Turtle Nesting Season in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Green turtle hatchlings will put a smile on anyone’s face. Watch the very beginning of their life journey as they make their way from their cozy nests to the ocean’s world under water.

The five species in this area include green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley, and leatherback. Seeing the turtle hatchlings is a gift. With this extraordinary privilege, comes great responsibility. There are specific methods to approach the turtles, which is the result of an enormous amount of research and a goliath conservation effort.

Though there are many hatchlings in each nest, only one out of 1,000 will make it to adulthood. They are not able to reproduce until they are about 20 years old. To witness this wonder, peak season is usually between February and March, but the season in its entirety can last until July. Out of the five incredible species that call Zanzibar home, the green turtle is the most densely populated species in the area.

These extraordinary creatures are threatened by nesting disturbance, foraging habitats, net captures, meat and egg poaching, development on land, pollution, and overall, limited awareness and education. Journey to Zanzibar not only to experience the wonder of new life, cute baby turtles nonetheless, but also to gain awareness.

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