Game viewing safaris in Saanane Island National Park

Game viewing safaris in Saanane Island National Park: Saanane Island National Park is a Tanzanian national park in Mwanza and is located on an island in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and can be reached by boat from the TANAPA offices on Capri Point in Mwanza town. It is named after the local farmer and fisherman Mzee Saanane Chavandi. This remarkable national park at time known as “Saa Nane Island Game Sanctuary”, was accidentally bombed during the air campaign of the Uganda – Tanzania war of Tanzania 1978–1979. The island is home to various species of mammals, including De Brazza’s monkey, rock hyrax, wild cat, zebras, wild cats, swala pala, pofu, elephants, crocodiles, black rhinos, warthogs, bushbucks, elephants, impalas, buffalos, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many others. It is the only place in Tanzania where De-brazza’s monkeys are found with Over 40 species of bird also been recorded here

Saanane Island National Park offers visitors the chance to see a wide range of animals including Zebra, Impala, Rock Hyrax Velvet Monkey, Wild Cat, Zebra and Rock Hyrax, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to the rare Sitatunga antelope which is only found in a few places in East Africa. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by boat, or in a safari vehicle, giving them different perspectives on the diverse ecosystems that exist within the park.

One of the highlights of a game-viewing safari in Saanane Island National Park is the opportunity to see animals up close in their natural habitat. The park is known for its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to observe wildlife without the crowds that can sometimes be found in larger national parks. Game viewing safari in the park is done in sections that’s morning game drives and evening drives, this is the best time to view these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. During a game viewing safari in the park, you will have the chance to traverse the island’s trails, as you will be rewarded with an astonishing view of these animals as well as playful monkeys and shy bushbucks that roam freely in the underbrush and different colorful bird species.

Other safari activities to combine with game-viewing safaris at Saanane Island National Park

Guided Nature Walks

Taking a guided nature walk at Saanane National Park is one of the ways you can explore the park’s flora and fauna. An experienced ranger guide will take you through the white sand beaches or through the forests where tourists can come across several wildlife, birds, plants, insects, and butterfly species. During your guided nature walks, you will be rewarded with astonishing vegetation, and a variety of wildlife including the velvet monkey, wild cat, zebra and rock hyrax, amongst others as well as the uncommon De-Brazza’s monkeys. You will also be rewarded with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves as a backdrop, the experience encourages a deeper connection to nature.

Bird watching

Saanane Island National Park is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Tanzania, the park is home to over 137 bird species recorded in its boundaries. During you bird watching tours, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful bird species such as tawny flanked prinia, winding cisticola, yellow-fronted canary, African wagtail, house sparrow, parasitic weaver, village weaver, red-cheeked cordon bleu, African fire finch, red-headed weaver, golden-backed weaver, variable sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, African paradise flycatcher, white-necked raven, black-headed gonolek, slate-colored boubou, Eurasian golden oriole, common kestrel, African pygmy kingfisher, little bee-eater, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, yellow-rumped tinker bird, African fish eagle, black kite, palm nut vulture, African harrier hawk, long-crested eagle, wood sandpiper and long-tailed cormorant among others.

Hiking

Saanane Island National Park is adorned with beautiful rocks dotted across the park, some located within the shores. You can hike to the rocks for stunning views of Lake Victoria, and the rocks are also a perfect place for photography and picnics. While on a guided hiking tour, you will have the chance to encounter with unique flora and fauna that dwell in the park including Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys, Zebras, Impalas, Clawless Otters as well as astonishing bird species such as kingfishers, cormorant, African Fish Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle among others. upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area including Lake Victoria, making rock hiking a memorable and exhilarating way to experience Saanane’s natural beauty.

Sport Fishing

Saanane Island National Park is an ideal destination for anglers. The park provides an experienced guide who will take you to designated areas for fishing. The activity normally lasts from 1 to 2 hours, and fish caught are returned back to the lake. All anglers must come with their fishing gear and are also required to obtain permits before fishing at Saanane National Park.

Boat Cruises

One of the ways to explore the unique Saanane National Park is by taking a launch boat cruise. Tourists can luckily see some animals like crocodiles and hippos, not forgetting several species of aquatic birds like kingfishers, the majestic fish eagles, Long-crested Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, African Marsh Harrier, and Black Kite among others.

Picnicking

There are several established picnic sites where tourists can enjoy their packed lunch while enjoying the cool breeze of Lake Victoria

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about game-viewing safaris at Saanane National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East African Tours which offers the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.