Hello from the magical depths of South Africa!
We are nearly two thirds our way through this epic adventure, and DO NOT WANT IT TO END!
WiFi connection can be a bit spotty, so uploading photos of a higher quality has been really difficult, so I apologise for not sharing more of the amazing experience here!
I have cobbled together a bit of a Blog for the trip, but there is so much more going on – so stay tuned!
We have been to Kruger National Park, (and only days before Gerard Butler, much to my dismay….. The fact that Kruger National Park is bigger than the Demark…. and that I have no idea where in Kruger he was…..makes no difference….) But to make up for this on our various Game drives, dawn bushwalks and sunset tours, we have seen all the Big 5 African animals (Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Rhino and even Leopard) in the first 3 days. Our Lion experience was incredible with a courting pair taking over the road to the amusement of many game trucks and cars as they growled and glared at each other, ignoring our presence completely, and our first Elephant was a ‘traffic control officer’ meandering down the road with us quietly puttering along behind awaiting a passing bay! We stayed at the lovely Nkambeni Safari Camp, in rather swish accommodation: Air-conditioned canvas tents!
We have since, also visited another country – Swaziland, walking across the border, and staying at Ndlovu Camp in Hlane Royal National Park.
We had the most epic experience walking with Rhino’s – I completely lost the plot as I filmed an older female roll and mud-bathe with her daughters less than 10m from us as we walked through the bush. We also had a sensational drive with Lions getting us to move out of their way as 2 lions and 2 lionesses made their way to their ‘chillout’ position for the day.
We stayed at Ndlovu without electricity for 2 nights as the location is run on kerosene/gas and paraffin lamps, panicking us all with battery life draining from our cameras, but made up for with with the sounds of lions roaring in the darkness behind our huts, grunting hippos in the waterhole out the front, and of course the parade of the Rhino’s in the dawn light! What an amazing place.
On to St Lucia with another Game drive in South Africa’s oldest game park – Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. In just one morning in this very open, wild place our guide Zamani had us sighting nearly everything you can think African animal-wise – viewing the everyday actions of Zebras and their foals, Giraffes drinking at waterholes and Warthogs (Everyone say PUMBA!) and their piglets just pumba-ing along.
The same evening we took a wetlands tour thinking we were off to see some birdlife, and had Hippo’s only 5m from the side of the boat, hanging out in social groups, grunting, snitching at each other, and keeping a watchful eye on us.
Of course, this was only tempered with the sightings of Hippos’ ROAMING THE STREETS in St Lucia in the evening as they came ashore to feed. We were checking out the menu at the ‘Hippo Grill’ and realised what we thought was a fiberglass replica in the hotel grounds was actually breathing, mowing the lawn, and drinking from the swimming pool! No wonder the water was green! No it wasn’t a pet!
Later, the Key West Cocktail Bar had a few cheeky Aussies come a-visiting and sampling the local fare.
We left the Safari behind and headed to Scottburgh, with 2 nights in fabulous digs of Blue Marlin while we dived Aliwal Shoal. Our first drop in was to ‘The Cathedral’, where we spotted ‘Ragged-Tooth Sharks’ (Grey Nurse to us Aussie locals) – definitely a different behavior to what we experience at Shark Alley in Brisbane (Not as phased by divers, keep returning to their ‘spot’ in and around the rocks, instead of startling and racing off if a diver gets too close).
Apparently the early birds also spotted a Tiger Shark almost as soon as they entered the water,… but the validity on this is suspect…………… ????
Our second dive, drifting along ridges spotting morays, crayfish, Harlequin nudibranchs,banded coral shrimp, leaf fish(Woohoo!)
Our third dive was our first baited dive, drifting along with some sardines in a vented ball to attract the locals.
Trevally were a madhouse (here called Kingfish) and getting right amongst it were our first new sharks – the Oceanic Blacktip. Very sleek and swift, looking for a treat or two. The action was awesome, with two big Potato Cod also coming in to look for a nibble or two.
In the distance a Tiger Shark and a Hammerhead were spotted, although quite shy and not coming in for all to see.
Our last dive was a gentle drift, with everyone exploring nooks and crannies, finding octopus, tropical fish, moray eels, loggerhead turtles and our first good sighting of a Tiger Shark. WooHoo!
We have now moved South, staying in the Margate Sands apartments, diving with the epic team at African Dive Adventures.
