Saadani is Tanzania's newest
National Park, finally gazetted at the end of the 1990's
and as such is still very much a new frontier in the
safari world. Located north of Bagamoyo on the Tanzanian
coast, the much-touted "bush meets the beach"
environment is of sufficient novelty as to be worth
a visit should time allow. Granted, it is not a full
version of either, and the promises of elephants frolicking
on the beach are likely to remain denied to most visitors,
but as a relaxing environment with the possibility of
wildlife, it more than lives up to its promise.
There are two main areas, each with its
own accommodation. The South, close to the park gate,
is close to the Wami river, where a boat safari will
always ensure sightings of hippo, small crocodiles and
a wide selection of water birds. Similarly, a trip to
the historic Saadani village, a former colonial outpost
and pre-colonial port is an interesting walk out for
a couple of hours. The Northern sector is of a different
ecological cloth altogether, more palm-forested in regions
and opening out into an area that was once a former
ranch. Visits here have generally encountered better
game, including some reasonable-sized groups of elephant,
but it is very much seasonal depending on the water.
The beaches here are, however, of a perfection worthy
of the name, and if you consider the game-viewing to
be part of a wider package, with beaches and solitude
thrown in, then Saadani is a recommended addition to
any safari itinerary
Properties
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Saadani Safari Lodge
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The first camp in Saadani, although then under
different ownership, a process of continued improvement
has raised this camp to a standard equivalent
to any of the luxury camps elsewhere on the safari
scene. Nicely-sited beachside, amidst a crowd
of walking palms, the bandas, raised dining area,
swimming pool and treetop bar are joined by wooden
walkways that give it a very jungle feel. A laudatory
eye for detail has incorporated various bits of
driftwood, dried plants and shells into the décor
to give it an overall definition worthy of its
location.
Good food is plentiful and hospitality first-rate
whilst the proximity to the village and the river
delta allow for a wider experience (village visits
and river safaris) than is found in National parks
elsewhere .
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Tent With a view
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This relatively new lodge built on the Northern
edge of the park, close to the Mkwaja border,
is operated by the original management of Saadani
's other lodge, their knowledge of the park revealing
itself in the choice of location. Spread out along
an idyllic stretch of beach, a series of treehouses
of dodgy nomenclature and palatial bathrooms sit
amongst rustling palm-fronds overlooking the ocean.
Food is of a high standard, reliant very much
on the jumbo prawns that are the region's speciality,
and a well-stocked bar hints at the recreational
pursuits of the owners.
Wildlife is very much a seasonal
affair, but the warm and friendly management team
know the park better than anybody and can be relied
upon for a privileged introduction to Tanzania's
newest park. |
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