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Nesting biology and ecology have been investigated for Nile crocodiles ( Crocodylus niloticus ), but information on behaviour and movement patterns of nesting females during nest guarding is scant. Consequently, we investigated the home ranges, nest-site selection strategies, movement patterns, activity levels and nest fidelity of four nesting females using telemetry. Gravid females selected winter basking/breeding areas close (351 ± 2 m) to nest-sites. Mean home range and core-use areas of nesting females were 8539 ± 4752 m 2 , and 4949 ± 3302 m 2 respectively. Mean home range (0.85 ha) was significantly smaller than those of non-nesting females (108.4 ha) during nesting season. Activity levels and mean daily movements while nesting were 8.1 ± 2.5% and 213 ± 64 m, respectively, and increased to 47.9 ± 11.7% and 2176 ± 708 m post-nesting. Overall levels of nest fidelity were 82.8 ± 11.7%, (day 78.1 ± 15.9%; night 87.3 ± 7.8%). Highest nest fidelity recorded during incubation was 99.7% over 96 days. Telemetry data from nesting females were helpful for elucidating spatial and behavioural patterns during the nest guarding period, and provided novel insights into this biologically important event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]