Dive Safari Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay, is a beach paradise nestled among the forested dunes of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Sodwana Bay’s close proximity to the many Game Reserves and parks of KwaZulu Natal makes it the ideal dive destination for those looking for a 360 degree African wildlife experience. This dive safari package is designed to include the best of KNZs game reserves with some of the best diving the region has to offer. The tour includes time in  Hluhluwe game reserve and Thembe Elephant Park. Additional days may easily be added to this tour to include dives at Aliwal Shoal and/or Protea Banks.

DAY  1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER
Transfer: Durban to Hluhluwe (3 hrs)
Activities: Evening Game Drive
Overnight: Hluhluwe –  Superior DB&B.
We welcome you to KwaZulu Natal, as you are met at Durban airport arrivals and are transferred to your Lodge at Hluhluwe for the start of you dive safari. The transfer by road should take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Once you arrive at the lodge there will be time for you to settle in, freshen up and relax before an early evening game drive and your first introduction to the wildlife of Kwazulu Natal. Our hosts will serve dinner at the lodge where you can enjoy the rest of the evening surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

DAY 2, SAFARI GAME DRIVE AND TRANSFER
Activities: Morning Game Drive Hluhluwe
Overnight: Sodwana Bay –  Superior B&B.
Its an early start as you set out before dawn. The predators are most active in the early hours and you don’t want to miss out on any action. In your search for the big 5 you are sure to discover a wide array different wildlife with your specialist guide sharing an in-depth knowledge of the reserve, it’s animals and eco-systems.

Brunch will be taken at the lodge before your transfer through to Sodwana Bay. Your transfer to Sodwana Bay should only take about two hours, leaving time for a quick swim in the warm Indian Ocean before retiring to the lodge for evening sun-downers and dinner.

DAY 3, 4, 5 : DIVE SODWANA BAY
Activities: Sodwana Bay dive package.
Overnight: Sodwana Bay – Superior D,B&B.
The dive sites of Sodwana Bay represent the some of the most southerly hard coral reef systems in the world and there are a wide variety of  fantastic dive sites to suit all levels of training. After a comprehensive briefing on the local reefs and ecology it’s time to hold on as the rigid inflatable duck takes you through the surf of one of the most exciting launch sites in the country.

The dives sites at Sodwana Bay are renowned for their spectacular and diverse coral communities. As well as attracting pelagic species the reefs  hide some real treasures that will keep any photographer diving to his last 10 bar. Dive planning for the following day will be conducted at the Dive Center each evening. Dive sites will be chosen according to conditions, group preference and level of training.

Day 6 : TEMBE ELEPHANT LODGE
Transfer: Sodwana Bay to Tembe (1.5 hrs).
Overnight: Tembe – Superior D,B&B.
We are leaving the morning free with no activities planned. You can use this time to do additional dives (or catch up on lost dives) or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. The lodge can suggest other activities  to keep you entertained if needs. After lunch we depart for  Tembe Elephant Park for two nights authentic bush experience in luxury tented accommodation.

The reserve at Tembe is part of a pristine wilderness area and the sand-forest and grassland habitats host some of the largest elephant in Africa – Tembe’s elephants are acknowledged giants. The park also hosts lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo to complete the big five. After check-in and an early evening game drive our host will provide a magical evening meal and entertainment under the stars.

DAY 7 : GAME DRIVE TEMBE
Activities: Full day Tembe Elephant Park
Overnight: Tembe – Superior D,B&B.
Day seven is entirely dedicated to Tembe Elephant Park. The 300 square kilometer park is the 3rd largest in KwaZulu Natal. With its diversity of habitats Tembe is home to a spectacular variety of animals and birds. The morning game drive starts just after dawn as you follow the sandy roads to hidden watering holes and game viewing hides.

The magnificent elephants of Tembe are the main attraction and make for spectacular viewing. Around 200 elephant roam the reserve and the signs of their foraging is everywhere. Your guides have an intimate knowledge of these animals an the elephants movements are well known, allowing them to be observed at close-quarters from your vehicle or hide. The Tembe experience is one of Africa as it once was – unspoilt in all its natural splendor.

DAY 8 : GAME DRIVE TEMBE & TRANSFER TO DURBAN
Activities: Morning Game Drive 
Transfer: Tembe to Durban (3.5 hrs).
This morning is your last chance to explore the reserve for those elusive members of the big five.  After breakfast we depart Tembe Elephant Park  for the transfer back to Durban to arrive around 13h00. Clients may wish to schedule an extra night in Durban before flying out .Additional days may also be added to this tour to include dives at Aliwal Shoal and/or Protea Banks.

Prices Exclude: International and domestic flights. All meals and refreshments except breakfast and dinner where stated (D,B&B). Personal expenses . All equipment hire except tanks and weights. Additional activities. Medical and travel insurance. Anything else you can think of.

Prices Include: All transport and transfers where stated.  Accommodation and breakfast. Dinner where stated (D,B&B), Game park and entrance fees. All dives as stated (tanks and weights only) All game drives as stated.

Terms and Conditions: Accommodation is based on 2 persons sharing. Prices are correct at time of posting and are subject to availability of services during low season (Jan – March). Prices may change at any time without notice. Payment in full secures booking. Group rates available on request.

Malaria: Sodwana Bay is a malaria risk area. Consult you physician for appropriate protection. Any prophylactics taken should be compatible with diving. Bring light long sleve shirts and trousers for evenings. All accommodation provides mosquito nets.

Dive requirements: A valid dive certificate and logbook are required at all dive centres. Advanced training may be undertaken during your tour – on request in advance. All dives include tanks and weights only – additional equipment may be hired on site at the dive centre daily rates.

Dive Conditions: Water temperature is usually in the mid 20’s (24-28 degrees) air temerature 25 degrees to 38 degrees. Visability varies between 8m and 40m. All dives are on “rubber ducks” (RIB’s) and all dives require taking the boat through the surf.