Sharks and the 'big five'
This diving trip begins with the 'sardine run',a migration spectacle that takes place annually off the Wild Coast of South Africa in the last week of June and in the first two weeks of July. The giant waves of silver sardines move towards the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, and legions of predators flock to them. A baconcular show of sharks, dolphins, Jan van Genten, cormorants, seals and even orcas. Your boat departs from the Hole in The Wall, while a microlight aircraft always passes on the best spots and warns when there is danger.
Then you will travel to Umkomaas, the starting point for the Aliwal Shoaldiving area. The reefs are only 5 km from the beach and the most famous place is 'Raggies Cave'. Don't be surprised if you encounter between 15 to 20 sharks during one dive. But there is more; moray, manbag, large stingrays, bass, emperor fish, sweetlips and in the right period dolphins and whales.
Back above water
It's time to trade in the sea and marine life for the bush, land animals and safaris! During your stay in a Private Game Reserve of your choice in Zululand you will be pampered and taken on special safaris in search of the 'Big Five' and the other wildlife that lives there.
Then on to Rocktail Beach Camp,where you'll enjoy untouched forest, endless beaches and the world's most pristine reefs; colorful hard and soft corals and the most colourful tropical fish. Finally, you will travel on to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, unesco world heritage site since 1999. Nowhere else in South Africa is the scenic variation as great as here: from underwater ravines and sandy beaches where turtles breed to wooded dune areas and a mosaic of marshes, grasslands, forests, savannas and lakes, including Lake Sibaya. Its location in the transition area between subtropical and tropical Africa has resulted in exceptional biodiversity. You are staying in the only privately run lodge; Makakatana Bay Lodge.
A unique experience; in three weeks time explore the most special dive sites of South Africa interspersed with safaris in search of the 'Big Five'...
Tips & tops of Diving Paradise South Africa:
- The sardine run off the Wild Coast, an annual rehearsing spectacle where you can see many underwater predators passing by - assisted by a microlight aircraft
- Aliwal Shoal, paradise for divers where there is a good chance of spotting several sharks per dive
- Possibility to book 'Baited Shark Dives', where you come face to face with, for example, a sand tiger shark, tiger shark, whale shark or hammerhead shark (Advanced)
- Zululand for an authentic safari in style or a luxurious stay in the unspoilt nature
- Rocktail Bay, a nature reserve on the Indian Ocean on a huge private beach. Off the coast you can dive and snorkel fantastically and the beach serves as a breeding ground for the giant Leatherback turtle
- iSimangaliso Wetlands Park from Makakatana Bay Lodge from where you will visit Hluhluwe Mfolozi game reserve. Here you can encounter wildlife like elephants, the white and black rhinoceros, leopards, lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala and many other animal species
- You are staying in fantastic resorts
- This trip can be extended well with a stay at The Cape; Besides a Shark Eco Encounter from Simon's Town (which includes many shark documentaries including Planet Earth), the Cape Winelands are well worth a visit!
