Scuba Dive Adventures

Wild at heart

SOUTH AFRICA 2024

THE ULTIMATE BIG 5

Looking for the ultimate adventure holiday destination? Look no further than South Africa! Here, you can experience heart-pumping activities like adrenaline shark diving, wreck diving, and exploring amazing reefs. If you’re more interested in land-based thrills, you can take part in a luxury big game safari or go abseiling down Table Mountain. And when you’re ready to slow down and take in the local culture, cosmopolitan Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve are waiting to be explored. With so much to do and see, South Africa offers the adventure of a lifetime!

Explore

At Scuba Dive Adventures we are committed to sustainable travel, wildlife conservation and supporting local communities. We believe that responsible exploration of the oceans is crucial and strive to promote and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the underwater world. Our passion for the ocean is reflected in our core values, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we visit. Join us in our mission to protect our oceans for generations to come.

Travel

At Scuba Dive Adventures we have created a unique brand and culture that permeates every aspect of our business. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our clients from our unparalleled customer service and top quality liveaboards, to our carefully selected global destinations. Our focus on safety, agility and adventure allows us to push boundaries and set high standards in the diving industry. Join us for an unforgettable journey that exceeds your expectations at every turn.

Adventure

At Scuba Dive Adventures we are committed to sustainable travel, wildlife conservation and supporting local communities. We believe that responsible exploration of the oceans is crucial and strive to promote and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the underwater world. Our passion for the ocean is reflected in our core values, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we visit. Join us in our mission to protect our oceans for generations to come.

Shark dives

ALIWAL SHOAL

Aliwal Shoal has been personally ranked by legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. With just one dive, you can catch a glimpse of up to 7 species of rays, 9 species of sharks, eels, turtles, dolphins, whales, and macro marine life. The reef at Aliwal Shoal is the crown jewel of the Marine Protected Area, providing a thriving ecosystem for marine creatures to flourish.

One of the most captivating sightings at the shoal is the Raggies or ragged tooth sharks, which are regularly spotted between August and November as they come to mate. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are known for their docile nature, and there has never been a recorded shark attack in the history of diving at Aliwal Shoal. These sharks are often seen near the famous ‘raggy caves’, but it’s not just the prospect of seeing 15 to 20 sharks at once that draws divers to this site.

n addition to the incredible array of marine life already mentioned, Aliwal Shoal is also home to magnificent mantas, moray eels, huge stingrays, sweetlips, and the impressive potato groupers, also known as potato bass or cod. If you’re lucky and visiting during certain times of the year, you may even encounter playful dolphins, humpbacks, whale sharks, and hammerheads. Let’s not forget about the schools of pelagic and coral fish that inhabit the 5-kilometer long reef or shoal.

Water temperatures at the shoal are comfortable year-round, with average temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius during summer and not dropping below 19 degrees Celsius in winter. This is due to the shoal’s location on the inner edge of the Mozambique current. With such ideal conditions and diverse marine life, Aliwal Shoal offers a truly unforgettable diving experience.

 

Shark dives

Experience the unique and thrilling baited shark dives at the Aliwal Shoal, a must-do activity during your visit. Two baited drums filled with local sardines and fish oil create a scent trail that attracts resident oceanic black tip sharks for a close encounter. During the summer months (November to March), tiger sharks are frequently seen, and sometimes accompanied by shy bull sharks. Witness the migration of hammerheads and the occasional sighting of great white sharks. This dive offers a positive and safe way to interact with sharks and capture the experience on camera, without any feeding or touching. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures.

 
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Big 5

Luxury Safari

Kruger Lodge Mjejane, nestled in the coveted Mjejane Private Game Reserve, boasts a magnificent view of the Kruger National Park, from its position on the banks of the Crocodile River. This safari Lodge offers a rare opportunity for intimate encounters with the wildlife, right at your doorstep. With its prime location, you can leisurely observe as herds of animals and predators move within meters of you. The enchanting savannah in front of you is ever-changing and offers endless hours of relaxed game viewing.

Nestled along the southern edge of the famed Kruger National Park, Mjejane Game Reserve offers an exquisite 10km stretch of the Crocodile River. Unlike before, the Reserve’s borders with the Kruger Park are now unobstructed by fences, allowing for free movement of wildlife within the reserve.

Your luxurious 5-star safari lodge offers the chance to regularly encounter the Big 5 in their natural habitat. Bask in the breathtaking African sunsets with a refreshing sundowner on the deck. The package includes two private game drives per day, as well as all meals and soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

 

The Mother City

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town, renowned as Africa’s most magnificent city, is the destination of our luxurious Boutique Hotel stay. From this prime location, we will revel in the beauty of this historic city and explore its many wonders. Our itinerary includes a thrilling Cape Peninsula tour, showcasing the most breathtaking views of the rugged terrain. We will visit the charming Boulders Beach, which is home to a lively colony of African Penguins, before culminating our journey at the iconic Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. This is the southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula, where the merging of two oceanic currents creates a captivating spectacle.

Experience the excitement of Table Mountain with the choice to either climb or take a thrilling ride to the top. For the daring souls, abseiling from the peak is also an option. Bask in the beauty of Camps Bay’s stunning beaches or take a leisurely stroll through the iconic V&A Waterfront, steeped in history. And of course, no visit to Cape Town is complete without indulging in the exquisite wines of the region. With an array of activities to choose from, Cape Town truly offers something for everyone.

