KwaZulu Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park coastline offers a unique safari experience that starts in November each year: turtle-tracking safaris.

Every year between November and January, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles navigate thousands of miles to lay their eggs on this African coastline, allowing visitors the opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring experience.

There are currently five authorised concessions in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - with a number of operators offering turtle tours - such as Cape Vidal which has tours offered by ShakaBarker Tours, and Manzengwenya (guests of Rocktail Beach Camp only) in Cape Vidal; Mabibi (guests of Thonga Beach Lodge or Mabibi campsite only); and Kosi Bay. Ufudu Turtle Tours operates in the Sodwana Bay concession; while the Phinda Private Game Reserve offers tours that cater for lodge guests.

Tours commence in the late afternoon or after sunset, with tour operators only permitted to be on the beaches two hours before, and two hours after, low tide. This, in essence, means that tours can take between two and seven hours.

Turtles are very sensitive to light, so when a guide sees a female heading up the beach to find an egg-laying spot, all lights will be turned off except for the guide’s torch. It is also only permissible to illuminate the turtle from behind, preferably with infrared beams.

December to March is the turtle hatching period, and turtle-tracking safaris are also hosted in this time. It is believed that only four in every 1 000 turtle hatchlings survive to maturity, so experiencing either hatching or egg-laying is being a part of one of Maputaland’s timeless miracles.

Useful tips

• Richards Bay is the closest airport.
• Other attractions in the area include Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game reserve, Thembe Elephant Park, Sodwana Bay, Kosi Bay.
• For a safari, pack a windbreaker or warm jacket and avoid white or reflective clothing.
• If going on a community-run tour, take an infrared torch or headlamp.

It's the start of turtle tracking season! ?



Why not join a tour to see these endangered and magnificent creatures in their natural habitat? Footage courtesy of @Ufudu Turtle Tours, who particularly focus on the preservation and conservation of the turtles.#MeetSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/bhLTHdhKWO

— South Africa Tourism (@VisitSA_UK) November 22, 2018

This article has been updated since publishing.