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
“Access 2 Tanzania was fabulous, accommodating, and kind. Casey planned our trip but he also served as a therapist to us in some ways! My husband was nervous to travel to Africa, especially with our two kids but Casey spent a great amount of time walking us through everything and assuring us that we would be safe and that anything we needed would be taken care of. Casey was also always available for every crazy and detailed question we had. He was extremely patient with us and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the detailed information he provided us. It made us feel so much more relaxed about the trip.”