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
Enquire about Kosi Bay Turtle Tour
What others think about us?
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Teshni was amazing from pre-booking to post-booking!! I couldn't have asked for a better guide!! At this point, I consider Teshni more like a friend than a guide, as I chatted with her more than anyone. She was always looking out for our best interests and raised some potential challenges (e.g. cruise ship issues) so we knew to expect them. Likewise, she was also hesitant to take payment (as she doesn't offer refunds) to make sure that our ship did dock and we weren't out any extra money. When choosing to book with Teshni, I decided to go with her company because she seemed to try to make the most of the day and wanted to ensure I was happy rather than just create a day that she wanted to guide for (like some other guides). We were a bit late (90 minutes) for this experience because we were disembarking from a cruise ship. While I was not looking forward to choosing between the game reserve and the St. Lucia croc/hippo boat sunset boat tour, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! When we booked, Teshni said we would have a light snack included and I though the cute picnic bags we received with biltong, nuts, and fruit was the light snack. But, she also had so much pasta, local candy bars, and samosas! It was a large meal! I felt so lucky that Teshni drove us through the park, as we managed to see the most amazing animals in their natural habitats!! It was just awe-inspiring. She always angled her car to make sure everyone in the group was able to take good pictures and we stayed in the park until the very last moment (happening upon giraffes at the last minute!). It was a very magical experience!! thank you Teshni!! My silly husband accidentally left his Prada sunglasses in the car and Teshni reached out and managed to mail them to us in Cape Town!! I would highly recommend Teshni (my friend) :) to be your guide. 
Kirsten L Cowan
January 9, 2023 We had a super amazing safari experience. Teshni is a fantastic tour/nature guide with an abundance of information to share. The safari vehicle of choice was perfect, it offered very comfortable seats and a well air-conditioned interior. Best safari that we've been on to date. 
Leaves N Buds
November 13, 2022 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
March 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
March 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
February 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
December 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
November 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
November 9, 2021 Absolutely awesome and friendly service?Thank you Tesh? 
Leonie Moodley
September 27, 2021
