Home Arrow FAQs Arrow How to travel from Dar es salaam to Saadani national park?

How to travel from Dar es salaam to Saadani national park?

A trip  from Dar es Salaam to Saadani National Park is a special journey combining beach view, wildlife search, and the excitement of visiting one of the most peculiar national parks in Tanzania-where the beach meets the bush. 

It is unique in that Saadani is the only East African wildlife park that borders the Indian Ocean, which also makes it a fine place to visit in case one wants to have a wildlife safari along with a beach vacation. This guide provides detailed information on how to reach the park by road, air, or sea

The cheapest way to travel from Dar es Salaam to Saadani is by road, making it ideal for budget-conscious safari-goers. The major road includes two routes that depend on where you would like to go in the park:

a) Via Bagamoyo (Southern Entry)

  • Distance: Approximately 130–160 km depending on the gate/lodge
  • Time: 4 to 6 hours (longer during rainy seasons)
  • Route Description:
    • Start by heading north toward Bagamoyo, an ancient coastal village around 75 km away from Dar es Salaam.
    • From Bagamoyo drive northward on rougher roads to the Saadani Park South entrance.
    • It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle due to sandy, bumpy, and occasionally waterlogged roads

This is the perfect travel route to those planning to visit the lodge in the southern regions of Saadani or are going to enter the park through Saadani village.

b) Via Mandera (Northern Entry)

  • Distance: Around 200 km
  • Time: 5 to 7 hours
  • Route Description:
    • Leave Dar es Salaam going northwest on the Morogoro Road (A7).
    • At Mandera village, turn off and enter the northern park gates or Wami River region

This northern route is longer but can be more reliable in the rainy season.

2. By Air: The Fastest and Most Convenient Way

A number of domestic charter flights run the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Saadani airstrips such as Saadani Airstrip or Wami Airstrip. These flights are typically arranged by tour operators or safari lodges

  • Flight Time: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air (charters only)
  • Benefits:
    • Time saving especially when short safaris are involved.
    • Provides fantastic sceneries of the Tanzanian coastline and rivers.
    • Most lodges offer pick-up and drop-off services from nearby airstrips

Note: The flights normally have a minimum number of passengers or fly on demand so one should book beforehand using a tour company or lodge.

3. By Boat: A Scenic Yet Rare Option

Some affordable lodges in Saadani can be reached by boat from Dar es Salaam or Bagamoyo, sailing along the Indian Ocean coast

  • Time: 2 to 4 hours depending on departure point and sea conditions
  • Highlights:
    • Travel along the coastline while enjoying views of mangroves, dolphins, and birdlife.
    • A romantic or luxury option, often included in premium safari packages.

This is a scenic and adventurous route except it is weather and tide dependent. It can be found mainly in the dry season (June to October, or January to February).

Conclusion

Reaching Saadani National Park is an adventure on its own—one that promises unforgettable memories at the intersection of bush and beach. It will be like no other park and have what many others will not, an opportunity to see elephants in the morning and have your feet back in the ocean by night.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
Live Chat
COOKIE SETTINGS