Many of you I am sure will have heard all about game viewing, whale watching and wine tasting - all popular past times for visitors to South Africa, but how many of you, I wonder, have heard about ‘turtling’? 

For those of you not yet ‘in the know’ the turtle season takes place along the pristine Maputaland coast of northern KwaZulu-Natal, one of the most unspoilt regions of South Africa.  Picture 200 kilometers of uninterrupted white sandy beach sandwiched between the warm, choral filled, Indian Ocean and an undulating sea of unspoiled dune forests and you will get an idea of what this coastline is all about.  It is an idyllic eco-haven for scuba-divers, sun worshipers and nature lovers alike.

The turtle season starts in early November when the female turtles begin to come ashore under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs and by mid-November laying is in full swing and turtles can be seen almost every night. About 60 days later, between January and early March, hundreds of hatchlings can then be seen digging their way out of their nests and crawling en masse back to the relative safety of the sea.

Both the Loggerhead and the giant Leatherback turtle came close to extinction in this area, but thanks to local conservation efforts the Loggerhead has made a remarkable recovery and while the Leatherback (the largest of all the turtle species) is still considered endangered, numbers are increasing and sightings are increasingly common.  To observe a massive 360 kg Leatherback struggle up the beach in the moonlight, dig a nesting hole in the sand and lay between 100 and 200 soft white shelled eggs before covering and disguising the nesting site and crawling back to the sea is to witness a true miracle of nature, and is an unforgettable privilege.  Hidden Vintage therefore suggests you pack your swimming trunks this winter and make your way to South Africa’s Maputaland for a combination of beach, bush and ‘turtling’.

Contact info@hiddenvintage.com for a tailor made itinerary including ‘turtling’ in Maputaland

Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, about a 4 and a half hour drive north east of Durban, Thonga Beach Lodge has been described as one of Africa’s most exciting and refreshing wilderness destinations.   12 spacious, thatched suites, inspired by local Thonga architecture, have been carefully hidden in the coastal dune forest and raised on wooden stilts to protect the sensitive dune soils below.  Offering a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style chic each suite is luxuriously decorated with a blend of bleached wood, glass and natural materials creating an open, airy feel and a romantic ambiance.. 

With a fully equipped dive centre and offering daily guided nature walks Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the most unspoilt wilderness beaches left on the African continent, and also happens to have one of the highest concentrations of nesting Leatherbacks along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast!

Turtle Tracking Special at Thonga Beach Lodge:
3 Nights for R5,550 (€ 595) per person sharing. 
Includes accommodation, 3 meals per day, non-motorised activities, nightly turtle walks and one turtle drive.
Valid:  01 Nov – 10 Dec ’06 & 15 Jan – 28 Feb ’07.

The Jewel of Africa
Take advantage of the Okavango Delta’s much anticipated flood season (June to October), as well as the weakness in the dollar (Botswana camps are generally priced in US$) and organise your dream Botswana safari in 2006.

8 day fly-in safari from US$2,645

 
Wild & Scenic Kruger
Challenge your sense of adventure on this 10 night, luxury, safari special.  Relax at Jatinga Country Lodge in the scenic Panorama Route, track big game in open vehicles and on foot from Honeyguide tented safari camp before discovering the very essence of a safari in The Outpost - one of Africa’s most tantalising wilderness lodges in the far reaches of northern Kruger.  End your adventure with a night back in Johannesburg at the eclectic 10 Bompas Hotel.

R13,325 / person sharing (€ 1,480)

The Gems of the Cape  - 4 Star
Discover the attractions of one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations without the maddening crowds and at a fraction of the usual cost.   Enjoy the autumnal charms of Cape Town, the Winelands of Stellenbosch, the scenic Garden Route and a malaria free safari staying in character filled 4 star accommodation and an all inclusive, ‘Big 5’ private game reserve with 14 days car hire.

R9,525 / person sharing (€ 1,060)

 
The Elegant Cape   5 Star
The only feeling that’s better than being treated like royalty is knowing that you haven’t had to pay an arm and a leg for it.  Enjoy a relaxing 2 week holiday in the Cape, the Winelands, the Garden Route and on safari and experience for yourself why so many people flock to South Africa and rave about its awesome selection of world standard accommodation.

R12,640 / person sharing (€1,405)

 
Namibia on a Shoe String
Looking for a once in a life time holiday but on a shoe string budget?  Take advantage of this exceptional value 13 day self-drive holiday including car hire, a safari in Etosha, rugged Damaraland and the famous, ochre-red dunes of Sossusvlei.  Namibia truly is a country to feed your soul and enliven your senses.

R6,960 / person sharing (€ 775)

Kruger Fly In Safari Special
Short on time?  Take advantage of this great value, 5 night, fly-in safari special to Kruger.   Includes 1 night 10 Bompas Hotel (B&B) Johannesburg, 2 nights Honeyguide tented camp (FI), Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, 2 nights The Outpost (FI), Kruger Park, and all air transfers.

R12,625 / person sharing (€1,515)

 
3 nights for the Price of 2...
Create your own ‘special offer’ itinerary from the wide selection of up to date property specific offers featured on our website.

Note: Euro prices subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

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