Saadani is that most unique of combinations, both safari lodge and beach retreat. It is located in the small, often-overlooked Saadani National Park, one of the only safari parks in East Africa to enjoy direct access to the coast. The park is small and doesn't exactly offer a big 5 experience, but you can expect to see elephant (sometimes right on the beach by the ocean), hippo, crocodile, giraffe and zebra - and lion if you're very lucky! Of course, the game-viewing experience here doesn't begin to rival that to be had in Tanzania's more famous safari parks, but it does offer a totally unique opportunity to combine bush and beach.
Saadani Safari Lodge is located right on the sands, its fifteen tented chalets situated on the edge of the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. At the centre of the lodge is a bar and dining area built on stilts and covered with grass thatch—the views of the coast from here are stunning. There's a large pool with loungers and, closer to the beach, a small bar carved out of an old boat. The very definition of rustic beach chic, Saadani is stylish but not overly glitzy.
Saadani is a better beach lodge than it is a safari lodge. While the game-viewing experience is limited, the beach at Saadani is beautiful and receives almost no visitors other than the lodge guests and the local fishermen. Nestled in a horse shoe bay, the waters are calm and great for swimming. This wonderful location comes at a cost, of course, but for those who want to escape the busy beach retreats of Zanzibar, we think Saadani is worth the money.
Those without time to enjoy a longer safari in one of Tanzania's more impressive safari parks (Selous and Ruaha are within relatively easy reach of Saadani) will also appreciate the variety of game activities on offer at Saadani—game drives, river boat safaris and limited walking safaris are all on offer. On the coast, dolphin spotting and turtle watching (June to Sept) ensure wildlife lovers will be kept busy.
Accommodation
Saadani Safari Lodge is an exclusive retreat, with just fifteen tented chalets scattered along the beach, where they enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the cool shade provided by sheoak trees. Like Saadani itself, these rooms are a clever bend of beach and safari-style accommodation, their canvas walls recalling classic safari tents, but their romantic Swahili carved furniture and Zanzibar beds, and the swathes of sail cloth that line the ceilings, adding to the rustic beach ambience. It's a combination that works. The rooms are Saadani are beautifully furnished and wonderfully comfortable. They are also very spacious.
Saadani Safari Lodge was originally a nine-room lodge. It has recently expanded and there are now six additional rooms: five Maridadi Suites, and the luxurious Siri suite. The Maridadi suites are larger than the standard chalets and are built directly on the beach on raised stilts. They have private balconies with wonderful views. The Siri suite is a lavish honeymooner's suite, located in a secluded location ('Siri' means secret in Swahili) on top of a sand dune, at some distance from the other rooms. It's huge, beautifully furnished, and enjoys its own dedicated chef and butler, private plunge pool, private boat and beach access.
Saadani also offers al fresco beds, positioned on the beach front verandah, allowing you to sleep under the stars.
Dining
Saadani offers fixed menus, with lots of fresh local produce and, of course, lots of seafood. Meals are typically served in the raised dining area, which enjoys wonderful views of the beach and ocean on one side and the bush on the other, but you may prefer to dine privately in your room or on the beach.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Dining area
- Lounge
- Viewing deck
Activities
- Game drives
- Nature and beach walks
- Snorkelling
- Water sports
- Turtle and dolphin watching
- No diving
Child Policy
Saadani Safari Lodge does not accept children under the age of six. Child minding facilities are available at the lodge for those travelling with older children.
The larger Maridadi suites can be converted into family units.
Environmental Policy
Saadani supports a turtle conservation project that helps to protect the turtles that nest on this part of the coast. You'll be able to learn more about the project during your visit.
