Saadani National Park is the perfect union of beach and bush. Located just 70 km North of Bagamoyo and immediately accessible by paved road from Dar Es Salaam, Saadani has recently become a fully protected National Park and is a popular day-trip from beach resorts scattered along Tanzania’s northern coast. The Wami River, which passes through Saadani National Park and empties into the Indian Ocean, hosts a large population of hippos, crocodiles, flamingos, and many other large bird species.

Elephants have been rumoured to be seen bathing and playing on Saadani’s beach, especially in the early hours of the morning. A good choice for visitors in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar who don’t have time for longer safaris to visit more remote parks around the country, Saadani is easily visited for a day trip or over a weekend. There are hippo, zebra, giraffe, hartebeest and wildebeest in abundance. The park is accessible all year round.