Simply Saadani

Location: Simply Saadani is tucked between the Wami River and the Indian Ocean, inside Saadani National Park - Tanzania's only wildlife reserve with a beachfront. It's a wild and wonderfully offbeat setting, where you can spot giraffes and elephants on your morning drive, then watch palm trees sway as you sip a cold drink by the sea. The park itself is less visited than Tanzania's more famous reserves, which means you're likely to have the landscape - and the beach - largely to yourself. It's this rare combination of safari and sea, wrapped up in a peaceful, untamed atmosphere, that makes Simply Saadani feel so unique.

Rooms: Accommodation at Simply Saadani is simple, stylish, and very much in tune with the surroundings. There are several thatched bandas, each just steps from the beach and designed to maximise sea breeze and natural light. Inside, rooms are airy and pared back, with large beds, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathroom with solar-heated showers and flush loos. Everything is built using locally sourced materials, with woven mats, driftwood touches, and sandy floors that feel effortlessly coastal. It's not about luxury in the traditional sense - but there's comfort, charm, and a real sense of place in every detail.

Amenities: The central mess area is opened and relaxed, with a beachfront dining space, lounge, and bar where meals and sundowners are shared communally. The food is fresh, unfussy, and full of flavour - think grilled seafood, local vegetables, and home-baked bread. There's no pool or spa, but the beach is on your doorstep and hammocks are dotted between the palms, making it easy to unwind. Wi-Fi is limited, but most guests find it's a welcome excuse to disconnect. The team are warm, welcoming and genuinely passionate.

Activities: Simply Saadani offers a mix of safari and coastal experiences you won't find elsewhere in Tanzania. You can head out on morning or afternoon game drives to spot elephants, buffalo, giraffe, lions, and a surprising range of birdlife. Boat safaris on the Wami River are a real highlight - drifting past hippos and crocodiles, with kingfishers flashing overhead. Walking safaris are also available, offering a closer look at tracks, plants, and the smaller stories of the bush. And of course, the beach is always there when you want to relax, swim in the ocean, or take a walk along the sand. It's a rare, slower-paced safari that's ideal for those looking to blend wildlife with total escape.

Sustainability: Simply Saadani was created with a clear focus on sustainability and community integration. The lodge is solar powered, uses rainwater harvesting where possible, and keeps its footprint small through thoughtful design and low-impact materials. It's staffed almost entirely by people from the surrounding villages, with an emphasis on skills training, long-term employment, and supporting the local economy. Conservation is also a key part of the ethos - with the camp contributing to efforts to protect the fragile Saadani ecosystem and raise awareness of the park's importance. Staying here directly supports one of Tanzania's most overlooked yet ecologically rich national parks.