Discover Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park was officially a National Park in 2005 from the former Saadani game reserve. Being the only National Park that harbors both marine and terrestrial habitats, Saadani National Park has plenty of marine life and large numbers of wild animals.
It is not surprising to encounter wild animals on the beach in this coastal Park. Saadani is one of the few breeding sites for endangered Green Sea Turtles and the only Tanzania Park to protect the mangrove forest. The coastal forest in this unique park harbors rare species of Black and white Colobus Monkeys.
Visitors to this place will have an opportunity to do a game drive in the savannah part of the park and enjoy the beautiful unspoiled beach that lies within the Park.
Saadani National Park (NP) is a 410 sq. mile wildlife sanctuary in East Africa, the only park in Tanzania with an Indian Ocean beachfront with elephants and Swahili fishermen on view.
Why Go on safari in Saadani National Park
Both game drives and guided walks will take you into the heart of Saadani and give you a great chance of seeing zebras, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, wildebeest, waterbuck, and even the elusive sable antelope. If you’re very lucky (and patient!) you might even be rewarded with the coveted sighting of a lion, leopard or spotted hyena.
Boat excursions can be arranged along the mangrove-lined Wami River. Here, there is a chance of seeing hippos, crocodiles, and an assortment of marine and riverine birds, including the kingfisher and lesser flamingo.
The beaches of Saadani also form one of the important breeding grounds (and perhaps the largest in Tanzania) for the green turtle.
Saadani National Park Entry Fees
Below are the Saadani National Park entry fees for 2024
| Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adults TSH | Child TSH | Adults USD | Child USD | Adults USD | Child USD |
| NA | NA | 15 | 5 | 30 | 10 |
Please note the rates are subject to change.
How to Pay for Saadani National Park Fees
How do you pay for Mkomazi National Park Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the Tanapa Account, create an account, and select Mkomazi National Park to pay for the park fees.
How to Pay
1. Online Payment:
Some parks allow online payment of park entrance fees, and some do not. Always check official websites for updated data on how to pay your park fees online.
You can generate a permit ticket at the park entrance gates and pay using your preferred payment method like credit card or M-pesa.
2. Payment at Park Gates:
Some parks accept payments at the entrance via mobile money or credit cards. Always ask your Tour operator, our team member, or the national park authority to check if you can pay at the park gates.
Most National Parks accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. American Express is not recommended.
Most national parks do not accept Cash payments; if it happens they do, then it should be in both Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or USD.
Best Time to Visit Saadani National Park
Generally, Tanzania is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.
Low Season
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec
If you are looking for an intimate exclusive safari but affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit. The best places to visit include the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and lake Nakuru among many others.
High Season
Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec
One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.
Peak Season
15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan
An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season. In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you.
How to Get to Saadani National Park
Saadani National Park is located on Tanzania’s northern coastline, approximately 130 km northwest of Dar es Salaam and 45 km north of Bagamoyo. Visitors can access Saadani by road, air, or even by boat, depending on their point of departure.
Traveling by road from Dar es Salaam takes around 4 to 5 hours, following the Chalinze–Mandera road, while from Bagamoyo, the journey is shorter, taking about 2 hours. The roads can be rough, particularly in the rainy season, making a 4WD vehicle the most suitable option. Visitors coming from Tanga can reach Saadani in approximately 3 hours by driving 75 km south via Pangani. Those traveling from Zanzibar can take a boat to Pangani, followed by a short drive to the park.
For those preferring a faster and more convenient option, charter flights are available from major locations such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro, landing at Saadani Airstrip. The flight from Dar es Salaam to Saadani takes approximately 30 minutes. Whether by road, air, or sea, Saadani’s accessibility offers a unique opportunity to experience Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and coastal beauty in one destination.
Best Places to Stay at Saadani National Park
Safari Packages to Saadani National Park
Other National Parks to visit
Find other national parks related to Saadani National Park that you either combined your safari with or get inspired to book them later on in your next adventures. The destinations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Saadani National Park.
