Terrific Turtle Tours

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South Africa is a country that is known for its abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. It is a reputation that is well earned and there are certainly plenty of amazing animals to see and sights to enjoy. However, few people ever think to turn their attention to the delightful sea creatures that frolic along the shores of this country as they go about their daily business. One of the many creatures that can be found here includes the humble turtle.

Just about any animal lover will enjoy a turtle tour in South Africa. These slow, quiet and docile creatures may not seem all that appealing at first glance, but when you take note of their caution when laying their eggs and their discretion when it comes to covering over the eggs and making their way back to the water, you may well find yourself struck at the incredible privilege you have had to just witness the secretive nature of this shy reptile. And when the hatchlings emerge from the sand to enjoy their very first day of life and tumble and fall over themselves and their siblings as they make their way to the water, you’ll no doubt find yourself awed at the miracle of life that has just occurred before you. Turtles are incredibly secretive and quiet animals and it is not often that this little miracle is witnessed by human eyes. However, now visitors have the rare privilege of embarking on a turtle tour in South Africa where guides can take you to nesting sites and almost guarantee the chances of watching the different stages of this small natural miracle. Turtle tours are proving to be so enthralling that they are growing more and more popular with both locals and foreigners.

There are five different species of turtle that can be found in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa, namely the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Green turtles. However it is only the leatherback and loggerhead that actually come ashore to lay their eggs – remarkable when you consider that the leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world. Despite its immense size (130-170 cm long) and mass (400 kg), this gentle creature is somehow able to tread with such delicacy and pad the sand over its eggs with such softness that one cannot help but be mesmerized by the whole process. The nesting process occurs during January and February and it is only in these months, with the help of a trained guide, that visitors may get the chance to witness this rare miracle. The two turtle tour hotspots in South Africa are Bhanga Neck near Kosi Bay and the St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Make sure you book your night or day tour now so that you don’t miss out!