Saanane Island National Park

Saanane National Park is a unique island national park in Tanzania, alongside Rubondo Island National Park. Notably, it holds the distinction of being East Africa’s smallest national park and the first located within a city center. This petite park, spanning just 2.18 square kilometers, boasts a rich history and diverse wildlife.

In 1964, Tanzania established the park as an animal garden, pioneering the concept of zoos in the country. Between 1964 and 1966, they introduced various wild animals, including wildebeests, zebras, antelopes/impalas, and porcupines. Today, visitors can also see lions in their den and peacocks in a separate enclosure.

The authorities recognized its ecological importance and upgraded the area to a forest game reserve in 1991. Finally, in 2013, following an agreement by the national assembly in December 2012, Tanzania declared Saanane a national park, solidifying its role in conservation.

The island bears the name of Mzee Saanane Chawandi, a local farmer and fisherman who originally owned the land. Recognizing the potential for conservation and education, the government relocated him to nearby Gabalema island, forever linking his name to the park’s history.

During the Uganda-Tanzania War of 1978-1979, the park, then known as “Saa Nane Island Game Sanctuary,” unfortunately experienced a bombing on 29 March 1979. Sadly, this incident resulted in the loss of several animals, but the sanctuary continued its important work.