Yesterday we completed two dives, our first baited dive at Protea Banks, with so much action going on it was hard to know where to look. Our first sighting of a couple of Zambezi (we know them as Bull) Sharks playing shy in the distance.
Our drift dive was swift, exciting, and although the visibility popped in and out along with some temperature changes, we had a great dive spotting different rays, and then while drifting in the blue, we found we were being inspected by another few Zambezis!
Blue Water safety stop with these guys cruising back and forth was a game of hide-and-seek in the gloom, and spotting crazy different species of comb jellies, salps and stingers drifting in the blue.
So currently Craig, Roland and I are mapping out the rules to tonight’s epic Snorkel-Giant-Chess-Playoff, so stay tuned for the results of this and more diving – hopefully tomorrow as we plan to try for some more baited dives and reef dives!
Toodlepip, Safe Diving and more to come soon!!
Diver Di
Another week of awesome diving and experiences with fantastic people. You can catch up with all the antics on the link below for the trip report
Trip Report – Santo, Vanuatu – October 2019 (pending)
October 2020 is our next planned Santo trip (78th anniversary of sinking) if you would like to join me on the next amazing week away – check out all the next trips here – Upcoming Excursions
What a great week in paradise! You can catch up with all the antics on the link below for the trip report
Trip Report – Truk Lagoon, Micronesia – August 2019
May 2020 is our next planned Truk trip if you would like to join me on the next amazing week away – check out the next trips here – Upcoming Excursions
Last chance to get in with the great pricing – we are booking flights now – after this week the pricing may change due to late airline bookings!
Dont miss out – its going to be awesome!
http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-truk-lagoon-micronesia-august-2019/
http://submersiblehuman.com/dive-president-coolidge-santo-vanuatu-2019/
Welcome to the cooling days as we head towards winter! I’ve had some great training dives recently but the temperature has started to drop off – 24 down to 21 some dives.
So I’m dreaming of warm places to dive and visit…….
Important travel updates for you.
Truk Lagoon – 24th August – 1st September 2019 – we have some new faces on this trip and some we have seen before – exciting as I’m looking forward to taking them on some of the more challenging dives!! Our held airfares are about to expire – we are booking flights this week. This means if anyone books after this time, the price will likely go up as we cannot access the group fare pricing. Blue Lagoon is a lovely resort to stay at while off-gassing between dives, with great staff, crew and facilities. https://bluelagoondiveresort.com/indexresort-1.html
If you are thinking of coming along – get that deposit in to lock the great fares! Very much looking forward to heading back again – the best wreck diving I can name – seriously awesome stuff!
http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-truk-lagoon-micronesia-august-2019/
Santo – Vanuatu & President Coolidge- 77th Anniversary of sinking – 22nd – 29th October 2019 – a recent change for the better has this trip moving one day forward – this means DIRECT FLIGHTS TO AND FROM BRISBANE!!! No longer a few hours stopping over at Port Vila, its a 2.5hour flight between Brisbane & Santo – having us there in a shorter time than flying to Melbourne!
We also have a diver looking at completing Tech Diving while on the trip – at a discounted rate as the dives are already included in the group package. The course in question is SDI/TDI’s Advanced Nitrox (40 to 100% mixes of O2 – upgrading from maximum 40% for Enriched Air qualified) and Decompression Procedures. There are spots left if other divers are interested in joining one or both of these courses. Let me know you are interested and I’ll forward you the details.
A great week in Luganville with an excellent dive centre diving the ex-President Coolidge (massive) shipwreck, Million Dollar Point, and options to visit the beautiful coral reefs by boat trip. https://www.coralquays.com/dive/dive-the-coolidge
If you are thinking of coming along – get that deposit in to lock the great fares! Very much looking forward to heading back again – the best wreck diving I can name – seriously awesome stuff!
http://submersiblehuman.com/dive-president-coolidge-santo-vanuatu-2019/
South Africa – 11th-26th February 2020 – Awesome news – I have a few more places available at the original price listed, however much like Truk Lagoon – we are booking flights this coming week. This will lock pricing so fares do not increase. Trime to bite the bullet and enjoy 9 days of safari and exploration in South Africa enjoying Game Drives, walkabouts, traditional dancing, WALKING WITH RHINOS – OH MY GOD- HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!! – and of course spotting the other 4 of the big 5 – Lions, Tigers, Buffalo and Leopards. Oh and the cute ones too – Zebras, Giraffes ,… the list goes on.
