Turtle Safari – Witness the Magic of Leatherback & Loggerhead Nesting in South Africa
Join us for an unforgettable Turtle Safari along the pristine beaches north of St. Lucia, deep within the breathtaking iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rare wildlife experience takes you into the nocturnal world of two of the ocean’s most remarkable and ancient mariners: the Leatherback turtle and the Loggerhead turtle.
Available only during the summer months (November to March), this guided night adventure offers front-row seats to one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles – the turtles’ nesting and hatching cycle. Watch in awe as massive female turtles, some weighing over 700 kg, emerge from the surf under the moonlight to dig their nests and lay their eggs. Later in the season, witness tiny hatchlings bravely making their first journey to the sea, evading predators such as crabs, badgers, jackals, and even sharks waiting offshore.
Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating facts about turtle biology, conservation efforts, and the challenges these endangered species face. With respectful, eco-friendly practices, you’ll be part of an experience that supports the protection of these majestic reptiles.
This 6–7 hour tour takes place at night and includes a delicious dinner on the beach, making it both an adventure and a celebration of nature’s wonders.
If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter in South Africa, the Turtle Safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a magical journey you’ll never forget.