From November until February, the beaches of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KZN transform into a stage for the leatherback and loggerhead turtles, who crawl ashore under moonlight to lay their eggs in the sand.
This is an ancient ritual that’s been playing out here for more than 60 million years.
And there’s no better place to experience it than St Lucia, the laid-back little town perched right inside the park itself. Think unspoiled beaches, hippos wandering through the streets (do watch out!), and nights spent watching stars (and turtles) on some of the most pristine stretches of sand in South Africa.
Fast facts about Leatherback turtles
- They’re the largest sea turtles in the world, growing up to 1.8m long and weighing over 500kg.
- They can dive deeper than 1,000m, holding their breath for up to 85 minutes.
- Thanks to a unique leathery shell and clever body heating, they can handle icy waters that other turtles can’t.
- KZN’s turtle monitoring programme, launched in 1963, is one of the world’s longest-running conservation success stories.
Where to see the turtles
You can join guided Turtle Tours from St Lucia, taking you along the iSimangaliso coastline to witness nesting females and tiny hatchlings making their first dash toward the ocean (if you’re lucky!).
Tours typically run between November and February, lasting around 6 to 8 hours, often at night when the beaches are quiet and the turtles feel safe.
St Lucia Turtle Tour Safari and Heritage Tours & Safaris are just two of the many companies offering this incredible experience.
What you should know
Location: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia (2.5 to 3 hours from Durban via King Shaka International Airport)
Time Out Tip: Wear neutral colours, avoid torches and camera flashes, and always follow your guide’s instructions as these beaches are sacred nurseries
Season: November to the end of February (sometimes early March)
Stay a while: Explore boat cruises on Lake St Lucia, Big 5 safaris, and epic snorkelling and scuba diving at nearby Sodwana Bay
This summer, swap out those city lights for starlit beaches and witness one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife encounters as the turtle nesting season gets underway.
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