a rare opportunity — watching elephants wander along the beach, hippos lounging in river waters, and dolphins playing in the ocean surf, all in one day.
(After your visit, consider adding a Serengeti Safari Adventure or a relaxing Zanzibar Beach Holiday to complete your Tanzania journey.)
What makes Saadani National Park truly special is its perfect balance of marine and terrestrial life. Stretching over 1,100 square kilometers, it borders the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and includes the lower Wami River, home to crocodiles, hippos, and countless bird species.
Inland, visitors can encounter giraffes, lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, and hartebeests grazing across open plains. Along the coast, green turtles nest on quiet beaches, and sandbanks glisten under the tropical sun. This rare combination of habitats gives Saadani an unmatched biodiversity not found elsewhere in Tanzania.
To learn more about Tanzania’s protected areas, visit the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
A safari in Saadani National Park offers the chance to spot classic African wildlife in a setting like no other. Morning and evening game drives bring you close to elephants, reedbucks, warthogs, and even lions wandering near the coast. The sight of giraffes silhouetted against the ocean horizon is unforgettable.
One of Saadani’s most popular experiences is the riverboat safari along the Wami River. As you drift through mangrove forests and palm-fringed banks, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a spectacular variety of birdlife — from fish eagles to kingfishers. This slow, scenic journey reveals the park’s tranquil beauty from a fresh perspective.
Unlike other safari destinations, Saadani invites you to unwind right after your game drives. The park’s quiet beaches stretch for miles, with golden sands and gentle waves offering peace and solitude. Between December and February, you might even witness green turtles nesting along the shore — a rare and magical sight.
Visitors can explore nearby Saadani Village, one of the oldest settlements on the Tanzanian coast. Local tours introduce you to Swahili culture, fishing traditions, and community conservation efforts that protect the park’s delicate ecosystem. Engaging with local residents adds depth to your experience and helps support sustainable tourism.