6:00 AM – Pick-Up from Dar es Salaam
Depart from your hotel in Dar es Salaam in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, ideal for game viewing. The 130 km drive takes about 3-4 hours, passing through the historic town of Bagamoyo, local villages, and coastal plains.

10:00 AM – Arrival and Check-In
Arrive at Saadani National Park and check into your accommodation, such as Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge (luxury) or Tent With a View (mid-range). Enjoy a welcome drink while taking in views of the Indian Ocean.

11:00 AM – Morning Relaxation
Settle in and relax by the lodge, with time to enjoy the beachfront or spot animals roaming near the shore—elephants have been seen on the beach here.

12:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Savor a hot lunch at the lodge, featuring local and international dishes, with views of the ocean or savannah.

3:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive (3 Hours)
Embark on a guided game drive in a 4x4 vehicle. Saadani’s 1,100 km² landscape includes savannahs, forests, and the Wami River. Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and rare species like the Liechtenstein’s hartebeest. Birdwatchers can spot mangrove kingfishers and flamingos.

6:00 PM – Return to Lodge
Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the African bush.

7:00 PM – Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner at the lodge, followed by a restful night with the sound of the ocean nearby.

6:30 AM – Early Morning Game Drive (3 Hours)

Start the day with an early game drive to catch wildlife at their most active. Spot predators like leopards and hyenas, alongside grazing animals such as waterbucks, reedbucks, and warthogs. Elephants are often seen near water spots during the dry season.

9:30 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge
Return for a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the day ahead.

10:30 AM – Relax or Optional Activity
Spend the morning relaxing at the lodge or opt for a guided walking safari (additional cost) to explore the park’s flora, including the Zaraninge Forest, a coastal rainforest with endemic species.

12:30 PM – Lunch at the Lodge
Enjoy a delicious lunch with ocean views, spotting coastal birds like pelicans from the lodge.

2:30 PM – Wami River Boat Safari (2 Hours)
Head to the Wami River for a boat safari, a highlight of Saadani. Glide along the river, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Birdlife is abundant—expect to see flamingos, fish eagles, and lesser flamingos near the estuary.

4:30 PM – Beach Time
Spend the late afternoon relaxing on Saadani’s white sandy beaches. Swim in the Indian Ocean or watch for green turtles (July-September is hatching season) and dolphins offshore.

7:00 PM – Dinner and Overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s adventures under the stars.

6:30 AM – Final Morning Game Drive (2 Hours)
Enjoy one last game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed, such as sable antelopes or greater kudu. The early morning light offers great photography opportunities.

8:30 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge
Return for breakfast, packing up while enjoying the serene surroundings.

9:30 AM – Check-Out and Beach Walk
Take a short guided walk along the beach, spotting relics of Saadani’s history as a trading port, or simply relax before departure.

10:30 AM – Departure from Saadani
Begin the 3-4 hour drive back to Dar es Salaam, with a brief stop in Bagamoyo to stretch your legs and explore its historical ruins if time allows.

2:30 PM – Drop-Off in Dar es Salaam
Arrive back at your hotel in Dar es Salaam, filled with memories of Saadani’s unique bush-and-beach experience.