Saanane National Park Tanzania flag

0 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Saanane National Park is a unique and remarkable national park located on Saanane Island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Saanane Island is situated in Lake Victoria, near the city of Mwanza in northern Tanzania. The park's island location provides a scenic and tranquil environment for visitors. Saanane National Park covers a relatively small area of approximately 2.18 square kilometers (0.84 square miles). Despite its compact size, the park offers a diverse range of wildlife and natural attractions.
 

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Beautiful and diverse scenery
  • Professional guided safaris
  • Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in Tanzania

Saanane National Park map

Wildlife & Animals

Despite its small size, Saanane National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species. Some of the animals that can be found in the park include:

Impala: These elegant antelopes with reddish-brown coats can be seen grazing in the open grasslands of the park.

Rock Hyrax: Also known as dassies, these small, furry mammals can be found on rocky outcrops and cliffs in the park.

Vervet Monkey: These lively and intelligent monkeys are a common sight in Saanane National Park. They are known for their grayish fur and long tails.

Nile Crocodile: Saanane Island provides a habitat for Nile crocodiles, which can be seen basking along the shores of Lake Victoria.

Monitor Lizard: The park is also home to monitor lizards, which are large reptiles that can often be spotted sunning themselves on rocks and tree branches.

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Saanane National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts a diverse range of bird species. Commonly sighted birds include Marabou storks, African fish eagles, hamerkops, and numerous waterbirds.

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

Best Time to Visit – Saanane National Park

High Season
Varies by park and activity
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

No FAQs available for this park yet.

Change Currency

Loading currencies...