"Gracing the mainland coast opposite Zanzibar, underrated Saadani is the one place in East Africa where lions and elephants might be observed strolling along an idyllic palm-lined beach. It is also a prime birdwatching site, and game drives can be supplemented by guided walks and boat trips on the jungle-fringed Wami River. ”

- Philip Briggs

Saadani National Park

The only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa to boast a slice of prime Indian Ocean frontage, Saadani is an ideal spot to wrap up a safari with a relaxed wildlife-oriented beach break.

Despite the presence of lion, leopard, buffalo and more than 200 elephants, Saadani doesn’t compare to Tanzania’s finest when it comes to Big Five viewing, but giraffe and antelope such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable, greater kudu and red duiker are often encountered on guided walks.

Boat trips on the Wami River are a highlight, with hippos basking in the shallows, acrobatic colobus monkeys cavorting in the canopy, and the likes of African fish eagle and the localised mangrove kingfisher hawking from the trees.

Marine wildlife includes dolphins and the turtles that nest seasonally on the wide sandy beaches of Saadani.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. This follows the short rains of October, November and December. This is a superb time of year to visit, with strong wildlife numbers on the plains and largely dry weather.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. This follows the short rains of October, November and December. This is a superb time of year to visit, with strong wildlife numbers on the plains and largely dry weather.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Whilst wildlife sighting can be good, the hot, humid conditions and frequent rainfall generally make this period unfavourable.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Whilst wildlife sighting can be good, the hot, humid conditions and frequent rainfall generally make this period unfavourable.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Whilst wildlife sighting can be good, the hot, humid conditions and frequent rainfall generally make this period unfavourable.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

DRY SEASON

This dry season follows the long rains of March, April and May, and is characterised by a strong wildlife presence on the plains as well as largely dry and sunny weather. These conditions make this a superb time of year to visit.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

DRY SEASON

This dry season follows the long rains of March, April and May, and is characterised by a strong wildlife presence on the plains as well as largely dry and sunny weather. These conditions make this a superb time of year to visit.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

DRY SEASON

This dry season follows the long rains of March, April and May, and is characterised by a strong wildlife presence on the plains as well as largely dry and sunny weather. These conditions make this a superb time of year to visit.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

DRY SEASON

This dry season follows the long rains of March, April and May, and is characterised by a strong wildlife presence on the plains as well as largely dry and sunny weather. These conditions make this a superb time of year to visit.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. This can still be a good time to visit Saadani, however we recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. This can still be a good time to visit Saadani, however we recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. This can still be a good time to visit Saadani, however we recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its proximity to the equator means that Saadani Game Reserve has consistent temperatures throughout the year. The low-lying park is situated alongside the Indian Ocean, making it a tropical climate with high temperatures. Midday temperatures average around 32°C/90°F, while mornings are a pleasant 22°C/72°F on average; our advice is to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Saadani is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.

Saadani is a park that comes into its own just after the rains, when the lush grass-plains draw wildlife into the park. Having said this, as a safari and beach destination in one, Saadani can be visited year-round (barring, perhaps, the peak of the wet season.)

Explore Saadani National Park Properties

Simply Saadani

Simply Saadani

Saadani's Simply Saadani Camp seems to offer a gentle safari experience, and by all accounts it is run in a very responsible and eco-sensitive way. If you're looking to spend just a few days on holiday in Tanzania and combine a ..

What People Say

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