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Protea Banks
PROTEA BANKS (SHELLY BEACH)
The dive safari begins in a seaside town called Shelly Beach, 1.5 hours south of Durban. Here, the reef lies 8km off shore and is a shelf about 4.5km long and 25-33m deep, called Protea Banks. This dive site is fast becoming a mecca for divers for its abundance of sharks, game fish and rays. So far, our guests have enjoyed shark sightings on 99% of the dives we have done on Protea. Odds that can be equalled in very few other places worldwide!
From August to November Ragged Tooth sharks (better known as Sand Tigers sharks) congregate in their hundreds. These docile creatures seem unperturbed by divers and make for excellent photo opportunities.
From November onward, many other species of shark frequent The Banks : Hammerheads (Scalloped, Great and Smooth Hammerhead) ; Zambezi's (Bull sharks) ; Black Tips ; Copper sharks ; Duskies ; Shortfin Mako ; Angel sharks ; Tiger sharks and occasionally even the Great White.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Aliwal Shoal
ALIWAL SHOAL
After Sodwana Bay Aliwal Shoal is the next most popular dive destination. Divers flock to Aliwal Shoal from around the world and sightings of the ragged tooth shark can almost be guaranteed.
Aliwal Shoal is a 40-minute drive south of Durban and lies off the small coastal town of Umkomaas. The name Umkomaas is derived from the Mhkomanzi river, named by the Zulu Chief Shaka, where he watched the cow whales give birth to calves in the Mkhomanzi river (place of cow whales)
Aliwal shoal was named after the sinking of the three mast vessel known as the "Aliwal" Captained by James Anderson in 1849.
The shoal is a fossilised sand dune, and lies 5 kms offshore. It comprises a variety of sponges, some soft and hard corals and a convergence of warm water reef fish and cold water fish. The boat trip to Aliwal is normally preceded by an exciting surf launch.
There are two wrecks stranded just off the shoal, The wreck of the Produce, a Norwegian freighter that struck Aliwal Shoal in 1974, now rests in 30 metres of water and makes an interesting wreck dive, and in 1884 the Nebo carrying railway sleepers sank in stormy weather lies in 25 metres. Both wrecks are home to a wide variety of sea life such as brindle bass and schools of game fish that fed off the teaming bait fish, making it an exciting deep or advanced dive.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Sodwana
SODWANA
Most popular of the dive sites is Sodwana Bay situated in the northern reaches of the province. Sodwana, meaning "little one on its own" in Zulu, is easily accessible, only four hours by car from Durban. The reefs at Sodwana are named after their distance from the launch site, starting from 2 Mile going up to 9 Mile. Perhaps the most scenic reef is 7 Mile which on a good day can compare with the best in the world. Over 1200 species of fish have been identified at Sodwana Bay.
Sodwana is diveable all year round with the best conditions being experienced during the warm summer months from November to May.
Although KwaZulu-Natal has a large population of sharks, they pose little threat to scuba divers. No shark attack has ever been recorded on a scuba diver in the province. The migrating ragged-tooth sharks can be observed on Aliwal Shoal from July to November.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Ponta Malongane
Ponta Malongane
Ponta Malongane (Place of children) is situated at the Southern tip of Mozambique, just 10km from the North Eastern South African border.
It will take you just 6 hours from Johannesburg and 4 hours from Durban to reach the border, then you enter through the Kosi Bay Border Post and travel 15km on sandy roads.
Although 4x4 is required, don’t let the fact of not having it stop you from coming. Your car can be safely parked at the SA border (for a fee) and then make use of a drive transfer to the resort.
As you enter Mozambique your exciting experience already begins – the wild flowers, birds and wide-open spaces welcome you in true Mozambican style. The area consists of long and uninterrupted stretches of white sand beaches, high primary sandy dunes, coastal forests, inland flood plains and numerous lakes and accompanying marshlands.
The coastline of Southern Mozambique is covered with the most beautiful and exquisite structures of hard and soft corals, home to myriads of game and reef fish, potato basses, rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, hammerheads and Zambezi sharks.
Unlike the coral reefs in South Africa, most of these reefs have remained untouched for nearly 2 decades during the civil war. Therefore scuba diving in this area, without a question, is some of the finest scuba diving available in Southern Africa.
Ponta Malongane offers you to dive 18 reefs, ranging from idyllic 8m to extreme deep blue 40m dives. The closest reef is only 300m offshore, with the furthest being about 7km boat ride. The reefs offer something for everyone, from Open Water to Advanced divers, from professional wide to micro photographers to just casual photo enthusiasts, for those who study corals and fish to those divers who only wish to appreciate fantastic world-class diving.
