Formally proclaimed a national park in 2006, Saadani is the only major East African game reserve with an Indian Ocean beachfront, and it is as important to marine wildlife (especially the turtles that breed on its beaches) as it is to more familiar safari creatures such as buffalo and giraffe. Despite heavy poaching in the not-too-distant past, the elephant population is recovering well, and lions have naturally recolonized the area. It is probably the best place in Tanzania to see sable antelope and red duiker. Boat trips up the mangrove- and forest-lined rivers are a delight, as are guided game walks. Two excellent, exclusive tented camps lie on the park's idyllic beaches and are normally reached by charter flight, though the park is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. About 65 mi/105 km north of Dar es Salaam.
