Saadani National Park
Description: One of Tanzania’s newest national parks, Saadani bills itself as one of the few spots in the country where you can enjoy the beach and watch wildlife at the same time. It’s easily accessible from Dar es Salaam as an overnight excursion and is a good choice if you don’t have time to explore further afield. To the south of the reserve is the Wami River, where you’ll probably see hippos, crocodiles and many birds, including lesser flamingos, fish eagles, hamerkops, kingfishers and bee-eaters. Wildlife-watching can’t be compared with that in the better-known national parks, animal numbers are slowly increasing now that poaching is being brought under control. You’ll also likely see giraffes, and elephant spottings are increasingly common. With more effort, you may see hartebeests and even lions, although these are more difficult to spot. The birding is also wonderful.
Things 2 Do: Game drives, Boat trips, Bush walks, Village tours
Accommodations
“We had a fabulous adventure. We saw so many animals in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Our guide Willy helped us see so many things. His knowledge base for the areas and the animals was great. He anticipated animals coming into the area, mating and where we may see the animals. He used my camera to help focus in on the areas when we were struggling to see the animals (mostly in trees). The pre-trip emailed information, videos, etc. were helpful.”