Extraordinarily rich in diversity with varying topography and a multitude of marine animals to observe, the extensive reefs at Ponta Malongane are pristine and offer you unbelievable diving experience.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Ponta Do Ouro
Ponta do Ouro
Ponta do Ouro is Mocambique’s most southerly town, and translated into English, means “Point of Gold”. There are many different stories as to the origin of the name, from a sunken ship carrying gold bars, to a beautiful golden sunrise. The historical truth might never be known, but the modern day value of what is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled bays in the world, can certainly lay claim to golden treasures.
The campsite of Ponta do Ouro is right on the beach, in the bay, and it is within the grounds of the campsite, that Simply Scuba operates a large and rustic dive camp.
We also have Ponta do Ouro Beach Resort available as alternative accommodation, whilst making use of Simply Scuba's dive charter.
of the 21 Dive sites available, 5 are off Ponta do Ouro whilst the rest are off Ponta Malongane.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Barra Lodge and Barra Reef Lodge
Barra Lodge and Barra Ref Lodge are set in one of the most picturesque areas in Mozambique, with spectacular views of pristine beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Situated 485km north of Maputo, access by road is a pleasant drive by tarred road which is suitable for the passage of a normal vehicle.
However, the last 7km's leading to both lodges is a dirt road.
One may fly to Inhambane, the tarred runways and airports are well serviced. Customs and immigration are available.
Barra has secluded, unspoilt beaches, bordered by the Inbambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other.
Both lodges is nestled among groves of coconut trees, all rooms have exquisite beach and sea views.
The warm Indian Ocean offers safe bathing all year round. The wide open, squeaky clean beaches offer endless hours of strolling pleasure.
Boat launching is smooth and easy. Ski boat fishing is excellent and Barra is a venue of frequent game fishing competitions. The largely unexplored reefs within close proximity to the lodge offers endless pleasure for scuba-diving and snorkeling.
About Mozambique
Passports and visas are required for all passport holders. Visas are available at the border post but at a higher rate. No firearms are allowed to be brought into Mozambique.
The currency used in Mozambique is Meticais. Rands and US$ are widely accepted in Mozambique. Barra Lodge and Barra Reef accepts Visa + MC, Rands, US$, GP£ and Euro. If you exchange money at the border rather use the SA side traders, they usually offer a better rate.
Malaria Profolaxis is a MUST in Mozambique. Some strains of parasites in Mozambique are resistant to Chloroquin. Speak to your doctor for advice on which drug treatment programme will best suit your family. There are Homeopathic alternatives available.
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
Guinjata Bay
Guinjata Bay
Situated on Africa's East Coast, Mozambique is a country of endless pristine palm-fringed beaches and superb, largely untouched dive sites. The exotic Portuguese-influenced culture and warm, friendly people make for a heady mix of culinary cultural experiences, not to mention undiscovered natural wonders just waiting for your visit.
Before 1975, Mozambique was a hugely popular tourism destination for Southern Africa and international visitors. A 17-year long civil war then broke out, which finally came to an end in 1992, with the first democratic elections held in 1994. The people of Mozambique are now hard at work rebuilding their beautiful country. Their passion is evident in every greeting smile.
The province of Inhambane (the land of good people), is where you'll find Guinjata Bay Resort. Guinjata Bay Resort, the Pioneer to one of the world's top 10 dive sites, Manta Reef, which was discovered in 1995. With crystal clear waters, flourishing coral reefs and a host of world-class facilities, this is one of the Indian Ocean coastline's best-kept secrets. Guinjata Bay Resort is approximately 550km north of Maputo and 25km south of the town of Inhambane on the coast (GPS : 24 04' 402' South, 035 29' 726' East). The road leading to the Resort is a sand road and only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle.Transfers can be arranged.
At Guinjata Bay Resort our philosophy is that leisure time activities are an important component of any Resort. We have a diverse assortment of activities catering for all types
The area offers a number of diving spots which includes the following:
GUINJATA LOCAL REEFS
Turtle Creek, Legoland, Guinjata Local Reef, Pao rock, Hard rock, Devils Peak, Batfish Pinnacle, Caves, Coral Gardens and Disneyland.
OTHER REEFS
Manta Reef, Paindane Reef, Island Rock Reef, Green Tree, Extacy and KKZEE
Created 2006-05-07 18:17:12 by stevem
Updated 2011-03-27 12:36:50 by stevem
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