What is Kosi Bay Turtle Tour
Our turtle safari takes us to Kosi Bay as this is where I love to go to watch this natural phenomenon. There are 2 types of turtles that breed on the Natal North Coast, the loggerhead turtle, given this name due to its oversized head and the leatherback turtle which is the largest of all sea turtles. Female turtles crawl out onto the beaches and lay their eggs during the night. The eggs hatch after about two months at night as well. When planning your tour, keep in mind the season to see the females laying their eggs or the hatchlings is between November and March.
Seeing so many baby turtles making their way to the water is a moment in time that will remain engraved in your memory.
A moment to remember…
Kosi Bay Turtle Tour General Times
Day 1
General Times:
08:00 Depart Richards Bay
11:30 Arrive in Kosi Bay
12:00 Check-in at the beautiful 4 star lodge
12:30 Lunch for own account
13:30 Transfer for boat cruise
14:00 Boat Cruise and Snorkel
17:30 Transfer by boat to Banganek for Turtle Tour
18:00 Packed dinner on the beach
18:30 Turtle Tour
23:00 Return to the lodge
Tour Details:
Depart Richards Bay. Heading north to scenic Kosi Bay. Arrive at the 4 star bush lodge and checkin. Relax and enjoy your lunch around the pool. We will be transferred at 13:30 for the boat cruise departing at 14:00. Our cruise will meander past the fishing kraals which have been used by the community for well over 700 years. With luck on our side hippos and flamingos could grace us with their presence. A relaxing boat excursion from Lake Nhlange to Lake Makhawulani, offering us an opportunity to snorkel safely along the mangrove banks and visit the Tsonga fish traps on Lake Makhawulani.
We will be transferred to Banganek by boat for the turtle tour. A light dinner on the beach specially packed for us. Thereafter we will be met by the research guides. The group will be briefed, and we set off in search of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles return to these beaches every year to deposit their valuable eggs. A month after the eggs are laid, the hatchlings make their way to the ocean.
On our drive back to the lodge we reflect on the true magnificence of Mother Nature.
Day 2
General Times:
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Transfer to Kosi Mouth
12:00 Lunch for own account
15:00 Return to lodge
17:30 Dinner
Tour Details:
A scrumptious breakfast is served at 08:00. We will be transferred by 4×4 to Kosi Mouth for a day of relaxation, unwinding and snorkelling.
Snorkelling at the mouth will Lunch can be pre-ordered at the lodge or you could pack your picnic basket. After a day of fun in the sun, we are transferred back to the lodge. At 18:00 we have dinner and relax for the rest of the evening.
Day 3
General Times:
08:30 Breakfast
10:00 Checkout from lodge
13:30 Arrive in Richards Bay
Tour Details:
We have a lazy Sunday morning with a longer lie in. After breakfast we checkout and depart from the lodge at about 10:30.
Kosi Bay Turtle Tour Notes:
All trails require a minimum number of four participants to be booked on the trail in order for the trail to go out as scheduled. If only two Under African Skies clients book, another two trailists that have independently booked can join our group. The accommodation is on a sharing basis. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Price Includes:
- 2 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Boat Cruise (snorkel gear included)
- Turtle Excursion
- Kosi Mouth Tour
- Concession fees
- Full time Under African Skies tour guide
What To Take Along
3 dull-coloured shirts/blouses
Sunglasses
3 changes of underwear
3 pairs shorts or the equivalent
1 pair of jeans
1 tracksuit
1 hat
1 pair of pyjamas (optional)
Bayticol (from your pharmacy) is recommended, as ticks can be a problem at certain times of the year.
*Mosquito repellent
1 light raincoat
1 swimming costume (optional)
1 warm bush jacket or jersey
1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent
1 pair of sandals or the equivalent (for around the camp)
Torch with spare batteries
Sun protection cream
Toiletries, including biodegradable soap, Insect repellent
Binoculars, camera and bird identification book (optional)
Enquire about Kosi Bay Turtle Tour
What others think about us?
Initially i was not keen on going to South Africa. Because of the safety issues and its reputation of being violent. Teshni told us before hand to come with an open mind and heart to receice everything South Africa had to offer. So i did. And did it have to offer something! Thanks to Teshni's guidance and good mood every day again, we were able to experience the best South Africa had to offer. Nice people, magnificent nature, beautiful adventures.... Teshni made sure we as 'customer' were queens. That we had the time of our life. That our heart wishes became true. That nobody would mess with us. That we made everything in time as the universe wanted it to be. ? We did not only got to know South Africa but also made a friend for life. ❤
An De Ceulaer
Mar 31, 2022 How to travel with your handicapped mum when her wish is to make a great journey abroad?
There are so many things to take into account. During previous travels, I’ve met Teshni from Under African Skies and I asked her if she could help. We started planning this journey, which needed to be doable for my mum, but also gave her the amazingness of South-Africa. After several Zoom talks, with the COVID regulations in mind she came up with an amazing 11 day journey! Highlight after highlight, not only for my mum but also for my sisters and I. She forsaw a pillow for mum to sleep in the car, a support for during kayak, she arranged a limited horse walk so she could do part of our tour, she knew the nicest guides who helped enjoy all activities, she forsaw vegan/vegetarian lunches,… Twinkels in the eyes of my mum, my sisters and I with each activity!
We can easily say: You made a dream come true! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Kris De Ceulaer
Mar 25, 2022 Excellent and friendly service ?
Tesh,thank you for arranging a most amazing and adventurous weekend for Linda and I at Kosi Bay.Linda finally got to see some turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean.... she has been waiting 10 years to do this. From the accommodation to the turtle tour to the kayaking and snorkeling, the weekend was just simply funtastic ?
Looking forward to the next adventure with #underafricanskies.
Jay Naicker
Feb 16, 2022- Tesh, from the moment we stepped into your "office" to the minute we stepped out was nothing but fun, laughter, awe and adventurous! Your passion for beloved South Africa is such an inspiration and wanting to show the world of what beauty surrounds us is heartfelt. You are an amazing person to share this beauty with us and made our trip meet over our expectations ? I couldn't recommend anyone else but Under African Skies. You are simply the best!
Melanie Lotter
Dec 1, 2021 There aren't enough words to describe our weekend away with you.
Thank you for a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
You are simply the best.
Candice Govender
Nov 30, 2021 Teshni is a gem! Not only is she ready for the adventure, she is full of fun, smiles and humour. She shares her wealth of knowledge and is very professional. we had an amazing trip to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Park with UAS!
Loressa Kritzinger
Nov 9, 2021 - Absolutely awesome and friendly service?Thank you Tesh?
Leonie Moodley
Sep 27, 2021 What an amazing experience booking through Under African Skies, from the moment you enquire to the moment you leave and sometimes even after, Teshni you have been great. The accommodation was amazing, my family have not stopped raving about the place. So thank you for making my hubby's birthday so special. thank you
Predahni Rai Naidoo
Feb 23, 2021 Teshni was amazing ! From the time I enquired to the time we left the Lodge she followed up to see how our trip was going. Even gave me landmarks along the way to look out for on our journey to see the turtles ! What an amazing experience , one of our bucket lists ticked off ! I would highly recommend African Skies , it’s not often these days you receive great service like I experienced with Teshni - and I would like to add I am in the tourism business myself so know what is expected :) thank you so much !
Barbara De Kock Griffiths
Jan 25, 2021
