Saanane Island National Park Tanzania : Since July 2013, Saanane Island has been a fully-fledged national park, covering an area of 2.18 square kilometers and consisting of three islets and an aquatic environment. The islets are located on the main island’s southern coast. The park set a record for being the first national park to be located within a city, as well as the smallest national park in Tanzania and East Africa. Apart from Kenya’s Nairobi National park, this is the first national park within the city limits. After Rubondo Island National Park, Saanane Island Proposed National Park will be Lake Victoria’s second national park.
Saanane Island National Park was named after Mzee Saanane Chawandi, the island’s owner at the time. It was the first zoo in Tanzania when it opened in 1964. Its main goals were to increase wildlife interest and conservation education and to provide enjoyment to the inhabitants of Mwanza town. Several species of wild animals were sent to the island between 1964 and 1966.
HOW TO GET THERE AT SAANANE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
You may reach the Saanane National Park by vehicle or air from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airports to Mwanza. You can also take a train from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, and Tabora to Mwanza City. Also, people travel to Mwanza Port by ship or vessel from Uganda, Kenya, Bukoba, and neighboring islands. The island is accessible by a regular 5-minute boat journey from the Park Headquarters on the mainland. These park offices are conveniently located within a 15-minute walk of the city center.
WHAT TO DO:
Game viewing, bird watching, rock hiking, boat cruises, walking, picnics, bush lunches, photographing and filming, meditation, and sport fishing are all popular activities on Saanane Island National Park. Weddings, engagements, company building, family days, and birthday parties can all be planned. There are numerous activities and attractions to enjoy here. As a result, the Saanane Island Park Safari is the most appealing tourist attraction in Tanzania.
SAFARIS AVAILABLE
The only way to access Saanane Island National Park is via boat, which is an amazing experience over Lake Victoria’s calm waters. Boat trips leave from the mainland and offer plenty of opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl. Boat trips are typically two hours long and include pauses on the island for picnic meals.
Hiking is suggested on the island. Bouldering rocks offer unusual views of Lake Victoria and can be reached by following the trails that circle the island. Guests can arrange for a professional trail guide to accompany them on a guided walk or hike around the island. Bush lunches or picnics are included in pre-planned day treks. On foot or by boat, Saanane Island National Park is ideal for bird observation and game viewing.
SAANANE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK ANIMALS
Wildlife at the Saanane Island National Park includes impala, rock hyrax, velvet monkeys, and wild cats. Crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and snakes, particularly pythons, are also common. The park’s aquatic area is home to a variety of fish species, primarily tilapia and Nile perch. Between 1964 and 1966, the following wild animals were transported to the island: Buffalo, Bushbuck, Dik-dik, Elephant, Eland, Impala, Black Rhino, Topi, Warthog, wildebeest, Zebra, and monkeys such as macaques and vervet, giraffes, porcupines, and crocodiles.
SAANANE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK PRICE
The Saanane Island National Park Tanzania admission fee is inexpensive. Nevertheless, you can only pay with a credit card. A tourist pays $35 for the boat ride back and $30 for park fees. So, make the most of your Tanzania safari tours by visiting this one-of-a-kind and spectacular place, Saanane Island National Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Every year, although June to August is the best period for a picnic when it’s dry, from September to December, when the short rains begin, the foliage turns a greenish color.
ACCOMMODATION
Mwanza City has many tourist hotels and guest homes, and there are resting huts on the island where travelers can rest.
