1 Day:
Saadan
Experience Africa’s most unique wildlife destination on this extraordinary day safari to Saadani National Park, the continent’s only location where traditional Big Five safari meets pristine Indian Ocean beaches. Witness elephants walking along white sand shores, lions hunting with ocean backdrops, and incredible boat safaris along pristine rivers teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
This one-of-a-kind destination offers experiences impossible anywhere else in Africa, combining beach relaxation with authentic wilderness adventures. Saadani’s 1,100 square kilometers encompass diverse ecosystems from coastal forests to open grasslands, supporting elephants, lions, buffalo, and over 200 bird species just meters from tropical beaches.
Drive Time: 3 hours each way | Activities: 6-7 hours safari and marine activities
Early morning departure at 5:30 AM from Dar es Salaam for scenic drive through rural coastal Tanzania to Saadani National Park. The journey showcases changing landscapes from urban areas to traditional villages and coastal forests before reaching Africa’s most unique wilderness destination.
Morning Beach-Bush Game Drive (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM) Enter Saadani National Park for immediate beach-bush game drive along pristine Indian Ocean shores where elephants, buffalo, and antelopes feed just meters from crashing waves. This extraordinary experience offers photography opportunities impossible anywhere else in Africa with wildlife silhouetted against ocean backdrops.
Search for lions, leopards, giraffes, and warthogs across open grasslands and coastal forests. The park supports healthy populations of Roosevelt’s sable antelope, reedbuck, and waterbuck alongside diverse birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, and flamingos.
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) Enjoy packed lunch at beachfront location with opportunities for swimming in warm Indian Ocean waters while observing wildlife grazing nearby.
Afternoon Boat Safari (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM) Experience Wami River boat safari spotting hippos, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife including malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, and various heron species. The riverine environment provides excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities different from traditional land-based safaris.
Final Beach Activities (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM) Conclude safari experience with beach relaxation, optional swimming, or turtle nesting site visits (seasonal) before beginning return journey to Dar es Salaam.
Return Journey (4:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Depart Saadani for return drive to Dar es Salaam, arriving around 7:30 PM with unique memories of Africa’s only beach-bush safari experience.
Meals: Packed lunch, bottled water, and snacks.
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide and driver.
✔ Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔ All park entrance fees and government taxes.
✔ Boat safari along Wami River with professional boat crew.
✔ Packed lunch, bottled water, and snacks throughout the day.
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dar es Salaam.
✔ Airport transfers available upon request.
✔ Game drives and boat safari as per itinerary schedule.
✔ Beach access and swimming opportunities.
✔ Emergency first aid kit and communication equipment.
✔ Professional wildlife and marine spotting guidance.
✘ International flights to and from Tanzania.
✘ Tanzania visa fees if required for your nationality.
✘ Travel and medical insurance coverage.
✘ Alcoholic beverages and additional soft drinks.
✘ Tips for driver-guide and boat crew ($25-30 total recommended).
✘ Personal items, souvenirs, and shopping.
✘ Optional activities like turtle nesting tours (seasonal).
✘ Emergency evacuation insurance.
✘ Accommodation (day trip only).
Find your ideal Tanzania adventure with our comprehensive range of safari itineraries, each carefully crafted to deliver exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and authentic African experiences.
“Excellent guides who not only know how to guide a raft through the rapids, but can explain the geology and the history of the area. This trip gives you the opportunity to see a part of Dinosaur National Monument that most people never get to see”
Tourist, Canada
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