Witness the marvel of turtle nesting

We’re counting the days till we start offering our sought-after Turtle Tours as from November. This is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Nestled behind the world's highest vegetated sand dunes and just 6 km from the beach, Sodwana Bay Lodge offers an opportunity for nature lovers to witness the remarkable life cycle of two endangered turtle species—the massive leatherback and the smaller, but equally resilient, loggerhead. From November to March, we organise evening beach drives along the pristine 16-kilometer coastline, providing a front-row seat to a spectacular natural event: the nesting and hatching of these very special marine creatures.

Sodwana Bay is a crucial nesting site for both the leatherback and loggerhead turtles who come ashore to nest between November and January each year. This period is vital for their reproductive cycle as they return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.

Both turtle species face significant threats due to habitat loss, egg poaching and artificial light pollution that disrupts their natural navigation during nesting and hatching. Sodwana Bay serves not only as a vital habitat for these ancient creatures but also as a key location for conservation efforts aimed at protecting their populations.

Size matters

Leatherback Turtles are the largest of all sea turtles, weighing between 250 to 700 kg (up to nearly a ton) and measuring up to 2 meters in length. They are notable for their unique leathery shell rather than a hard carapace.

Loggerhead Turtles weigh around 160 kg and although they’re smaller than leatherbacks, they’re still significant in size with large heads and powerful jaws.

Nesting Behaviour

Female turtles typically lay between 80 to 120 eggs per nesting event, digging deep nests with their flippers - often up to half a meter. After laying, the females cover the nests with sand before returning to the ocean.

The incubation period for the eggs lasts about 60 to 70 days, with hatchlings emerging primarily at night. This timing helps them avoid predators as they make their way to the sea. Sadly, only a fraction of hatchlings will survive the treacherous journey from nest to sea.

The tour

Watching the turtles emerge from the ocean to nest is a humbling experience - a reminder of the constant struggle these ancient creatures face.

Sodwana Bay Lodge’s evening turtle tours offer a rare chance to witness these endangered species up close. However, the tours are tide-dependent. But whether you're setting off at sunset or under the stars, the experience is magical.

As you journey along the beach in a comfortable 4x4, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the turtles' behaviour, their migratory patterns, and the conservation efforts underway to protect them.

Plan your turtle tour

Be sure to reserve your spot on one of our turtle tours. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone looking for a unique experience, this tour will leave a lasting impression.