Walking, boating, snorkelling, beach, swimming pool
Guide Price: From: $425 To: $700
Saadani Safari Lodge is a 30 minute flight north of Dar Es Salaam. With the lodge only one kilometre from the airstrip, it is a quick and easy journey.
Being in the National Park but on the coast, Saadani is in the unique position of providing the opportunity to observe big game as well as enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Saadani has only recently been designated a National Park so at present it is not a big wildlife destination, but the game is on the increase.
Saadani Safari Lodge has 15 rooms in all, 9 of which are their classic bandas which are quite small and tented with makuti rooves. They all have huge verandas and alfresco day beds that you can siesta in during the day and drop the mosquito net and sleep out in at night. There are also 3 new "maradadi suites" and one family unit. For those who want to be totally private there is a luxury suite that is completely apart from the lodge with it's own swimming pool and bar. All rooms have direct access to the beach and the sea.
This is an ideal place to come with relatively young family who want the variety of beach and bush without feeling that they have to take the safari side too seriously - or spend all day in a vehicle.
The beach is virtually deserted except for local fishermen. It is possible to swim, although it is quite shallow and as the river is up streem, the sea can be a bit cloudy. For the best swimming and snorkelling the lodge lays on boats to take you out to the huge sandbar which is part of the park and is a protected area for green trutles. You can swim and snorkel to your hearts content from here.
The lodge also lays on game drives (in open vehicles) and walks into the park as well as boat trips up the river. It depends on the season slightly as to how much game you see - in the rains it is likely to be more dispersed.
Saadani is a small and simple camp, with a twist of bush chic about it. It is not a luxurious destination and don't go expecting to see lots of game it is still a bit hit and miss. You should see hippo, lots of birds and monkeys and be able to have some excellent snorkelling and swimming. Any big game will be a bonus - it is there, including elephant and lion. If you go to Saadani, it is for a relaxing, fun and intimate experience and is a great introduction to safaris.
From: 425 To: 700
Walking, boating, snorkelling, beach, swimming pool
price includes full board accommodation and one activity. Exludes laundry and drinks
Saadani National Park is relatively small at just 1000sq km, but it's highly unusual in Tanzania, in that it lies right on the coast. Sadaani is somewhere there's a real possibility you could see elephant and other mammals on the beach (not your normal beach holiday then). It's situated between Dar es Salaam and Tanga and its principal features are the beach and the Wami River, which winds its way in a series of story book meanders to meet the Indian Ocean just a short distance north of Dar es Salaam. Saadani is Tanzania's newest national park and you wouldn't want to come here expecting the concentrations of animals you get in some of Tanzania's National Parks and equally, it probably isn't the best beach in East Africa. However, Saadani is undoubtedly inherently fascinating and will really appeal to those interested in seeing an unusual pocket of Tanzania. Read more?
Tanzania safaris rival a safari any other country in Africa in terms of sheer wilderness, formidable landscapes and volume of wildlife. At Natural High, we have travelled all over the country, worked in some of its best Tanzania safari camps and lodges and flown all over as bush pilots so we feel qualified to venture such opinions. Read more?
Can't find the camp you're looking for? Just let us know and we will be sure to help.
Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.