Saadani National Park

Located in the centre of the historic triangle of bagamoyo, pangani and Zanzibar, Saadani National Park covers 1100 Square km. I t is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the sea. The Climate is coastal, hot and humid. It offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting. About 30 species of larger mammals are present as well as numerous reptiles and birds. Besides many species of fish, Green turtles, Humpback whales and dolphins also occur in the ocean nearby.

It encompasses a preserved ecosystem including the former Saadani game reserve, the former Mkwaja ranch area, the Wami River as well as the Zaraninge Forest. Many villages exist around the boundaries of the park.

From East to West, the open ocean with coral reefs changes to brackish water ecosystems characterized by mangrove forests, salt pans and bare saline areas. Further inland, the Wami river is the most important fresh water source besides numerous temporary rivers and dams. The marine extension of the park includes the Mafui sandbanks, whose colourful coral reefs are important breeding sites for many fish species. At low tide the sea retreats up to 100 meters and forms a convenient passage for local people and wild animals. These beaches are the only place North of Dar es salaam where sea turtles are particularIy threatened by commercial fisheries and water pollution.

Evergreen mangrove trees grow in the transitional zone, just above the mean sea water level. These salt tolerant tidal forests provide a resting and feeding place for many bird species, bats, monkeys, hippos and reptiles. Numerous species of fish or prawns also lay their eggs in these protected habitats. The high demand for the resistant mangrove wood leads to overexploitation, making the protection of these forests even more important. In Saadani National Park, large mangrove forests grow along the Wami River. This is also the place where large groups of hippos  can be observed. At night they come ashore and wander inland, grazing up to 40 kg of grass per animal. Nile crocodiles also live here, some of them reaching 5 meters. The Wami River is also a good place for watching birds such as kingfishers, fish eagles and many species of wading birds.

In Saadani, elephants are relatively shy and usually hide during the day in woody parts of the park. Leopards also occur in dense bush and thickets. Seldom seen, these animals are mainly nocturnal and can live in close proximity to humans. Other showy animals living mostly in woody areas are the Greater kudu and smaller antelopes such as Suni and Duiker. The crowns of the trees are inhabited by Colobus monkeys which, unlike most other monkeys, subsist mainly on leaves, strictly nocturnal bush babies, as well as many fruit-eating bird species, insects and butterflies.

Typical inhabitants of the tall grass savannas are the buffalo, which weigh up to 850 kg. Several herds of hartebeest can be observed grazing in Saadani National Park. The common waterbucks occur all over the park area. Weighing up to 270 kg these grazers can be easily recognized by the white ring around their tails. The density of reedbucks is especially high in Saadani National Park, although this medium-sized antelope (45 kg ) might be difficult to spot in tall grass where they lay down for shelter. Warthogs are also present and even come into Saadani Village.

Saadani National Park is also known for its numerous giraffes, the national symbol of Tanzania and tallest animal in the world. Their tongues have special callus plates which make them particularly well adapted to browse on spiny acacia trees. Large herds of white-bearded wildebeests also graze in the short grass savannas. Other animals are zebra and eland.

The lion, the largest of the African carnivores, is also found in Saadani, although it is rarely seen. At night you may also hear the hyenas and encounter genets, porcupines and civets. Other species which can be observed within the perimeter of the park are bushbucks, bushpigs, yellow baboon or vervet monkey.

Accommodations found at Saadani National Park is mainly luxurious. A tent with a view and Saadani Safari Lodge.