Amazing Kosi Bay Turtle Tours | Witness Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles
Turtle season is between November – March.
From October to March, loggerhead and Leatherback turtles nest at Kosi Bay mouth, Bhanga Nek and all along the Maputaland coast. Every summer they make their annual pilgrimage to the beaches to lay their eggs.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has a turtle monitoring project in Maputaland from the north of Sodwana Bay to Bhanga Nek. Bhanga Nek Community Guides runs tours in the area during the laying/nesting season between November and March.
A typical tour starts after sunset around 18h30 and runs for 3 to 5 hours, depending on sightings. You wander down the beach near Bhanga Nek and Kosi Bay mouth on the lookout for the seasonal visitors.
The loggerhead and leatherback turtles return to the sandy beaches on which they were born to lay their own eggs. The females laborious dig in the sand and lay their eggs. Later the hatchlings run the gauntlet of ghost crabs and other predators in their attempts to reach the sea.
The sight of the huge turtles hauling themselves in an ungainly fashion up the beach, digging a pit in the sand with their hind flippers and then depositing some 100 or so eggs that resemble ping pong balls is mesmerising stuff. It’s made even more fascinating by the passionate, knowledgeable guides. Watching this can be a moving experience.
No driving on the beaches is allowed and all turtle tours are by foot. No members of the public are allowed to walk on the beach at night during the turtle nesting season.
Turtle tours for Kosi Bay mouth can be arranged through Safari and Surf Wilderness Adventures. Give them a call on 0727234215.
You will meet the tour guide at 17h30 from Amangwane / Flamingo camp, where you will depart with a game viewer vehicle for Kosi mouth. At the mouth you will have an informative talk before you set off for a walk along the beach to spot the turtles. Please note this walk can be tiring for the very old or very young. Please take note that seats are limited!
For Bhanga Nek Turtle Tours call Agripa on 076 06 6674 or Simanga on 072 725 2738 to book your tour. (Self drive to Bhanga Nek)
FAQs – Turtle Tours Kosi Bay
- What is a turtle tour?
A turtle tour is a guided evening or night excursion where experienced guides take you to the beach to observe nesting sea turtles or hatchlings making their way to the ocean, while following strict conservation guidelines. - Where do the turtle tours take place?
Tours are conducted at Bhanga Nek and the Kosi Bay Mouth within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. - Which turtles can I see at Kosi Bay?
Kosi Bay is famous for its nesting Loggerhead and Leatherback sea turtles, which visit the coastline each year during the nesting season. - When is turtle season in Kosi Bay?
Turtle season generally runs from November to March, with the best opportunities to see nesting females between November and January, and hatchlings between January and March. - What time do turtle tours start?
Most tours begin shortly after sunset, typically between 17:30 and 18:30, depending on the season and weather conditions. - Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
No. Turtle tours take place in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, experienced guides maximize your chances of seeing turtles during the nesting season. - How long does a turtle tour last?
Most turtle tours last between 3 and 5 hours, depending on beach conditions, weather, and turtle activity. - Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Turtle tours are family-friendly, but children should be able to walk on sand, remain quiet, and follow the guide’s instructions. - What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing for cool evenings, and bring a light jacket. Dark-colored clothing is recommended to minimize disturbance to the turtles. - Can I take photos during the tour?
Photography is usually restricted. Flash photography and bright lights are prohibited because they can disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings. - Why are red lights used during turtle tours?
Red lights are less disruptive to turtles than white light, helping protect their natural nesting behavior. - How fit do I need to be?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as you may walk several kilometres on soft beach sand. - Can I drive on the beach?
No. Driving on the beaches is prohibited to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem and nesting turtles. All tours are conducted on foot. - Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Turtle tours are very popular during the season, and advance booking is highly recommended to secure your place. - Are turtle tours weather dependent?
Yes. Tours may be postponed or cancelled if weather or sea conditions make them unsafe. - What should I bring?
Bring water, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and any personal medication you may need. - Are the tours environmentally friendly?
- Yes. All turtle tours follow strict conservation rules designed to protect these endangered marine animals and their nesting habitats.
- Can I use a flashlight?
Only guides may use approved red-filtered lights. Bright white lights are not allowed because they can disturb nesting turtles. - Can non-guests join the tour?
Yes, subject to availability and prior booking. - Are the tours safe?
Yes. Experienced local guides accompany all groups and provide safety and conservation briefings before the walk. - Why are turtle tours important?
They support conservation efforts, help protect endangered sea turtles, and provide income for local communities involved in conservation tourism. - Can Thobeka Lodge arrange my turtle tour?
Yes. Thobeka Lodge can assist guests with booking guided turtle tours during the nesting season, making it easy to enjoy this unforgettable wildlife experience. - Why should I book a turtle tour with Thobeka Lodge?
Staying at Thobeka Lodge gives you convenient access to Kosi Bay’s world-famous turtle nesting beaches, knowledgeable local guides, comfortable accommodation, and an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of South Africa’s most pristine coastal destinations. - How can I book the Turtle Tours?
Turtle tours for Kosi Bay mouth can be arranged through Safari and Surf Wilderness Adventures. Give them a call on 0727234215. For Bhanga Nek Turtle Tours call Agripa on 076 06 6674 or Simanga on 072 725 2738 to book your tour. (Self drive to Bhanga Nek)
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