SAADANI NATIONAL PARK
Saadani
Game Reserve was gazetted in 1964, covering an area of
some 350sq km from the Wami River in the south to the
Mligaji River in the north, with the Moshi railway line
as the western boundary. Once Saadani became a Game
Reserve new species of animal were introduced to
compliment the existing diversity. Wildebeest, zebra and
eland joined the resident populations including buffalo,
elephant, giraffe, lion wild dog and the extremely rare
Roosevelt's sable antelope. Saadani is Tanzania's only
protected coastal wildlife preserve.
The reserve has since expanded to include a further 300
sq km of land north of the Mligaji. This is an important
area containing the only permanent elephant population
in the area as well as sable antelope. To the west of
the old boundary lies the Zaranyingi forest, another
important area for its variety of indigenous vegetation
and animal and birdlife. This is also now included in
the Saadani boundaries, creating a substantial reserve
of over 1000 sq km.
In 2002 Saadani was gazetted to become Tanzania's 13th
National Park and it is hoped that the upgrade to
National Park status will bring improved infrastructure,
access and anti-poaching activities, as well as the
reintroduction of various animal species.
Geography
Saadani is geographically the closest reserve to Dar es
Salaam (130km) and, even considering the present
situation of no coast road, it is still a similar
distance in terms of time to Mikumi NP, the next closest
wildlife destination. Plans to complete the coast road
from Dar with the introduction of a ferry crossing are
due to be completed in 2003. Once completed Saadani will
be easily the closest wildlife destination to Dar and,
especially for families with children, will offer an
irresistible combination of beach and wildlife viewing.
Saadani also sits almost directly opposite Zanzibar's
Stone Town, located just 27 km away. Flights from
Zanzibar to Saadani take just 15 mins, making both day
trips as well as longer stays an appealing and easily
accessible wildlife option from Zanzibar.
Sights & Activites:-
In addition to relaxing on the beach and observing bird life, the main activities are boat trips along the Wami river and wildlife drives and walks. There's also a cultural tourism programme and visiting turtle project at Madete.
Getting There
By road: Saadani is geographically the closest
reserve to Dar es Salaam (130km) and, even considering
the present situation of no coast road
By Air: Saadani is geographically the closest
National Park to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Charter flights can be organised and take roughly 20
mins from Zanzibar and 30 mins from Dar. There is
currently no scheduled flight service.
Saadani accommodations:
A Tent With A View Lodge - Located on the Mkwaja coastline close to the park HQ.
Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Saadani bush in
an old coconut plantation, 12 luxury tents, ten of which
are elegantly perched on stilts and two at beach level.
All the uniquely styled beachfront bandas offer total
privacy, are fully en suite and have large balconies
overlooking the azure sea. Emphasis is on relaxation and
appreciation of the natural environment with a variety
of activities offered from the lodge.
Each room offers full en suite facilities and large
balconies with hammocks overlooking the azure sea.
Throughout the lodge, emphasis is on relaxation and
appreciation of the natural environment which we hope is
reflected in the thoughtful design of the accommodation
and restaurant bar.
Local materials have been used wherever possible,
including timbers from beached dhows, and from coconut
palms felled by elephants. Lights, refrigeration, and
water heating are all from solar power.
Each Tent has a Saadani theme and is individually
designed.
The spacious restaurant and bar is also elevated on
stilts overlooking the sea. The bar awaits you offering
cold beers, cocktails or maybe an inviting gin & tonic
before you settle down to your evening meal. Freshly
caught seafood is a speciality and combined with an
extensive wine list you are assured of a memorable
dining experience.
Saadani Safari Lodge - The lodge is small and intimate, with just nine
individual tented cottages set along the beach, cooled
by soft ocean breezes and shaded by casherina trees.
Cottages are twin or double with swathes of sail cloth
adorning the ceilings, large romantic Zanzibar style
nets and locally carved furniture.
The en-suite bathrooms are creatively decorated with
sand floors and shell mosaics. Hot water is solar
powered and plentiful. Also offers the ultimate in
relaxation - "Al Fresco" beds. Sleep in comfort and
peace on one of specially made double beds located on
the beach front veranda.
Room lights operate 24 hours but as the lodge runs off
solar generated power there are no electricity plugs
available in the rooms. Charging of various electrical
goods is however possible during the day.
The Lodge is a delicate blend of rustic chic and
eco-cool. Whether you chose to spend your day spotting
wildlife or simply relaxing by the swimming pool or
beach.
DINING - The lofty main building, grass-roofed and made
from local wood, rests on stilts amongst a stand of
dramatic screw palms overlooking the sea. Meals are
served on the lower deck, with menus focusing largely on
feasts of fresh prawns and other seafood, which are a
speciality of the area and bought to Saadani's kitchens
daily.
Higher up, towards the expansive rafters, a sitting room
and sundowner deck gives panoramic views of the ocean on
one side and the bush on the other, and is a lovely
place for drinks before dinner.
Each morning a tray of tea, coffee and fresh juice is
brought to your veranda, from which you can wake gently
with the rising sun before starting your day's
adventure.
Kisampa Camp - Kisampa is a permanent camp in a private conservation
sanctuary bordering the unique, coastal, Saadani
National Park. The camp is rustically elegant in its
simplicity. It can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6
“star gazer” tents.
The “star gazer” tents allow wide visibility of the
immense African night sky and stunning bush views but
provide complete protection from insects and the
elements.
Each tent has its own private and unique and natural
bathroom set into the surrounding bush. Hot water is
delivered for bathing at your request.
Meals are fixed menu, wholesome and nutritious, drawing
on local produce, dishes and flavours. Private sumptuous
picnics can be requested for any meal.
Saadani Tourist Camp
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