Saanane Island National Park: Everything You Need To Know
Saanane National Park Location, Facts and History
Saanane Island National Park is located on Saanane Island, on Lake Victoria’s shores, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Also, this Tanzania park covers approximately 2.18 square kilometers, which includes both land and the park’s aquatic zones.
Saanane was established as a game reserve in 1964 with the aim of protecting its attractions, including rocky islands, wildlife, and flora. Later, Saanane became famous for its proximity to Mwanza city and the presence of Lake Victoria. So, after its expansion, Saanane Island Mwanza was upgraded to a national park in 2013.
Saanane Island National Park offers the unique adventures that combine urban proximity together with natural beauty. Electrifying day trips, photography, and nature walks rank Saanane among the top Tanzania National Parks. On top of that, this park has wildlife and marine species, dramatic rock formations, and cultural features despite its size. Hence, it is known to be the smallest and only urban national park in East Africa. Plan your safari to Saanane National Park Tanzania, with a guide to the most important details to know about this destination below.
How to Get to Saanane Island National Park: A Detailed Guide & Map
Getting to the Saanane Island national park is so very simplified as it’s one of the most accessible national parks in Tanzania. Additionally, this Tanzania safari destination is just perfect for sightseers with limited time in the country or those who are already in Mwanza. Below are some of the ways to get to Saanane for a thrilling African safari tour.
- By Road: As the national park is Located just 2 km southwest of Mwanza City Center, this permits it easy access to all those that would love to marvel at it and visitors can Easily access it by taxi, boda boda (motorbike taxis), or private vehicles. Also, drive from major cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mwanza in Tanzania.
- By Air: Saanane national park can as well be accessed by air as sightseers can Fly to Mwanza Airport (MWZ) from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro and this takes approximately 15-minute drive from the airport to the national park.
- By Boat: Enjoy a short boat ride from Mwanza to Saanane Island.
Saanane Island National Park Map | Tanzania
Climate of Saanane National Park Tanzania
The climate of the Saanane National Park is highly influenced by the fact that it is situated next to Lake Victoria. This park has a tropical savannah climate just like in Nyerere National Park in Tanzania. Additionally, it’s generally hot and humid with pleasant lake breezes all day long. So, Saanane Island National Park has two seasons, with the dry Season running from June to October. This dry season in Saanane comes with clear skies, lower humidity, and cooler nights excellent for different safari activities.
The national park seasons are also combined with Temperatures averaging from 25–29°C (77–84°F) during the day. And cool down at night to between 14–18 °C (57–64 °F). Lastly, Saanane National Park experiences wet Seasons from November to May. However, you can enjoy this park’s different kinds of experiences all year through in both these seasons.
Worst and Best Time to Visit Saanane National Park in Tanzania
The best time to visit Saanane Island National Park in Tanzania is during the dry season (June to October.) Also, the worst time to visit Saanane National Park Tanzania is during the wet seasons in the months of November to May. However, during these low seasons, Saanane Island National Park is a great destination for birdwatching tours in Tanzania. Lets get into the details below.
Best Time to go to Saanane for Safari
Months of June–October are in the dry Season of the year ideal to visit this the park as the terrain is more stable, and wildlife sightings are at their peak. Trails like Mchanga Trail from the rocky eastern edge of the island offers panoramic views of Lake Victoria with extra clear skies offering perfect sunrise or sunset photography. Also, animals gather around near waterholes such as Lukuba Waterpoint around June to October. Hence, increasing sighting chances of wildlife such as impala, rock hyrax, lizards, velvet monkeys, and the elusive Agama lizards sunbathing.
Visitors engage in rock climbing activities at Saanane national park in areas like the Nyani Rocks (Baboon Rocks). Also, on the park’s central ridge and the Kobe Cliffs, named after the tortoise (“kobe” in Swahili) and all these offer great angles for sunset photography safaris in Saanane.
Worst Time to visit:
March–May are ranked as peak wet season and the worst time to visit this national park. So, this is because there are various challenges during this period of time and they are as below. Trails like the Nyika Loop a The Msituni Trail can be slippery and wind through grassy and rocky terrain.In addition, they become muddy and hard to walk and it is very common to encounter slick stones and temporary streams blocking paths making footing unstable.
Additionally, activities like rock climbing and canoeing may be limited due to storms in Saanane National Park. Most especially in areas such as Nyani Rocks and Kobe Cliffs which are always closed or restricted due to high winds and slippery rock surfaces which increase the risk of falls. Also, canoeing near the Lake Victoria Shoreline Camp is stopped towards any one and this is due to the fact of heavy rainstorms and high waves hence poor visibility.
Top Tourist Attractions in Saanane Island Mwanza
Saanane national park in Tanzania is filled with various tourist attractions excellent to witness while on a wildlife safari here. Unique and key tourist attractions to see on a budget with family, friends and couples in Saanane Tanzania include the great Lake Victoria, over 70 bird species recorded and rocky island. Witness these attractions below which make this park a unique safari destination for wildlife safaris.
- Rocky Islands and Trails: Saanane is filled with various walking trails that lead to different directions. Additionally, these offer incomparable experiences and some include; Mwanza Rock Trail and Hippo Point Trail. So, these lead to Lake Victoria shores for hippo and aquatic life viewing. Also, lead to Kisiwa cha Nyegera (Nyegera Island) with dense vegetation and home to various bird species.
- Lake Victoria: This one the key features of the national park. Also, it’s the main source of water to the Sanaane Island in Mwanza. Saanane national park extends into Lake Victoria, allowing for aquatic exploration as they witness fish such as; Local Tilapia and Nile Perch.
