Saadani Game Reserve was gazetted in 1964, covering an area of some 350 sq 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 Zaranyngi 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.

Ecology

The combination of beach and big game is unique in Tanzania. Game numbers and visibility do not at present match the more popular parks in the north and south but, especially with the upgrade to NP status, the continued improvement in both aspects should continue.
The diversity of animals is comparable to many parks, it is the numbers and accessibility which need to improve.
Large game currently seen include giraffe, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, sable antelope, eland, hartebeest, wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, reedbuck, greater kudu, oryx, warthog, mongoose, civet, serval, baboon, black and white colobus, crocodile, hippo, three species of duiker as well as a great variety of birdlife.

Saadani is dominated by acacia woodland, coastal thickets and miombo woodland. It also protects a large area of mangrove swamps around the mouth of the Wami river on the south boundary, and includes several species of palm including the mysterious looking 'walking palm', not actually a palm at all!
Dolphins are sometimes seen offshore and whales pass through the Zanzibar channel on their migration. Of particular interest is the green turtle project at Madete, this endangered species is under particular threat from fishing practices offshore from Saadani and a conservation project has been established to help protect both turtles and their eggs.

Getting There

By road: With good access from the main Arusha highway, driving time from Dar es Salaam is roughly 4 1/2 hours. Pangani is about 1 hour drive north and Arusha is a 6 hour drive.

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. A scheduled flight service from Zanzibar was introduced by Zanair in 2004, dep Zanzibar 11.00 arr 11.15, dep Saadani 11.30 arr 11.45.

Where to Stay

There are currently just 2 lodges at Saadani. A Tent with a View Safari Lodge offers greater privacy with a deserted beach and is located close to the park HQ at Mkwaja ranch while Saadani Safari Lodge, near Saadani village, is the only lodge located inside the park. Bordering Saadani inland and adjacent to the Zaraninge forest reserve is the rustic Kisampa Camp.

Park fees: $20/adult