KZN Turtle Tours
Night tours to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching on the iSimangaliso coast, in season.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
One of the most moving wildlife experiences in the country — and it's a night walk.
One of the most moving wildlife experiences in the country — and it's a night walk.
- Trip Role
- Worth a Detour
- Ideal Stay
- 1 night
- Best For
- Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife
- Go If
- You're on the KZN north coast in summer and want a once-in-a-lifetime night walk.
Why it's worth your time
From November to February, leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore on the iSimangaliso beaches to nest, and later hatchlings make their run to the sea. Guided night tours run from Bhanga Nek and St Lucia.
What we love
Watching a 500kg leatherback dig her nest by moonlight.
What to know
iSimangaliso is a major nesting site for both leatherback and loggerhead turtles; the season runs roughly November to February, with strict, low-impact guided access.
More wildlife experience in KwaZulu-Natal
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St Lucia Hippo & Croc Cruise
Boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary — hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife at the gateway to iSimangaliso.
The Sardine Run
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Wild Dog in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi
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iSimangaliso Turtle Tour
Night walks to loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting on iSimangaliso's beaches, November to February.