Saanane Island

Saanane Island National Park

Saanane Island is a fully fledged National Park since July, 2013, covering an area of 2.18km² comprises of three islets located on an island in Lake Victoria and aquatic environment. The islets lie on the southern part of the main Island.

• The Park is the home of mammals like Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys and Wild Cats. The presence of “De-brazas Monkey” underscores its potential as the only Park in the country inhabiting the species.
• Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Agama Lizards, Pancake and Leopard Tortoises, Snakes particularly Python.
• The aquatic part of the Park inhabits a variety of fisheries life, mainly Tilapia and Nile Perch.
• SaaNane Island was named after its previous owner, Mzee Saanane Chawandi, a fisherman who turned into a farmer and later shifted to another island (after being compensated) to pave the way for conservation efforts in the early 1960’s.
• Was officially owned in 1964 as the first ever Tanzania government owned zoo.
• Originally its territory measured some 0.7km² comprising both dry land and water.
• However, Saa Nane National Park annexed and includes two other smaller islets known as Chankende Kubwaand Chandkende Ndogo both located in the southern part of the main island into the bargain thus increasing its protected area to 1.32km².