Saanane Island
the world's first city park
2.18 km² of rocky islands and Lake Victoria waters — a 5‑minute boat ride from Mwanza. Home to the only De‑Brazza's monkeys in any Tanzanian park, and a place for picnics, weddings, and wild encounters.
A park within the city
Saanane made history as the first-ever national park located within a city, and the smallest in Tanzania and East Africa. Comprising three islets and an aquatic environment, it lies 2km southwest of Mwanza city center on Lake Victoria.
Mzee Saanane Chawandi
A fisherman who turned farmer, Mzee Saanane Chawandi was the original owner of the island. In the early 1960s, he was compensated and moved to another island to pave the way for conservation. The government officially took ownership in 1964, establishing the first government‑run zoo.
Only home to De‑Brazza's monkey
De‑Brazza's Monkey
The only national park in Tanzania where this striking primate is found. Also velvet monkeys and wild cats.
Reptiles
Crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and pythons.
Aquatic life
Tilapia and Nile Perch thrive in the surrounding waters of Lake Victoria.
Game viewing · birding · rock hiking · weddings
Saanane is an ideal place for boat cruises, walking, picnics, bush lunches, photography, meditation, and sport fishing. Special occasions like weddings, engagements, team building, family days, and birthdays can be organized.
Essential information
🚤 Access
A 5‑minute boat ride from Park Offices on the mainland, which are a 15‑minute walk from Mwanza city center. Mwanza is accessible by air from Dar/ Kilimanjaro, by road/rail from Arusha, Dar, Kigoma, Tabora, and by ship/vessel from Uganda, Kenya, Bukoba.
🏕️ Facilities
One public campsite on the island. A shop selling refreshments is open. Mwanza city has numerous hotels and guesthouses for all budgets.
Discover Saanane Island
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