Saadani is the only national park in Tanzania where the savannah meets the Indian Ocean. Elephants, giraffe and buffalo walk across the grass and along the beach, while green turtles nest on the sand and dolphins play offshore. It is an unusual and relaxed safari, and the contrast of bush and sea is part of its charm.
The Wami River winds through mangroves and floodplain to the sea, and a boat trip along it brings hippo, crocodile and a wealth of birds. The park also has lion, hartebeest, wildebeest and sable, and is quieter than the northern circuit.
Saadani is close to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, so it works as a short safari of two or three nights before or after the coast.
Saadani has giraffe, buffalo, elephant, hippo, warthog, waterbuck, hartebeest, wildebeest, sable antelope and lion, along with colobus monkeys and the occasional leopard. The Wami River holds crocodiles and many hippos, and green turtles nest on the beach.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Open grassland and acacia stretch to the sandy shore, with mangroves and palm trees along the Wami River. The beach is wide and empty, and the sunsets over the savannah are warm and soft.
Activities here
Saadani is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures of 28°C to 32°C, cooled by sea breezes. The long rains fall from March to May and short rains in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 25 | 70 |
| Feb | 32 | 25 | 60 |
| Mar | 32 | 25 | 130 |
| Apr | 30 | 24 | 300 |
| May | 29 | 23 | 230 |
| Jun | 29 | 22 | 40 |
| Jul | 28 | 21 | 35 |
| Aug | 29 | 21 | 30 |
| Sep | 30 | 22 | 30 |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 60 |
| Nov | 32 | 24 | 100 |
| Dec | 32 | 25 | 110 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and December to February are the driest months, with pleasant weather for game drives and boat trips. January and February are hottest.
The rains from April to May are heavy, and many camps close. November rains are lighter. The park is lush and quiet during this period.
June to October and December to February are the best months. Turtle nesting runs from July to September, and the coast is pleasant most of the year outside April and May.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jul to Sep
Saadani is about 190 kilometres from Dar es Salaam, a drive of three to four hours, or a 30- to 40-minute flight to the park’s airstrip. It can also be reached by boat from Zanzibar. Most guests fly in.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Saadani is hot and humid, so bring sun protection and repellent. The coast is a malaria area, so take advice before you travel.
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“Our take”
Saadani suits a short, easy bush and beach trip near Dar es Salaam, or a gentle stop before Zanzibar.
Safaris from
US$1,316 per person
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