Overview

Saanane Island National Park was named after Mzee Saanane Chawandi who was then the owner of the island. It was established as the first Zoo in Tanzania in 1964. Its main objectives were firstly to promote interest and conservation education in wildlife, secondly was to promote recreation to the people of Mwanza town the park cover an area of 0.5 sq km.

Between 1964 -1966 different species of wild animal were ferried to the Island these include:- Buffalo, Bushbuck, Dik Dik, Elephant, Eland, Impala, Black Rhino, Topi, Warthog, wildebeest, Zebra, and Monkeys like Pats and vervet, Giraffe, Porcupine and crocodiles. Dangerous animals like Rhino and Buffalo were caged while other was in free range.

The Island was given the status to be Game Reserve in 1991.

Location: The Park is located 2 km southwest from the city centre, which lies in the Gulf of lake Victoria (latitude 2.5 S and longitude 32 E).

Access: Saanane Island National Park is accessed by boat. One can travel by air to mwanza Air port from either Dar-es-salaam internationl airport, Kilimanjaro international airport, Nairobi and Entebe.

By road:- To Mwanza city from Dar, kigoma, Tabora.

By Ferry:- To Mwanza Port from Uganda, Bukoba and Nearby Islands.

All this ways will lead you to Mwanza City, from there you will be transfer to the Island National Park main entry gate.

Best time: All year round. Through June-August is the best time when its dry for picnic. Also September-December when short rains starts the vegetations acquire greenish color which attracts many visitors.

To do: Canoeing excursion in lake Victoria with local boats (dhows), Rock hiking, Game viewing and Bird watchin a long the shores of lale Victoria and rocks.

Accommodation: Mwanza city is full of Tourist Hotels.