It is easy to think of Africa’s wildlife as only being on land. We can forget that the coasts that surround Africa support a phenomenal amount of marine life.

Here's our take on some of the best places to see it.      

TURTLES

Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles nest on the sandy beaches of Kwazulu Natal from about October to February. This coincides with the westward shift in the Agulhas Current in the Indian Ocean which brings warmer waters to the coastline.

Phinda is located about an hour's drive from Sodwana Bay where a 16km stretch of beach makes the perfect location for nesting. Only seen at night, you will be driven along the beach until you see what looks as if a tractor has been driven out of the ocean. Weighing as much as a 900kg, the turtle goes into a trance like state when laying her eggs. Join research staff when they measure and tag the female turtle.  White Pearl Resorts in Southern Mozambique has partnered with the Southern Mozambique Marine Turtle Nesting Monitoring, Tagging and Conservation Program to monitor the turtles.

As you travel further north through central and northern Mozambique the Leatherbacks and Loggerheads are joined by Green Turtles, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Turtles. 

The Seychelles is a perfect location for Turtle viewing. It is here that the Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley can be seen 

Hawksbill nesting season is from September to March, while the green turtle nesting season runs from January to September. North Island has one of the highest numbers of green turtle nests each year in Seychelles.

At North Island the monitoring and recording of sea turtle nesting activity has been in place since 1998. Turtle nests are marked out and labeled with bamboo sticks and a coconut, stating the date laid and the species. All the data recorded is captured in our turtle database. Turtles which already have identification tags are recorded and those without are given unique titanium tags.

At Fregate Private Island watching the hatchlings make their progress to the sea is one of the wonders of the world as they brave predators and hazards, from driftwood to a deep footprint in the sand. Fascinating facts are shared by their ecologists, such as a turtle’s sex being determined by the temperature in the nest; higher temperatures above 29 degrees produce females, and lower temperatures develop into males. 

If you fancy something just a little different, we'd suggest Miavana on Madagascar - this fabulous beach property combines relaxation with nature beautifully, with turtles nesting between December and February. And with good flight connections from Johannesburg, it's a lovely way to round off a South African safari. 

WHALES

The South Africa coastline is a great place to view the Southern Right Whale. Also occasionally visible as far north as Luderitz on the Namibian West Coast and East coast of Mozambique. The Southern Right Whales migrate to the Southern Antarctic to feed and then travel north to calf and mate. It is believed that the dramatic cliff-like coast disguises the noises made by the calves and the young can grow up safely for a few months.

Grootbos is a great destination for an all round marine safari. Board a luxury whale watching boat and enjoy a trip led by a marine biologist. You may also spot dolphins, penguins, seals and Great White sharks. Alternatively take to the skies in a small plane for the most spectacular bird’s eye views of whales below you and contemplate just how gigantic these mammals truly are. Their  aircraft is ideal for snapping that perfect shot as you glimpse large mating groups, as well as mothers with their newborn calves.

We also believe that the Morukuru Ocean House in De Hoop Reserve is a fantastic location for whale viewing. For exclusive use groups this house really does offer something special. And Morukuru's newest edition to the family, Beach Lodge, will be open in time for the whale season this July.

The best time to see the whales is from June to October. The land based viewing of whales is arguably best in Hermanus and hotels such as The Marine and Birkenhead House are our favourites.