Mwanza Tanzania 1 Day Tour Saanane Island National Park
Saanane Island National Park, the smallest national park in East Africa, is a prime destination for a 1-day tour from Mwanza, just a 10-15-minute boat ride from the city center. A typical 1-day tour includes wildlife viewing, rock hiking for panoramic views of Lake Victoria, and peaceful lakeside picnicking.
Saanane Island National Park Activities
✓ Bird Watching: A paradise for birders, with over 40 documented species
✓ Sport Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing for Tilapia and Nile Perch is available with a permit
✓ Rock Hiking: Explore clearly marked trails leading to scenic viewpoints and unique rock outcrops
✓ Walking Safaris: One of the few parks where you can walk safely among wildlife like impalas and zebras
Saanane Island National Park 1-Day Itinerary
o730 Hours– 0800 Hours: Arrive at the TANAPA Mainland Office (Capri Point) for park entry formalities and a safety briefing
0815 Hours – 0830 Hours: Board a short boat transfer across Lake Victoria to the island
0830 Hours – 1130 Hours: Embark on a guided walking safari. Spot resident wildlife, including impalas, zebras, velvet monkeys, and the rare De Brazza’s monkeys
1200 Hours – 1300 Hours: Enjoy a bush lunch or picnic at designated sites with breathtaking views of the lake
1300 Hours – `1430 Hours: Take a guided boat excursion around the island’s shoreline to spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, and diverse birdlife like fish eagles and kingfishers
1430 Hours – 1530 Hours: Hike to the island’s summit for panoramic photographs of Mwanza city and the surrounding rock formations.
1545 Hours – 1630 Hours: Return boat transfer to the mainland and drop-off at your Mwanza accommodation
Essential Information
✓ Cost: Full-day guided tour packages including transfers and lunch
✓ What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars for birding, and a camera
✓Location: The park offices are at Capri Point, about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Mwanza city center
Mwanza, Tanzania 1-Day Tour Saanane Island National Park: Enjoy a half-day tour with a picnic lunch from Mwanza at the Saanane National Park situated on an island in Lake Victoria.
The park is easy and quick to reach by boat from Mwanza. It is located 2 kilometers Southwest of Mwanza city center and is accessible by a short 5-minute boat ride from the Park Offices on the mainland.
Park Offices are easily accessible, about a 15-minute walk from the City Centre. Saanane National Park offers beautiful natural views of the surrounding islands, the lake, greenery, and interesting rock formations.
It has nice hiking trails and offers close encounters with wildlife such as velvet monkeys, impalas, zebras, and a variety of birds, lizards, and reptiles. Saanane National Park covers an area of 2.18 square Kilometecomprisedses of three islets and an aquatic environment.
Saanane National Park is home to mammals such as Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys, and Wild Cats. The presence of the “De-brazas Monkey” underscores its potential as the only species in the country that the Park harbors.
Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Agama Lizards, Pancake and Leopard Tortoises, and Snakes particularly Pythons. The aquatic part of the Park is inhabited by a variety of fish species, mainly Tilapia and Nile Perch.
Saanane Island National Park Mwanza Tanzania Highlights
Rock Hiking: walking and hiking tracks are clearly marked
Picnics and Bush Lunch: there’s a particular area reserved for picnics
Bird Watching: About 40 species of resident and migratory birds are common on the Island.
Boat Cruise: In addition to a wonderful cruise around Lake Victoria, Saanane Island offers the best view of the sunset.
Walking: Along the designated trails viewing the small and aquatic mammals, water birds, crocodiles, Dik-dik, Nile monitor lizard, and fish eagle
Saanane Island Game Viewing: The Park is home to mammals such as Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys, and Wild Cats. The presence of the “De-brazas Monkey” underscores its potential as the only Park in the country that houses the species.
Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and snakes, particularly the python. The aquatic part of the Park is inhabited by a variety of fish species, mainly Tilapia and Nile Perch.
Other activities include photographing/filming, meditation, and sport fishing. Special occasions like weddings, engagements, team building, family days, and birthdays can also be organized.
Mwanza Tanzania 1 Day Tour Saanane Island National Park Tanzania Prices
1-Day Saanane Island National Park Tour Rates Include:
✓ Shopping time
✓ Walking and driving
✓ Guided Walking tour
✓ Possible to customize the tour
✓ Professional English-speaking guides
✓All entry fees, guide fees, service charges, and taxes
✓ Pick up from your hotel in Mwanza and drop-off to your hotel
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 8 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2026 | 31st December 2026 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
Notes
* Mwanza, Tanzania 1 Day Tour Saanane Island National Park time: 0830 Hours – 1800 Hours
1-Day Saanane Island National Park Tour Rates Do Not Include:
* Drinks
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Lunch or dinner in town (option and extra charges direct)
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)
Booking & Reservations Mwanza Tanzania 1 Day Tour Saanane Island National Park Contact
Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com