SAADANI LODGES

Located in the centre of the historic triangle of Bagamoyo, Pangani and Zanzibar, Saadani National Park covers 1100 km2. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the sea. The climate is coastal, hot and humid. It offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting.

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About 30 species of larger mammals are present as well as numerous reptiles and birds. Besides many species of fish, Green turtles, Humpback whales and dolphins also occur in the ocean nearby.

River & Ocean
From East to West, the open ocean with coral reefs changes to brackish water ecosystems characterized by mangrove forests, salt pans and bare saline areas. Further inland, the Wami River is the most important fresh water source besides numerous temporary rivers and dams.

These beaches are the only place North of Dar es Salaam where sea turtles still come to lay their eggs. The most common species is the Green Turtle, the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. Besides nest thieves on the beach, turtles are particularly threatened by commercial fisheries and water pollution.

Forests & Shrubs
The poorly known coastal forests are characterised by a high biodiversity with many plants occurring only in these areas (endemics). In Saadani, elephants are relatively shy and usually hide during the day in woody parts of the Park. Leopards also occur in dense bush and thickets. Seldom seen, these animals are mainly nocturnal and can live in close proximity to humans.

Other showy animals living mostly in woody areas are the Greater kudu and smaller antelopes such as Suni and Duiker. The crowns of the trees are inhabited by Colobus monkeys which, unlike most other monkeys, subsist mainly on leaves, strictly nocturnal bush babies, as well as many fruit-eating bird species, insects and butterflies.

Savanna
Typical inhabitants of the tall grass savannas are the buffalo, which weigh up to 850 kg. Several herds of Liechtenstein’s hartebeests can be observed grazing in Saadani National Park. The common waterbucks occur all over the Park area. Weighting up to 270 kg these grazers can be easily recognised by the white ring around their tails. The density of Bohor reedbucks is especially high in Saadani National Park, although this medium-sized antelope (45 kg) might be difficult to spot in tall grass where they lay down for shelter.

Contact us by email or contact us by telephone on 0207 622 5114 and ask to speak to a consultant about safari lodges in Saadani, Tanzania.

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