Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas / Eretmochelys imbricata
Ancient ocean navigators — nesting on East African beaches for millions of years
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical oceans
Diet
Green turtle: seagrass and algae; Hawksbill: sponges, jellyfish, sea anemones
Lifespan
60–80 years (some over 100 years)
Weight
Green: 130–200 kg; Hawksbill: 45–75 kg
About the Sea Turtle
Sea turtles are among the most ancient creatures on Earth, having survived for over 100 million years — outliving the dinosaurs. The waters around Zanzibar and the East African coast are home to green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Green turtles can weigh up to 200 kg and travel thousands of kilometres between feeding and nesting sites. Hawksbills, smaller and critically endangered, are vital for coral reef health as they eat sponges that would otherwise smother corals. Snorkelling with sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar is one of East Africa's most magical marine experiences.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical oceans — coral reefs, seagrass beds, and nesting beaches
Diet
Green turtle: seagrass and algae; Hawksbill: sponges, jellyfish, sea anemones
Lifespan
60–80 years (some over 100 years)
Weight
Green: 130–200 kg; Hawksbill: 45–75 kg
Best Viewing Locations
- Zanzibar (Mnemba Atoll)
- Mafia Island
- iSimangaliso (South Africa)
Fascinating Facts About Sea Turtle
Sea turtles have survived for over 100 million years — they outlived the dinosaurs
They can navigate thousands of kilometres using the Earth's magnetic field
Female sea turtles return to the exact beach where they were born to lay eggs
Temperature determines the sex of hatchlings — warmer nests produce more females
Hawksbill turtles are critical for coral reef health — they eat sponges that smother coral
Safari Packages to See Sea Turtle
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best sea turtle viewing destinations.
Zanzibar & Serengeti — Bush Meets Beach in East Africa
Arusha, Serengeti
From $5,490
Iconic Southern Africa Grand Tour — Cape Town to Chobe
Cape Town, Garden Route
From $11,990
Romantic Southern Africa Honeymoon — Bush, Beach & Wine
Cape Town, Franschhoek
From $7,490
Grand Southern Africa — Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls
Cape Town, Stellenbosch
From $6,490
Ready to See Sea Turtle in the Wild?
Our expert safari consultants will craft your perfect sea turtle encounter — from choosing the ideal reserve to selecting the best season and lodge.
Plan Your Sea Turtle Safari
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Safari Lodges
Luxury accommodation in prime wildlife areas
Destinations
Kruger, Sabi Sands, Masai Mara & beyond
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip around peak wildlife seasons
Safari Costs
Honest pricing guide for every budget
Conservation
How your safari protects African wildlife
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