Coast Region
Tanzania's only park where the savanna meets the Indian Ocean — safari by day, beach by night.
Best for
How to get there
Drive from Dar es Salaam takes 3 hours on a mix of tarmac and dirt road
Average trip length
2–4 days
Tanzania's only coastal national park, where lions and elephants roam beaches beside the Indian Ocean. Endangered green sea turtles nest here, and mangrove forests line the Wami River estuary.
First time visiting here?
Learn what to expect, what to carry, and common mistakes to avoid.
June – October · December – February
The dry season is best for game viewing. The short dry season (Dec–Feb) is also good and offers turtle nesting on the beach. Avoid April–May for heavy rains and rough seas.
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Budget
Budget beach bandas from $100/day
Mid-range
Beach lodge with game activities $250–$450/day
Premium
Luxury tented beach camp from $500+/day
Is Saadani worth it over just staying on Zanzibar?
For travellers who want more than beach time, yes. Saadani is genuinely unique in Africa. Do both: a Zanzibar-to-Saadani boat transfer followed by a 2-night safari, then fly back.
Can I swim at Saadani beach?
Yes, the beach is beautiful and swimming is generally safe — ask lodge staff about conditions and tides each day.
