Saadani
National Park is a one of a kind paradise with unique ecosystem where beach
life meets wilderness. This gives you not only the opportunity to plunge into
the Indian Ocean straight after your safari, but also to be submerged in a
unique display of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a naturally
fascinating setting.
The
name Saadani has a close link to the Arab settlement in the area during the 19
Century. The name of a fishing village that, originally known as Utondwe which
changed to Saadani. Saadani is such an important name in the country’s history
since the time immemorial centuries or more, mentioned in chronicles of the
Portuguese and notable travellers like Johannes Rebman, El-Masoud, Ptolemy, and
Richard Burton among others. The historical Saadani leaves us with the evidence
of not only visits of these travellers, but also of a former town which was
once a trade centre coordinating overseas and hinterland bather trade,
including slave trade.
It
was officially declared to National Park status in 2005 under Government Notice
No. 188. The Park covers an area of 1,100sqkm after annexation of the former
Saadani Game Reserve, Mkwaja Cattle Ranch, Zaraninge Forest Reserve and Wami
River.
Game
Drive
This
activity is conducted from 06:30 – 18:30 HRS, no additional fee for this
activity. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are recommended, although the roads
are easily accessible during the dry season.
Guided
walking to the bush (1-3hours)
Preferable
time to conduct the activity is from 06:30 to 10:00 and in the evening from
15:30 to 18:30. Prior information is required for the activity.
River Cruising at Wami River
The activity is conducted at Wami
River to the estuary area and takes maximum of 2hrs.
Visit to
Mafui Sandbank
Visitors
interested in picnics, swimming and sighting different marine organisms
normally go to this sandbank. Organism like star fish, corals can be easily
encountered. Professional snorkeling and diving activities are conducted with
own tourist tools.