St Lucia - Turtle Tracking

Night of the Turtles: Guided Turtle Watching in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Maputaland, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the ancient and awe-inspiring spectacle of sea turtles nesting and hatching in the wild. Between November and March, guided turtle watching tours in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park offer visitors the rare chance to walk the beach under the stars and encounter this unforgettable event.

These night-time excursions are quiet, respectful experiences led by knowledgeable guides who help you navigate the shoreline without disturbing the turtles. The anticipation builds as you walk along the dark beach, your senses tuned to every sound. And then — a hush falls as you come upon a massive female turtle digging her nest, or perhaps a group of hatchlings scrambling towards the sea under the moonlight.

Loggerhead and leatherback turtles both nest here, returning to the same beaches where they were born. Watching them in action is nothing short of magical — a moment that connects you to the rhythm of nature in one of South Africa’s most pristine coastal areas.

Turtle watching in iSimangaliso isn’t just a highlight of any visit to Maputaland — it’s a moving reminder of the need to protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home.