Combine the best of the best South African dive sites - the marine protected tropical reefs of Sodwana Bay, Ragged Tooth and Blacktip sharks of Aliwal Shoal, Bull, Hammerhead and Guitar sharks of Protea Banks, and Great White sharks of Gansbaai with a Big 5 land safari in Hluhluwe/Imfolozi game reserves!
Scheduled and chartered dates available - July to October.
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Day one, Sunday
Divers arrive and meet at Durban International Airport from where we transfer with an airconditioned vehicle to Sodwana Bay in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal. Sodwana Bay is a marine protected area that lies within the borders of the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, a World Heritage site. Accomodation is taken at any of the available bush lodges - the rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, and if weather allows dinner is served under the stars.
Day two, Monday
Sodwana Bay is by many condsidered to be the Mecca of South African dive sites. The protected coral reefs are home to an abundance of hard & soft corals, tropical & pelagic fish, turtles, dolphins, crustaceans, nudibranchs and many other species. During season Whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks and ragged tooth sharks are regularly encountered. The diving is done from RIBS which are launched off the beach and through the surf. Two dives are scheduled for the morning and the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy any of the optional activities such as horse riding, quad biking or hiking.
Day three, Tuesday
After an early morning breakfast we transfer to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi game reserve. Set in the heart of Zululand, the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the "big five" of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. A game drive sets the mood for dinner at the The Mpunyane Restaurant. The award-winning Hilltop Camp on the summit of a forested hill offers fine views of the surrounding countryside.
Day three, Wednesday
Up and go at the crack of dawn for a two to three hour game walk under the supervision of an experienced and armed field ranger. Experience the African bush as it is meant to be. A quick shower leaves enough time for a buffet breakfast before spending a few quiet hours at the pool, on the deck or in a hide. Lunch is light and in the late afternoon a sunset/night drive in open vehicles allows for the opportunity to discover the many nocturnal species that inhabit the park. Dinner is a social afair and you fall asleep with the sounds of Africa in your ears.
Day 5, Thursday
After a last game drive we transfer to Margate on the southern side of KwaZulu Natal. En route we stop at the Natal Sharks Board to view their impressive display of sharks endemic to the area. Accommodation varies according to availability and numbers, but is normally taken at one of the local hotels or guest houses.
Day 6, Friday
Diving at Protea Banks is a horse of another colour. Apart from it's pelagics, rays and dolphins, the reef is the local secret for Ragged Tooth sharks. Exiting surf launches anbd drift dives at 30 meters are at the order of the day and hardly a day passes without an adventure af some sorts! After finishing off two dives and a light lunch, we visit the Oribi Gorge nature reserve with it's spectacular canyons. If the sharks did not pump your adrenaline enough, you are welcome to gorge swing or abseil down the 100 or so meters to the bottom!
Day seven, Saturday
Two more dives and we transfer to Rocky Bay, our base for the next four nights.
Day eight, Sunday
The two dives on Aliwal Shoal are planned according to local conditions. The Shoal is famous for the congeration of mating Ragged Tooth sharks and the close encounters offers excellent photograhic opportunities. The reef itself offers a variety of soft corals & sponges as well as turtles, dolphins, nudibranchs, leaf fish, paper fish, potato and brindle bass (cod). There are also two wrecks that are dived for the life on them - the Nebo and the Produce. If time allows the afternoon includes an excursion to Ushaka Marine World.
Day nine, Monday
Two more shark dives completes the diving at Aliwal Shoal. After lunch we visit the local crocodile farm and check out their stock - 3,000 of the beasts.
Day ten, Tuesday
Today is not for the faint of heart. We chum the water (sardine oil). We wait. Tiger sharks arrive. 30+ Blacktip sharks arrive. When the water boils with sharks we sharks we jump in and drift dive with them. If it gets to hectic we climb out and wait again. You know what to expect so this one is a piece of cake AND you have the afternoon free and degass.
Day eleven, Wednesday
Time for a change of scenery! We transfer to Durban International Airport and fly to Cape Town and hit the ground running. We take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, stop at a wine estate and test their wares, travel through the beautiful mountains over the Sir Lowry's pass and check in at our hotel in the scenic seaside town of Hermanus.
Day twelve, Thursday
Over breakfast we brief you on the cage diving procedures and meet the crew. Then it is out to sea where we anchor in the "Killing Zone" between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock and make every effort to lure the White Sharks in by chumming the water with a special mixture of sardines, tuna and shark livers. Once the sharks arrive you will be given the opportunity to get into the cage to view them from as close as they will get, and while others have their turn you can photograph the sharks and excitement from the deck! In the afternoon we visit Cape Agulhas, the southern most point in Africa and inbetween sunrise and sunset we have a chance to photograph Cape Fur Seals, Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, Jackass penguins, the rare Blue Crane, ostriches and the beautiful Springbok!
Day thirteen, Friday
Since the ocean is not a zoo and the sharks have their own minds, we have built in an extra morning's cage diving to make sure that you have the best chance of seeing these beautiful animals. Returning to land we transfer to Cape Town where you are free to enjoy the city's night life.
Day fourteen, Saturday 14
The one and only chance to sleep in! At a decent time we embark on a tour of the Mother City and give you a chance to split that essential bit of shopping between the markets and the malls. The tour ends at Cape Town International Airport from where you can either fly home straight or via Johannesburg.
Included in the price of the 14 day/13 night safari:
Experienced guide/dive master and driver
All internal flights
All land transfers including airport transfers
Thirteen nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
All tours and excursions as per the itinerary
All dives as per the itinerary on a use it or lose it basis - air, weights and cylinders included
Excluded from the price of the 14 day/13 night safari:
All travel costs to and from South Africa
Visas, personal insurance and taxes
Excess luggage costs
Alcoholic and other drinks
Lunches, dinners and extra meals
Optional excursions
Important
We are committed to delivering the exact itinerary, but we reserve the right to make any changes that we find necessary for the comfort or safety of the client without notice.
Terms
Advanced or equivalent qualification and at least 30 dives in various conditions required.
Subject to availability.
If we cannot launch due to bad weather we will offer alternative excursions in lieu of diving.
25% Non-Refundable deposit to secure booking
Balance payable 30 days before departure date
For payment by credit card add 6%
Bank charges are for your own cost
All prices are per person sharing
Non-divers welcome
Click here to Enquire/Book directly with Choice Tours
