Sea turtles have chosen the beaches of Tanzania a million years ago. They emerge from their nests in a small sand crater and make their way to the ocean.
This trip is full of danger from birds, crabs, and the hot sun. But every little hatchling needs to make the journey for their future life in the water. Though unfortunately, just a fraction of these that survive and reach the ocean will reach sexual maturity and breed. When the females are ready to lay eggs, they will come back to the very same place they were born.
As turtle nesting sites are quietly disappearing, every known site aims to secure the turtle population and protect the nests. That's one of the reasons for creating turtle focused eco-tourism in Tanzania with the aim to support turtle conservation.
For a visitor, this is an amazing opportunity to find out more about the life of sea turtles and see their first and the most important trip. Some of the best places to see sea turtle hatching in Tanzania can be found in Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island, or Pangani.
Generally, turtles nest year round on Tanzanian coast, but the peak nesting season falls on April–May. Two months later, turtles start to hatch, making June to August the best time to see the process.
Practical info
Where can sea turtle hatchlings be seen in Tanzania?
Tanzania has several locations where visitors can observe sea turtle hatching. Tours are available in Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island, and Pangani, allowing tourists to admire the unique sea turtles and observe their nesting process. Show more
When is the best time to observe sea turtle hatching in Tanzania?
The ideal months to witness the process of sea turtle hatching in Tanzania are between June and August, while the peak nesting season occurs during April and May. While sea turtles nest year-round in the Tanzanian coastal area, the chances of witnessing the hatching process are highest during the peak season period. Show more
What measures are taken for turtle conservation in Tanzania?
Tanzania is actively implementing measures to protect its sea turtle population, including the protection of nesting sites and nests. The country is also participating in several conservation activities such as the creation of turtle-supported eco-tourism endeavors, beach clean-up initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. Research and monitoring efforts are also in place to combat extinction risks. Show more
What is the average duration for a sea turtle hatchling to reach sexual maturity?
It typically takes 25 to 40 years for sea turtles to attain sexual maturity, meaning that just some of the hatchlings that survive and head to the ocean will attain this stage. When it comes to laying eggs, female sea turtles will often return to the beach they were born on, highlighting the urgency to shield nesting sites and promote conservation. Show more
What challenges do sea turtle hatchlings face during their first trip to the ocean?
Several hazards, including predation by birds and crabs or unfavourable weather situations, such as dehydration in hot weather and high winds in cold climate, confront sea turtle hatchlings during their initial trip to the ocean. Furthermore, pollution and loss of habitat contribute to immense threats to the continuation of species in Tanzania and around the world. Show more