 

Book your trip of a lifetime

£5499

10th -25th March 2024

Experience an unforgettable Scuba Adventure with Scuba Dive Adventures!

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

The package includes an internal flight, transfers, scuba diving, and specified land-based activities, as well as accommodation for:

7 nights in Umkomaas (Full Board)
4 nights in a Private Game Reserve ( Full Board )
4 nights in Cape Town ( Bed & Breakfast)

Please note that international flights, non-specified activities, and tips/gratuities are not included. Single supplements may apply.

Please be advised that all activities and launch times are subject to change due to local environmental conditions, and the order in which they are conducted may also change.

For more information or to book this fabulous Scuba Adventure, please contact the Scuba Dive Adventures team at 0113 4508606 or sales@scubadiveadventures.co.uk

Big 5

SAFARI

No safari to Africa is complete without marvelling at an elite grouping of her most famous residents, the Big 5. So, what is a Big 5 safari? Well, it’s any safari where you get to see the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino!

  • Lion: King of the jungle, or rather bushveld, the lion is Africa’s most impressive and largest big cat.

  • Rhino: We love the rhino so much that we named ourselves after it. A powerful herbivore, it’s also, unfortunately, an endangered species. 

  • Leopard: This spotted big cat is famously elusive, and seeing one in real life is one of the most memorable moments on a Big 5 safari.

  • Buffalo: The African buffalo is a large, cattle-like animal that falls prey to other animals like the lion, but they put up quite the fight with their muscular bodies and impressive horns.

  • Elephant: As the largest land mammal, the African elephant is our gentle giant that you cannot (and don’t want to) miss seeing on a Big 5 safari.

 

Aliwal

Sharks

Aliwal Shoal is home to a diverse range of shark species that can be observed year-round. However, it’s important to note that sightings are subject to the unpredictable nature of wildlife.

Some of the species that can be spotted include the Guitar shark (March to October), Dusky shark (May to September), Hammerhead shark (October to March), Tiger and Bull shark (November to May), Whale shark (December to February), and Whitetip Reef shark (December to May).

Additionally, the Ragged Tooth shark, which uses Aliwal Shoal as a mating site, can be seen, sometimes in large numbers, from June to November. The Oceanic Blacktip shark is a frequent sight throughout the year, along with dolphins and turtles. The Humpback whale can also be observed from June to November.

Produce

Wreck

A diving trip from Umkomass, South Africa, allows you to dive the wreck of a Norwegian carrier, the MV Produce,On 11 August 1974, this 176 m long vessel, carrying a cargo of molasses, grounded on a shoal while the master was napping. Within 30 minutes, the crew abandoned the vessel, which sank four hours later. The merchant ship SAS Oranjeland and an Air Force helicopter picked up the entire crew.

This very popular wreck is located 1 km northwest of Aliwal, at the mouth of the Mkomazi River, in a marine protected area where a diving permit is required.The north-facing MV Produce lies on its starboard side at a depth of 32 m, with its superstructure rising to 14 m below the surface. The remains of the wreck cover the bottom for a distance of about 100 m while the average visibility is 10 m. Nevertheless, you can explore the bow and stern of the boat during the same dive. 

Bush

Walk

A whole new world awaits those who exit their 4×4 and tackle the veld on foot. While a game drive is an exciting experience, nothing beats the quiet intimacy of encountering wildlife eye-to-eye in their own domain. Although you won’t cover the distance one does in a vehicle, with no disturbing exhaust fumes or running engines, walking in a place untouched by human interference allows you to experience nature on an altogether different level.

Experience a pristine African walking safari on foot in the Mjejane Private Game Reserve. You can prepare for a 3.5-to-4.5-hour hike. The weekly guided walks will show you what ‘up close and personal really means

 

Cape Towns

Beaches

Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula boast two stunning coastlines that offer an array of beaches, perfect for any occasion or mood. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant beach scene with buzzing bars, tranquil coves for seclusion, safe swimming areas, or a romantic spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a picnic, you’ll find it all here.

If you’re in search of a beach in Cape Town where you can spend a leisurely day lounging and unwinding, then look no further than Camps Bay Beach. This renowned stretch of sand is known for its reliability and is a popular, family-friendly destination that attracts hundreds of visitors during high season. Its coveted Blue Flag status only adds to its allure.

Along the powdery white sands, you’ll find an abundance of cafes, bars, and restaurants, creating a trendy and fashionable atmosphere that makes it the place to be.

Wine

tasting

With a winemaking history spanning over 300 years, South Africa has firmly established itself as one of the leading wine-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. The country’s wine industry seamlessly blends the old and new, resulting in a diverse range of styles that have garnered international recognition and acclaim. In fact, South Africa ranked as the world’s seventh-largest wine producer in 2016, accounting for an impressive 3.9% of global wine output.

South Africa boasts a broad selection of red and white grape varieties, with white grapes comprising 55% of the country’s 96,000 hectares of vineyards. This rich variety of grapes has allowed South African winemakers to create wines that are both exceptional in quality and excellent value. As a result, South African wines are now considered among the best in the world, consistently competing at the highest level.