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.
We will also go explore the sand forest of Tembe Elephant Park where some of the largest tusker Elephant in Africa roam. These gentle giants are part of the only indigenous herds of elephant found in Kzn. Tembe also boast with very successful populations of lion, leopard, buffalo and wild dogs.
You will be accommodated in the comfort of our camp “Forest Hideaway” with a relaxed itinerary in order to get some rest after the incredible evening Turtle Adventures.
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 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 a sleep in and tasty breakfast at the lodge is essential. You will have the morning to relax and enjoy lunch before we collect you and head for Tembe Elephant Park at 13:00.
The park is 300km2 in size and comprise of very unique sand forest, open and closed woodland and swamps.
Establishment of the reserve came in 1983 after the government decided to relieve the local amaTembe people from having their crops ruined by the indigenous elephant population.
Today the park belongs to the local community that through tourism and conservation earn their living. All roads in the reserve is strictly for 4×4 vehicles and only a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed here per day.
Together with your guide you will be searching not only for the big 5, but also all the other species that make up this unique ecosystem. The elephants in the reserve are the only true indigenous elephants in kwaZulu Natal and are known to be some of the largest in physical size and in tusk growth. They are also considered to be some of the most gentle of all natural populations of elephant in Africa, true “gentle giants”!
Over the years a total of 340 different species of birds have been recorded in the park and the massive pod mahogany trees is often a highlight for our visiting guests.
The reserve offer you the opportunity to observe animals whilst drinking and bathing from the two beautifully constructed hides, Mahlasela and Ponweni.
Here we will enjoy some snacks and refreshments whilst enjoying the majestic atmosphere of Tembe.
Just before gate closing time we will depart to have you back at the lodge and off the road before dark.
Our kitchen will again do its magic around the dinner hour.
After breakfast you will have some time to relax and ready yourself for your journey to your next adventure.