Ashley W. Honeymoon

Each year, during the southern hemisphere summer, between November and January, enormous leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Bay to lay their precious eggs in the sun-warmed sand, as they have done for hundreds of millions of years. Set out on a thrilling night-time adventure along a stretch of 16 kilometres of tranquil beach, set to the background of the harmonic sounds of foamy waves rushing in to shore. With only the beam of your flashlight, the cold light of the moon flitting between wispy clouds and the distant flash of the lighthouse to guide you, search for these gentle animals as they ride the waves to shore to dig their nests at one of Africa’s last key nesting sites.

Dig your bare feet into the cool, velvet sand and hold your breath as you wait for a ritual as old as time to once again take place. Watch in wonder as two of the ocean’s largest turtles – the walnut-hued leatherback ringing in at 700 kilograms and the white-bellied loggerhead touching 160 kilograms – breach the quiet shore, leaving behind a deep trail in the soft sand. Marvel at the silent concentration of the mother as she squats above a deep hole in the sand, laying scores of smooth, oval eggs, which she carefully covers with warm, loose sand before disappearing back into the inky waves.

The essence of the experience

Whilst enjoying the exceptional Big Five at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, why not treat yourself to an Ocean Safari that offers the opportunity to encounter some of South Africa’s most beautiful marine life? Set off on board a semi-rigid inflatable boat in the company of a certified Dive Master and enjoy the prospect of encountering and swimming with sleek, silvery dolphins. Snorkel amongst some of South Africa most magnificent coral reef, viewing a bevy of iridescent tropical fish. Marvel at the colossal forms of humpback and southern right whales. The temperate waters are awash with a plethora of diverse aquatic life, including the ancient walnut-hued leatherback and the white-bellied loggerhead turtles, the slow-moving, yellow-spotted whale shark, a variety of shy eels and hundreds of minute, kaleidoscopic fish that flit in and around the corals.

Marvel at the iridescent colours of a variety of tropical fish as they streak through the aquamarine waters, from the bright yellow of the butterfly fish to the topaz triggerfish and the distinct shapes and vivid colours of a variety of wrasse. Marvel at the medley of colours of the flourishing marine species beneath the calm, azure surface as you swim amidst the infinite hues of blue that stipple the sky and sea.

Sleep under the Stars:

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon game drive around &Beyond Phinda Private Game reserve, awash with untamed wildlife and birdlife. Arrive at a romantic and magical setting in the middle of the bush, where comfortable beds with real duvets and warm blankets have been set up, draped with billowing mosquito nets. Inviting chairs surround a blazing campfire and twinkling lanterns hang from towering trees.

On days when the weather turns dark, revel in the knowledge that a warm, comfortable room at a nearby lodge is ready and waiting in case you change your mind.

Those who choose to persevere will be welcomed with sundowner drinks to toast the disappearing sun whilst your dedicated ranger prepares a delicious meal, celebrating African flavours on the open fire.

Recreate the day’s adventures and encounters around the fireside, from the swift cheetah that raced past your open safari vehicle to the white rhinos and the more rare and endangered black rhino, as well as the elegant nyala antelope.

Drink in the tranquillity of the bush and enjoy the distinct night sounds and songs of Africa.

Fall asleep under an impossibly starry sky to the soothing sound of the hyena calling out in the distance, secure in the knowledge that an armed guard will patrol the site throughout the night.