This tour originates in Kwa Zulu Natal, situated on the East coast of Southern Africa and home to two world famous diving sites. Kwa Zulu Natal or K.Z.N is the home of the very colorful Zulu people, it is one of nine provinces in South Africa and one of the most Diverse places on the planet in terms of Culture, fauna, flora and landscape. K.Z.N boasts two world heritage sites, Blue flag beaches, fine weather and people making it the best place in Africa for your holiday. After diving Aliwal shoal on the South coast and Sodwana bay on the Elephant coast you will be taken across the border to Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique. Here you will experience a different culture and tropical water.

Dive Sites:
The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The reef plays host to many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. Aliwal Shoal was named after the sinking of the 3 Masted vessel “Aliwal”, Captained by James Anderson in 1849 (source: Aliwal Shoal Tourism). There are two wrecks near the reef that are prime sites for divers. The Norwegian bulk carrier called the “Produce” which sank in 1974 and the Nebo which sank in 1884. Aliwal Shoal’s position at the meeting point of the cold Benguela current and the warm Agulhas current make for some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers. The Shoal is known especially for its abundance of Grey nurse sharks (known locally as ragged tooth sharks or “raggies”) between August and November when the sharks congregate there to mate.

Lying within the boundaries of The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay provides the travelling diver with a vast array of unspoilt coral reefs, populated with a huge diversity of Indo-Pacific fish & invertebrates.

Water Temperatures
The average water temperature is 23 degrees C with the maximum being 28 degrees C between March and April.   The minimum is 20 degrees C between August and September.

2 Mile
This is the largest reef in Sodwana, being over 1.8 km long and 900 m wide.   The average depth is 12 m, the shallowest being 8 m and deepest 18 m.   2 Mile often has the best visibility since it is the shallowest of Sodwana’s 5 major reefs.   It has amazing topography that consists of gullies, overhangs and swim-troughs.

5 Mile
This reef lies at a depth of 18 – 22 metres.   If it is coral life that you want to see then 5 Mile is for you.   This reef has the most diverse coral communities at Sodwana making it the most fragile dived site.   The extensive beds of Stag Horn, Mushroom and Plate corals are staggering as are the tiny colourful creatures living in them. Leopard sharks, White Tipped and Black Tipped Reef sharks are occasionally seen.  The flat bed of coral is dotted with a few craters and potholes.   One pothole in particular contains a variety of interesting marine life.

Ponta do Ouro is a small coastal village in southern Mozambique. The village is on the coast of a natural sandbank and is encased in rich folds of foliage. There are numerous dive sites ranging from 10 metres to 40 metres with many different types of coral and sharks to be seen. Whale sharks and Dolphins are regularly seen on the way to dive sites. You have to experience these sites to actually understand the beauty of them all.

Day 1
As you land at Durban International airport, you will be met by your Endless Summer Tour guide and Transported to your first destination, Scottburgh. You will settle in and enjoy a traditional South African Braai prepared by us.
Accommodation:
Ocean Breeze B&B (or similar) this is a comfortable B&B set in the quiet but beautiful town of Scottburgh.
Meals:
Dinner

Day 2 &Day 3
The action starts, we set off early to the launch site as we make our way to Aliwal Shoal.
After the dive we will have a breakfast on the beach, there is a second dive for those who want to do a double take(Own expense)
Activities:
Dive the reefs at Aliwal Shoal.
Accommodation:
Ocean Breeze B&B (or similar)
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4
Today we start the Second Part of our adventure as we head up North, passing through Zululand and on to the Elephant coast. On the way we will stop off at St Lucia where you will embark on a hippo and croc tour. We will arrive in Sodwana Bay in the Afternoon, we settle in ten take you off to Lake Sibaya to enjoy a sunset with sundowners that you will never forget.
Activities:
Hippo and Croc Boat tour
Accommodation:
Coral diver’s guest lodge, En-Suite Huts
Accommodation for the discerning diver these beautiful new huts are large, with double or single beds, mosquito nets, shelves for your clothes and a beautiful open-air bathroom
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 & Day 6
Early start as we head out to one of the many reefs in the area. There are optional activities everyday (own expense) which include Quad biking, horse riding and kite boarding
Activities:
Morning dive at some of the world’s most southern coral reefs, optional Afternoon activities
Accommodation:
Coral Divers.
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7
After an early morning dive and breakfast we head off to our final diving destination. We drive one hour to the border and cross over into Mozambique.
After a short 4×4 transfer we will arrive in paradise.
Activities:
Morning Dive
Accommodation:
The Whaler, This dive concession set on the beach in Ponta is something out of a magazine. With white sandy beaches and turquoise water you will think you have arrived in paradise. The accommodation is a little rustic, but it adds to the adventure. Situated on the beach front, are basic, waterproofed reed huts. Each room has electric lights and sleeps two people; either with two single beds or one double.
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 & Day 9
Spend this part of your adventure diving tropical water and getting into the Mozam way of life. After diving each day you can take up one of the many activities or convince your guide to take you exploring. There is a very vibrant night life in Ponta which will keep you entertained until the wee hours of the morning
Activities:
Dive, dive and dive some more, Optional quad biking, deep sea fishing and kite boarding (own expense)
Accommodation:
The Whaler
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 & Day 11
Today we say good bye to paradise and hello to more exciting adventures, after breakfast we make our way back into South Africa and head in Search of Big 5. We take a short drive to our final destination, Tembe Elephant Park. Here you will be accommodated in a real South African Bush camp, while your every need will be taken care of by the Tembe staff. You will enjoy three meals per day and two game drives. On the drives you will have the chance of Spotting the Big 5.
Activities:
Game drive
Accommodation:
Tembe Elephant Park
Meals:
Breakfast Lunch& Dinner

Day 12
After your early morning drive and breakfast we will head back to Durban International airport where you can continue your South African Adventure or head home
Meals:
Breakfast

Included:
Comfortable Accommodation, 7 dives with all equipment, breakfast and dinner daily, two soft drinks per day transfers in air-conditioned people carriers, Endless Summer Tours guide, Out of this world experience, two night safari experience at Tembe Elephant Park.

Not Included:
Tips for guides, alcohol, optional activities and Flights