1062 km²
Size
22-33°C
Temperature
Sea level
Altitude
Coastal bush, hot, humid, green after the rains
Climate
Saadani is the park where the bush meets the Indian Ocean: warthog on the beach at low tide, boat on the Wami River, and game densities that are not the Serengeti.
Come here for the combination, not for a predator spectacular. Giraffe, palm trees and a salt breeze are the memory. The Wami boat is often better than the drive. Lions exist and are not reliable. After northern parks, some guests find Saadani quiet in a good way; others wish they had flown to Nungwi.
It works as a two-night add-on from Dar or after Mikumi if you are already on the highway. It does not replace Tarangire on a first Tanzania safari.
Things to See & Do
Getting There
Road
From Dar via Bagamoyo, several hours including the last sandy stretch. A 4x4 is required in the park.
Flight
Airstrip access when scheduled; many of our trips still road in from Dar to keep the cost sane for two nights.
Wildlife you can see here
All 15 speciesCrocodilians
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
A huge ambush predator that waits at the river crossing.
Serengeti, Saadani +4 more
Big cats
African Lion
Panthera leo
The largest social cat, living in prides and ruling the Serengeti plains.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
Elephants
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The largest land animal on Earth, living in family herds led by a matriarch.
Tarangire, Nyerere +7 more
Ungulates
Masai Giraffe
Giraffa tippelskirchi
The tallest animal on Earth, and Tanzania's national animal.
Serengeti, Tarangire +7 more
Ungulates
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
A huge, semi-aquatic grazer that spends the day in water and feeds at night.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +6 more
Antelopes
Topi
Damaliscus lunatus jimela
A glossy, purplish antelope that stands on termite mounds as a lookout.
Serengeti, Saadani +1 more
Carnivores
Black-backed Jackal
Lupulella mesomelas
A clever, opportunistic scavenger and hunter, often in pairs.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +4 more
Primates
Olive Baboon
Papio anubis
A big, bold monkey that lives in large troops and eats almost anything.
Lake Manyara, Mikumi +5 more
Best Time to Visit
FAQs
Can we swim?
Some lodges have stretches they are happy with, and conditions change. We follow the lodge briefing on currents and crocs, not a brochure shot of someone in the surf.
Best months?
Dry season for the roads and for animals using remaining water. The beach is hot year round.
Add Lake Manyara National Park to Your Safari
The route is ours to design — you just pick the places that call you.
Prefer to talk? Call +255 754 123 456