Every year between October and March, leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles come to lay their eggs on the mineral rich sandy beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The beaches of Kosi bay make up the heart of the Maputaland Turtle Sanctuary.
After 55 – 65 days the eggs will hatch and 80 – 100 hatchling will emerge from the sand and make a dash for the water to hopefully return to nest on the same beach in 20 years time.
Our Kosi Bay Turtle Nesting Tours are conducted with the most respect and in a ethical manner. Instead of driving on the beach by vehicle, we rather opt for star or moonlit beach walks of up to 8 km in search of Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles. We have also included a 3 Lakes Kosi bay Boat cruise with a Finger food lake shore dinner to start off your second Turtle tracking adventure.
You will be accommodated in the comfort of a unit at “Forest Hideaway” with a relaxed itinerary in order to get some rest after the incredible evening Turtle Adventures.
During the day you will have time to laze around, get a transfer to the beach, go snorkeling, undertake an Estuary Kayak Tour or simply enjoy the happy Kosi vibes!.
Itinerary
Your hosts will be welcoming you at the lodge with a refreshing welcoming drink at 14:00.
You will have some time to settle into your unit before having a late afternoon dinner.
You will be collected for departure on your first Turtle Nesting Adventure at 16:30.
Your guide will drive you around to Bhanga Nek beach where you will join the Community Turtle Guides on their evening out! Bhanga Nek beach yearly have the highest number of turtle nests along the east coast of Southern Africa. Our guides follow the strictest and most ethical regulations around the turtles in order to minimize our impact as much as possible.
After the Turtle Adventure your guide will return with you back to the Lodge for a comfortable nights rest.
After your late night we wont chase you out of bed too early! Breakfast will be served all morning.
After breakfast we can arrange a transfer to the beach at your own expense or alternatively you can enjoy a lovely relaxed morning at the lodge.
At 14:00 your guide will arrive to take you to third lake from where you will embark on a Three Lakes Boat Cruise. Your guide will show you the three largest lakes, search for some rare birds of the area, look for hippos and even take you for an exciting snorkel.
After his tour he will drop you off on the opposite site of Third Lake where your Turtle guide will be waiting for you with a lovely finger food dinner on the lake shore.
After dinner the vehicle will drive you around the corner to Bhanga nek beach where it is Turtle time again. By doing the turtle tour over two consecutive evenings, we broaden your chances of seeing both species of turtles nesting on our beaches.
After the tour your guide will safely drive you back to the lodge to have you in bed by midnight.
After your late night we again wont chase you out of bed too early! Breakfast will be served.
After breakfast you will have some time to relax and ready yourself for your journey to your next adventure.