Saanane National Park — Attraction in Lake Zone

Saanane Island National Park is a unique and captivating destination located just 2 kilometers southwest of Mwanza city center, nestled within Lake Victoria. Established as a national park in July 2013, it holds the distinction of being Tanzania's smallest national park and the only one situated within a city.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty Despite its modest size of 2.18 square kilometers, Saanane Island boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Mammals, The park is home to species such as impalas, rock hyraxes, velvet monkeys, wild cats, and notably, the De Brazza’s monkey—the only place in Tanzania where this species is found.

Reptiles, Visitors can encounter crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and pythons.

Birdlife, With over 70 recorded bird species, including both resident and migratory birds, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.

Aquatic Life, The surrounding waters of Lake Victoria are rich with fish species like tilapia and Nile perch, supporting both the ecosystem and local fishing activities.

Activities and Experiences, Saanane Island offers a variety of activities for visitors

Game Viewing, Observe the island's diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Bird Watching, Explore the park's avian diversity, especially vibrant during the wet season.

Rock Hiking and Climbing, Navigate the island's unique rock formations for panoramic views of Lake Victoria.

Boat Cruises, Enjoy serene boat rides along the shores, offering opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife and appreciate the island's beauty from the water.

Sport Fishing, Engage in fishing activities targeting species like tilapia and Nile perch.

Picnicking and Nature Walks, Relax amidst nature or explore the island's trails on foot.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October), Ideal for wildlife viewing, hiking, and picnicking, as animals are more easily spotted and trails are accessible.

Wet Season (November to May), Best for birdwatching, with migratory birds present and the landscape lush and green.

Getting There

By Air, Fly to Mwanza Airport from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro etc

By Road, Drive to Mwanza from various Tanzanian cities; the park is a short distance from the city center.

By Boat, From Mwanza's port, it's a brief 5-minute boat ride to the island.

Food and drinks are available in the island, meaning there is a restaurant within the national park.

Accommodation Options While there are no accommodations on the island itself, Mwanza city offers a range of options:

Luxury, Malaika Beach Resort, Gold Crest Hotel

Midrange, Hotel Tilapia, Waghill Lodge

Budget, Ryans Bay Hotel, Isamilo Lodge and Spa

Saanane Island National Park provides a unique blend of urban proximity and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for those exploring the...

In short: if I could give this government-owned scam anything lower than one star, I would. If you are not a local Tanzanian with black skin, don't even bother coming here.

I live here in Mwanza with a residence card, so they gave us the reduced price for residents of Tanzania. I can see why they would want to charge tourists more for a tourist attraction because that is how money flows into an economy. However, the people at the office reasoned that because we weren't from East Africa, we had to pay nearly 3x the normal fee for the boat ride to the island. Before they knew we spoke and understood Swahili, they talked about ripping us off. I will not stand for people expecting me to pay more for a service because of the color of my skin when I am a resident of Tanzania.

So you don't miss the point: IF YOU ARE PAYING MORE THAN 55,000 TZS (about $22), YOU ARE GETTING SCAMMED BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN.

There are so many other things to do around Mwanza. Visit the markets, go to Rock City Mall, or go to Bismarck Rock. Saa Nane National Park is an abysmal representation of the Tanzanian government and I am very disappointed that they allow blatant racism to continue in their...

Very nice day trip. For your first trip, make sure to hire a guide. It is not required, but well worth whatever you choose to pay the guide. Our guide was Kevin. He was professional, friendly, spoke good English, had a good knowledge of the animals, birds and the area. He allowed us all the time we wanted in each area. He offered us private space to enjoy things as a family. There is an order to how the guides are picked....but if you ask for one specifically they are happy to skip the line. Kevin greeted us at the gate and pointed us in the right direction to book the trip, so when they suggested a guide we asked for Kevin. We did not see a place to purchase snacks or drinks, so plan for that. There were several wash rooms around the island and were well maintained. Our group of 4 tourists averaged out to about $45 per person (included park fees, tax, and boat) plus whatever you decide to pay the...