Saanane National Park – The Island of Serenity on Lake Victoria
Saanane National Park is Tanzania’s only national park located on an island.
It sits on the calm waters of Lake Victoria, just a short distance from Mwanza City in the country’s northwest.
Small yet stunning, Saanane offers a peaceful retreat where nature and water meet in perfect harmony.
Covering only 2.18 square kilometers, it may be Tanzania’s smallest national park, but it is full of life and charm.
The park consists of Saanane Island and two smaller islets surrounded by sparkling blue waters.
It’s the ideal place for a day safari or a relaxing nature escape close to the city.
Wildlife here is easy to spot and beautifully adapted to the island’s landscape.
You can encounter impalas, rock hyraxes, velvet monkeys, and monitor lizards along the trails.
Occasional sightings of giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras add to the park’s appeal.
Birdlife is abundant, with more than 70 species recorded, including fish eagles, cormorants, and kingfishers gliding over the lake.
Beyond wildlife, Saanane offers a range of relaxing outdoor activities.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides, picnics, nature walks, and even sport fishing on Lake Victoria.
The park’s scenic viewpoints make it a favorite for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light dances across the water.
Because of its location, Saanane is easily accessible from Mwanza, making it perfect for half-day or full-day excursions.
It’s also a wonderful introduction to Tanzania’s western circuit and a relaxing stop before exploring Rubondo Island or Serengeti National Park.
Saanane National Park may be small in size, but it offers a big experience.
It’s a place of peace, beauty, and connection — where wildlife thrives, waters sparkle, and visitors leave refreshed by the calm of the island.