2 Day Safari from Zanzibar to Saadani National Park

Two Day Safari from Zanzibar to Saadani

A 2 day safari from Zanzibar to Saadani National Park is the fastest way to experience real African wildlife while staying on the coast. In just 90 minutes by boat, you travel from the beaches of Zanzibar to Tanzania’s only national park bordering the Indian Ocean.

Safari in Saadani

This overnight safari combines transfer, classic game drive, boat safari, a night safari with thermal scopes, and a guided walking safari — all within two well-planned days.

Price

695 USD per adult
550 USD per child (under 12 years)

Price is per person and includes boat transfers, accommodation, meals, park fees and all listed activities.

Private departures available on request.

Why Choose Saadani for a Short Safari?

Saadani is the closest mainland national park to Zanzibar and the only place in East Africa where bush meets beach. It offers a genuine safari atmosphere without long road transfers or domestic flights.

Within a short stay, you can encounter elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, antelope species and a wide range of birdlife. The park’s quiet character makes it ideal for travelers looking for an authentic safari experience in limited time.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Zanzibar to Saadani National Park

Your adventure begins with a 7:00 am departure from Hotel Verde Marina in Zanzibar aboard the Saadani Safari Express. Enjoy a comfortable 1 hour 30 minute cruise across the Zanzibar Channel before arriving on the mainland and continuing into the wilderness of Saadani National Park.

Upon arrival in Saadani, you transfer to Bab’s Camp, where you can relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the views from the elevated tower overlooking the bush — often with wildlife visible nearby.

After a short break, you continue to the Wami River for a boat safari. Exploring the river by boat offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birdlife from a unique perspective. During the excursion, you will enjoy a packed lunch served on the river, surrounded by hippo pods in their natural habitat.

Following the boat safari, you continue with a 4x4 game drive through Saadani National Park. The drive focuses on areas known for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and predators, depending on seasonal movements. The safari continues until the last light of the day before returning to camp.

After sunset, dinner is served at Bab’s Camp.

Later in the evening, you join a night vigil and night safari using thermal scopes. This unique activity offers the opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day, including predators — most active after sunset — as well as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and many other species.

Overnight at Bab’s Camp.

Day 2 – Walking Safari, Short Game Drive & Return to Zanzibar

Early morning begins with a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. Walking in Saadani offers a different perspective — focusing on tracks, smaller wildlife, plants and the ecosystem itself.

After the walk, you return to camp for breakfast.

Late morning transfer to the boat and return to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation – Bab’s Camp

Bab’s Camp is a small, exclusive bush camp located inside Saadani National Park. Elevated structures and open views create a strong connection with the surrounding wilderness.
The camp offers comfortable en-suite tents, a central dining area and elevated viewing tower. Its location allows quick access to key wildlife areas and night activities.

What Is Included

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Fast boat transfer Zanzibar – Saadani – Zanzibar
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All park fees and conservation fees
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1 night accommodation at Bab’s Camp
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Full board meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
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Boat safari on Wami river
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Afternoon 4x4 game drive
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Night vigil and night safari with thermal scopes
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Guided walking safari with ranger
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Professional safari guide

What Makes This Safari Unique

Unlike typical short mainland excursions, this itinerary includes activities rarely offered on 2-day safaris:

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Direct boat transfer instead of long road travel
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Night safari with thermal technology
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Elevated dining experience in the camp tower
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Walking safari inside the national park
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Small, exclusive bush camp setting

It is designed for travelers who want depth of experience within limited time.

Book Your Safari

Experience Tanzania’s wildlife without leaving the coast for long. This 2 day safari from Zanzibar to Saadani National Park offers a complete bush experience in just one overnight stay.

Contact us to check availability and secure your dates.

Night Safari in Saadani – Wildlife After Dark

After dark, the bush around the camp becomes active in a very different way. From the elevated tower, our guides scan the surrounding area using thermal scopes, watching for wildlife moving through the night. Predators often begin their activity after sunset, while elephants frequently pass close to the tower, comfortable in the quiet surroundings. Buffaloes and giraffes are also regularly seen feeding in the open areas nearby.

When interesting wildlife is detected, the safari can continue in a 4x4 vehicle, allowing our guides to take guests closer to the areas where animals are active. This combination of thermal technology, elevation and night drives offers a rare opportunity to observe wildlife behaviour that is normally hidden in the darkness.

The short video below captures the atmosphere of a real night safari experience in Saadani National Park.