Transport is included.
Twin Share Accommodation is included
Oh – and then 5 days and 10 dives with Tanks, Weights and Dive Guides are included to go and chase the Big 5 SHARKS!!!
Aliwal Shoal & Protea Banks are the sites – searching for: Tiger, Bull, Oceanic Black Tip, Hammerhead and even our local favourite – the RaggedTooth Shark(known locally as Grey Nurse, and elsewhere as Sand Tigers!)
90% of your meals are included! (about 5 meals we will head out locally)
http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/scuba-safari-south-africa-february-2020/
South Africa EXTENTION – Cape Town -25th February – 1st March 2020 For those still undecided on the Cape Town Extension – we have 2 spots only left – and as per SA airlines, we are booking the group fares this week, so now is the time to decide – later the price is likely to increase. I am so ridiculously excited about the African penguins its ridiculous. Of course, diving with Seals, 7-Gilled Cowsharks, snorkelling with Great White Sharks, visiting famous wineries, Table Mountain and Nelson Mandelas incarceration – Robben Island is in there too!!
Gizo – Solomon Islands – July 2020 More details to come when the flyer is complete – but… sp close to home, but remote with amazing diving. DETAILS TO COME HERE –http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-gizo-solomon-islands-july-2020-details-to-come-as-they-are-confirmed/
Christmas Island – Solomon Islands – December 2020 More details to come when the flyer is complete – but… untouched, often un-dived corals, Red Crabs spawning and Whalesharks coming to feast upon it? what an awesome chance!! DETAILS TO COME HERE – http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-christmas-island-november-december-2020-details-to-come-as-they-are-confirmed/
Koror – PALAU! – Micronesia – March 2021 More details to come when the flyer is complete – but… Palau is AMAZING. Clear water, swift currents makes for incredible coral formations, masses of Turtles, Manta Rays, huge shoals of fish and ITS A SHARK SANCTUARY! Black Tips, Whalers, White Tips, Reefs – stunning sharks looking healthy, well fed and beautiful. DETAILS TO COME HERE –http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-palau-march-2021-details-to-come-as-they-are-confirmed/
Komodo – Indonesia – The Coral Triangle – Lets go LIVEABOARD! 10th – 20th July 2021 – Time to get our liveaboard on!! The Indo Siren is an amazing Indonesia Phinisi vessel. Worldwide Dive and Sail provide astounding services on the ‘Sirens’ – Free equipment hire (except dive computer & torch), free Nitrox for those qualified, all drinks included except shelf liquor, all meals and snacks. Up to 4 dives a day on non-transit days, Twin share accommodation,…. and DIVING THE CORAL TRIANGLE!!! The marine life is prolific, corals, sponges , huge shoals of fish, critters, turtles, mantarays, the list goes on. Oh yes, and lets go to a protected park island and see MASSIVE KOMODO DRAGONS!! Its awesome, Epic, and I can’t wait to go back!
http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-komodo-liveaboard-siren-july-2021/
Timor Leste (East Timor) – November 2021 Untouched and stunning. So close and yet often overlooked, the dicing rteports from Timor Leste are coming back amazing, so lets do this! Lots of time to prepare – and we will be flyi ng over from Darwin, so travel should be at a minimum!! DETAILS TO COME HERE – http://submersiblehuman.com/upcoming-excursions/dive-timor-leste-november-2021-details-to-come-as-they-are-confirmed/
Fiji – Voli Voli with extension to Bega Lagoon – March 2022 (details to come)
Phillipines Liveaboard – June 2022 (details to come)
Iceland Discovery – November/December 2022 (details to come)
Other upcomings.
exHMAS Tobruk & Lady Musgrave Island Dive Weekend 2019
I’m building a dive weekend in Bundaberg region, for 2 dive days, 4 dives and accommodation later in the year. Looking for the calmest waters – so Winter – to give the best opportunity to have great conditions diving the Tobruk and Lady Musgrave Island. Stay tuned-details soon!
Fish Rock Cave Weekend 2019
As Fish Rocks Cave was cancelled due to inclement weather on the May Long Weekend, I’ll be shuffling another weekend together soon – when the very busy SouthWestRocks Dive has rom as they are incredibly busy – as usual!!
I am best caught up with on messenger or Facebook page – would love to hear from you in any case – even just let me know what you’re up to/recent dives if I havent seen you for awhile!! Best Fishes and See you underwater!!