Perched on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the Saadani National Park is a small but beautiful wildlife-viewing destination that lies directly opposite Zanzibar. It’s the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania hugging the coast and offers the unique experience of game driving to spot big-game species before plunging straight into the ocean for a refreshing swim after your safari.

Encompassing the former Saadani Game Reserve, the Mkwaja Ranch and the Zaraninge Forest, the national park lies on the edge of a small Swahili village also named Saadani. The Wami River snakes its way through the park, providing a source of fresh water for the resident zebra, buffalo, elephant, warthog, giraffe, wildebeest and waterbuck.

Spend your days game driving between the vast grasslands of the “Serengeti Ndogo” (“Small Serengeti”) and the semi-open woodlands of Saadani before arriving at the palm-lined shores fringed by mangroves. Hippos, crocodiles and flamingos can all be spotted during boat cruises along the Wami River while dolphins, humpback whales and sea turtles can be seen in the ocean beyond.

If you’re after a bush and beach Tanzania safari, look no further than our itineraries to Saadani National Park.