Lake Victoria Circuit · City Island Park
A National Park Inside a City
Saanane Island National Park is located on the island of Saanane, in Mwanza, Tanzania. Mzee Saanane Chawandi, the island’s owner at the time, was honoured with the park’s name. In 1964 this park was founded as a zoo, established with two main goals in mind: to encourage interest in wildlife conservation and education among the general public, and to provide recreation to the inhabitants of Mwanza town.
In 1991 the island was designated as a Game Reserve, and it later became the first national park in Tanzania to sit within a city, as well as the smallest in East Africa. It covers just 2.18 square kilometres and is reached by a short boat ride from Mwanza.
- The first national park located inside a Tanzanian city
- The smallest national park in East Africa
- Guided nature walks and boat safaris
- The only park in the country inhabiting De Brazza's monkey
Good to Know
Saanane Island at a Glance
Wildlife You May Spot
Location
An island in Lake Victoria, a short boat ride from Mwanza city.
Size
2.18 square kilometres — the smallest national park in East Africa.
Best Time
June to October and December to February, when thin vegetation opens up the views.
Activities
Walking safaris on passable hiking trails, boat trips, birding and fishing.
- Impala
- Rock Hyrax
- Vervet Monkey
- De Brazza's Monkey
- Wild Cat
- Crocodile
- Monitor Lizard
- Agama Lizard
- Leopard Tortoise
- Python
Things to Do
Walk the Island, Watch the Lake
Impala, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys and wild cats are among the species found on the island. Reptiles are also dominant: crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and snakes, particularly pythons.
The park’s aquatic area is home to a variety of fish species, primarily tilapia and Nile perch. Between 1964 and 1966 a much wider range of animals was carried to the island, including buffalo, eland, black rhino, topi, zebra, giraffe and porcupine.
- Guided nature walks on the island trails
- Boat safari around the shoreline
- Bird watching and sport fishing
- An easy half-day from central Mwanza
The Easiest Park in Tanzania to Reach
A short boat ride from Mwanza, and an easy addition to any Lake Victoria itinerary.