- Birds: This Tanzania safari destination has 70 species of resident and migratory birds as mentioneed before. These can be witnessed in areas such as the Bird Island Trail and Eastern Lakeshores which is rich in aquatic birdlife. Also, Rocky outcrops known for Perches for raptors and sunbirds. Birders can get to witness birds in Saanane Island in Mwanza like Fish eagle, Goliath heron, Malachite kingfisher, Pied crow and African openbill stork
Wildlife in Saanane National Park Tanzania
Saanane national park is home to various wildlife which can be witnessed from different areas of the national park. These animals in Saanane arer usually spotted along Lake Victoria Shoreline and Lukuba Waterpoint. Animals like Zebras, Impala, Rock hyrax, Vervet monkeys and Blue monkeys.
Other animals include Wild cats (rarely seen), Agama lizards and monitor lizards which roam freely within the park. Also animals and are easily observable during short walking safaris in Saanane Island National Park.
Saanane National Park entry Fees
Saanane Island Mwanza is filled with its unique attractions in Tanzania to see during your safari. However, note that there are park fees that are charged to sightseers from; Children (5–15 years) to Foreign Non-Residents. These Saanane entrance fees help in maintaining the park and they are set up and managed by TANAPA. These park fees as well are not fixed and can change at any given time of the year and they are as below;
- Foreign Non-Residents: ~USD $30 per adult per day
- Children (5–15 years): ~USD $10 per child
- Boat Rides & Rock Climbing: ~USD $10–$20 depending on duration and group size
Saanane Island Mwanza Entry Gates
There is only one main entry gate to Saanane National Park in Tanzania. So, this main entry gate is located on the mainland near Capri Point Peninsula. Additionally, it is very accessible only about 5 minutes from Mwanza City Center using only a boat ride to get there. Saanane Island access jetty in Mwanza always operates from 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM daily.
Activities in Saanane National Park Tanzania
Saanane national park offers sightseers numerous safari Tanzania tour experiences and things to do. So, it has Tanzania things to do including birding, nature walks and water safaris carried out in different areas of the park like; Lake Victoria shores, rock camp outcrops and Lukuba Waterpoint. All those that would love to be thrilled by the beauty of saanane national park the best way is to engage in these Tanzania activities to do as explained below.
1. Walking safaris in Saanane:
Have a guided walk with TANAPA rangers through Saanane National park and witness different physical features. For example, wildlife, lakes, rivers, islands among others. Such features can be witnessed through the different safari trails that include; Mchanga trail. This walking trail in Saanane Park Tanzania is carried out along the eastern ridge of the island. Also, it offers a view past the rock hyrax dens, agama lizard colonies, and over Lake Victoria.
Nyika Loop offers an opportunity to walk through the open savannahs and interact with various wildlife like impalas, vervet monkeys. Also, buffaloes usually observed grazing or resting under the rich vegetation of the acacia trees.
2. Bird Watching tours
Observe the beauty of the native African birds and the migratory birds, especially during the green season in Saanane Island Mwanza. Bird to watch in this park include; African fish eagles, black-headed herons, kingfishers, and Egyptian geese. The best times for bird watching in Saanane National Park Tanzania is in the early mornings and late evenings when the bird activities are at the max favoring bird photography by sightseers.
3. Canoeing and Boat Safaris in Mwanza:
Boat safari destinations near Mwanza include mostly Lake Victoria Shoreline Camp Launch. Often the shortest canoeing or boat trips begin here navigating around the Rocky Cove. Here, you can spot monitor lizards and pied kingfishers. Ng’ombe Bay is a silent inlet on the northwestern edge of Lake Victoria which offers sightseers a calm experience paddling and a fantastic view of water birds. These boat safaris are usually short taking up to (30-60 minutes) favoring casual visitors.
4. Picnicking and recreation safari acivities to do in Saanane
This is to relax, dine or just chill soaking at the views of this Sanaane island Mwanza at the well-placed significant sites. Examples of these top recreation sites include;
- Sunset Point Picnic Site. This is the most popular site known for luxury and comfort with the famous stone benches. Also, with an open lake view, favoring positions for golden-hour photos.
- Mtoni Viewpoint. This is a sheltered picnic area near the old riverbed great for families and small group picnics best visited after a walking safari.
- Pweza Cove Rest Spot. This is near the lake shorelines which provides a quiet place for couples looking for a romantic scene by the waterside. Also, photographers looking to capture the dramatic waterside scenes. Different facilities for picnicking and recreation include the bins, shaded benches, and some barbecue stands often offer the visitors a sight over wildlife even during their picnics from their picnic tables.
Where to Stay Near Saanane Island National Park
While there are no major lodges within the Saanane Island National Park. Therefore, tourists have various options of accommodations to consider while at the national park. A wide range of options around Mwanza, ranging from luxury, midrange to budget levels, and some of these include;
- Luxury lodges near Saanane: For those who are interested in having a stay at luxury lodges near the park, here are some of the lodges to opt for. They offer ideal resting points, and these include Malaika Beach Resort, Hotel Tilapia.
- Mid-Range hotels near Saanane National Park Tanzania: For mid-range options, lodges such as Gold Crest Hotel and Ryan’s Bay Hotel are the hotels to opt for. Also, they offer comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and city views with easy park access under a mid-range budget.
- Budget lodges in Mwanza near Saanane: There are numerous budget-level accommodations to choose from in tonearby towns like Mwanza. Addirtionally, these offer the best kind of services, Good value, with restaurant and tour services, and at a fair cost. They include Adden Palace Hotel, and Mwanza Hotel.
Note: Advance coordination with Saanane Island National park officials or tour guides is advised during peak seasons and public holidays.
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