Saanane Island National Park
Saanane Island National Park is a national park in Tanzania, situated in Mwanza. It is the second national park in Tanzania located on the shores of Lake Victoria, accessible by boat from the Tanapa offices at Capri Point in Mwanza. The park derives its name from Mzee Saanane Chavadi, a local farmer and fisherman who was its former owner. Saanane Island National Park encompasses an area of 2.18 square kilometers (0.84 sq. mi). Initially designated as a game reserve by the government in 1991 to enhance conservation efforts, it was subsequently established as a national park in 2013. It is the sole national park located within city limits, providing an exhilarating experience during Tanzania safari tours.
Attractions in Saanane Island National Park.
Wildlife.
Saanane Island National Park is home to mammals such as the Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys, Wild Cats, and De-Brazzas Monkey, highlighting its uniqueness as the sole park in the country that hosts these species. Saanane Island National Park also houses reptiles such as crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake tortoises, leopard tortoises, and various snakes, including pythons. The water section of Saanane Island National Park hosts a diverse array of fish species, primarily Tilapia and Nile Perch.
Bird species.
The park is a premier birding safari destination in Tanzania, featuring over 70 documented bird species, including resident, migratory, and aquatic birds. Commonly observed species include the African grey parrot, pied kingfisher, egrets, cormorants, and fish eagles, among others.
Activities conducted on Saanane Island National Park.
Sport fishing.
Saanane Island National Park facilitates sport fishing for visitors in specific areas, accompanied by an expert guide who instructs them on the techniques of the activity while utilizing appropriate fishing gear. The Nile perch and Tilapia species are the most often captured fish utilizing the catch and release method in fishing.
Wildlife observation.
Game viewing constitutes a primary activity undertaken by tourists in the park, allowing for an exploration of its entirety. During game viewing in Saanane National Park, various animal species can be observed, including dik-diks, elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, impalas, rock hyraxes, wild cats, warthogs, velvet monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, among others. Additionally, one may also encounter various bird species and the park’s picturesque landscapes during this experience.
Bird watching.
The park provides bird enthusiasts with a diverse array of vibrant bird species, establishing it as a premier birding destination in Tanzania. The optimal birdwatching activities predominantly occur along the shores of Lake Victoria, offering exceptional views of aquatic birds. The park is home to over 70 bird species, encompassing resident, migratory, and water birds. The avifauna in the park comprises the pied kingfisher, egrets, cormorants, fish eagles, hornbills, and numerous others. During birdwatching excursions, avian enthusiasts are advised to bring binoculars for observing distant species and cameras to capture images of the diverse bird species for identification and memento purposes.
Boat riding.
The park, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers tourists the opportunity to engage in boat riding, allowing them to observe various animal species, including crocodiles, hippos, numerous fish species, and water birds. This activity lasts approximately one and a half hours, accompanied by an experienced boat ride guide.
Rock climbing.
Tourists can ascend the island to enjoy stunning vistas of the expansive Lake Victoria and observe several animal species, including vervet monkeys, elands, impalas, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and many others, while encountering various plant species.
Outdoor excursions in natural settings.
The Park provides travelers with nature walks along authorized routes, allowing them to traverse the entire area on foot and observe various wildlife, particularly bird species, enhancing their experience in the park.
Picnic locations.
Tourists have the chance to relish their time at designated picnic areas in the park, where they savor their packed lunches while experiencing the refreshing breeze of Africa beside Lake Victoria.
Outdoor camping.
The park offers tourists an immersive experience of the nocturnal wilderness, while the island provides excellent camping facilities and exceptional services. Visitors bring their own tents and set them up near the island, enjoying the refreshing cool breeze.
Best time for visiting Saanane Island National Park.
The period from June to August constitutes the dry season, making it the optimal time to visit Saanane Island National Park, as this season is also ideal for game drives, picnics, and rock climbing.
Accommodations on Saanane Island National Park.
The park offers accommodations for tourists during their visit, with facilities both within and outside its boundaries. These range from budget to luxury options, including Waghill Lodge, Lessa Garden Hotels, Rocky Bay Resort and Camping, Adden Palace Hotel, Dreezy Hotel, Pentagon Hotel, Royal Sunset Beach Hotel, Mango Village, Gold Crest Hotel, Isamilo Lodge and Spa, The Lahe Hotels, Hotel Tilapia, among others.
Entrance fees of Saanane Island National Park.
| Category | JULY –JUNE | ||
| EA (Tsh) | Non EA Citizen ( USD) | Expatriate/Residents(USD) | |
| Of above the age of 16 years | 5000 | 30 | 15 |
| Between the age of 5 and 15 years | 2000 | 10 | 5 |
| Children below the age of 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
Directions to Saanane Island National Park.
The park is situated in the southwestern region of Mwanza city and is accessible via both road and air transportation.
By air refers to transportation via aircraft.
Here, you can reserve your scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro to Mwanza Airport, thereafter connecting to the park headquarters.
Definition of “By Road.”
Utilizing the roadway allows for vehicular travel from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro to Tabora, then on to the park.
The Park hosts many mammalian species, including the velvet monkey, wild cat, zebra, and rock hyrax. It is the sole location in Tanzania where De-Brazza’s monkeys are located, rendering the park distinctive and premier for visits in Tanzania.