SADS – 20 DAY SOUTH AFRICAN DIVE SAFARI
Local Payment (Conservation Contribution)
A cash payment of USD150 is payable at the start of this
tour, this is a conservation contribution and we ask for it in
cash in order to avoid any handling fees so every cent of
your money will go directly to the organisations we support.
Diving Qualifications and Experience
A PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) and
certification to 30m is required for this tour, a minimum of 10
dives is essential. All trips are accompanied by a highly
qualified diving professional, who reserves the right to
advise divers against participating in certain dive activities
after initial assessment.
Own Diving Equipment
A discount of R1885 is offered for all guests wishing to bring
their own scuba equipment. A full set of gear (with the
exception of scuba tank and weights) is required in order
to qualify for this discount. Exposure protection of 5mm+ full
suit is suggested for water temperatures ranging between
27 – 18 degrees. Please note that there are restrictions
regarding what equipment can be taken on the flight
between Durban and Cape Town, these can be found on
the British Airways website, or we can send them to you on
request.
Diving Insurance
All guests will be required to show full DAN (Divers Alert
Network) diving insurance membership. Alternative diving
insurance rarely covers multiple dives, depths of 30m+ and
dangerous activities such as shark diving. DAN insurance
provides unlimited cover, fast response times and the
highest level of hyperbaric and diving medical experience.
As such Nomad insists on this specific diving insurance. For
registration please refer to the website
www.diversalertnetwork.org
Liability Waivers and Medical Clearance
In addition to registration with specific dive centres please
complete the standard PADI liability waivers and medical
questionnaire attached to this document. If any part of the
medical form is an answer in the affirmative please note
that a medical practitioner’s diving clearance will be
required.
Countries Visited
South Africa x 3, Mozambique and Swaziland.
Vehicle
Adventure Truck.
Malaria
Prophylactics are required on this tour. Malarone is a very
good brand for Southern Africa, but only take this after
seeing your doctor for a prescription. Please note that
Larium is a counter-indication to scuba diving and as such
cannot be taken on this trip.
Last updated: April 2010
Departure Point
The Lakes Hotel, No 1 Country Lane, Lakefield, Benoni,
Gauteng, South Africa. Tel: +27 (0) 11 421 5310
http://www.africansunhotels.com/Index.cfm?fuseactio
n=HOTELS.info&name=The_Lakes_Hotel_And_Conferen
ce_Centre We can book your accommodation at this
hotel before the trip as well as any airport transfers that
you may require.
End Point
1st Floor Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket Street,
Greenmarket Square, Cape Town, South Africa. Tel:
+27 (0) 21 426 5445. www.nomadtours.co.za If you
would like to book nights in Cape Town after the tour
we can arrange this for you as well as any day trips or
airport transfers required.
What’s included
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation,
registered guides, transport and 16 x recreational dives.
We also include some of the activities. These activities
are listed below in the day-by-day descriptions.
What’s excluded
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks,
souvenirs, tips and optional activities. Aliwal Shoal and
Protea Banks baited dives and Great White cage dives
are not included. (See list for an indication of prices)
Health
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as
diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you
may be taking. We also need to know about any food
allergies or physical disability that you may have.
Please ensure that you complete the full diving medical
form when registering for this trip.
Visas
Please note that these are your responsibility. Some
nationalities require prior arranged visas for
Mozambique and Swaziland, although most can be
obtained on arrival.
Climate
The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30
sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3
litres of water per day to avoid dehydration.
Currency and Banking
South African Rand is the best currency to use on this
route. It is easy to change other currency in to Rand in
major city centres and in South Africa ATM’s are
available, but not on every day. Credit cards can be
used on this tour.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are prescribed by law for the countries
being visited on this tour. However any traveller to
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Africa should update their Tetanus vaccination and also
consider the Hepatitis A vaccine.
Onward Travel
This tour can be linked to any of the Nomad Adventure
Tour safaris, see the website for details
www.nomadtours.co.za
Ending in Durban
It is possible to end your tour in Durban at the King Shaka
International Airport on Day 17, there is a discount for this
option, please contact us for details.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
If you require accommodation before or after your tour we
can arrange this for you. We can also arrange airport
transfers, car hire and day trips, just let us know what you
require?
Arrival
Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to
depart. This will avoid any problems such as lost
luggage, misplaced bags or any unpredictable
problems such as airline strikes or delayed flight arrival.
Departure
Please book your flight to depart the day after the tour
officially ends. This is to account for any delays that we
may experience due to unpredictable road conditions.
Green Seats – Making Africa Greener
Nomad gives you the opportunity to offset your carbon
footprint by purchasing a “Green Seat”. Please ask us
for the donation on this tour and see last page for
further details.

Note: All information is subject to change without prior notice. Travel times and campsites can change
depending on road or weather conditions, etc. These following should be used as a guideline only.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Country Area Activity Price Range
South Africa Kruger National Park Sunset Game Drive R160 to R200
South Africa Kruger National Park Dawn Game Walk R310 to R350
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Ocean Safari R250 to R290
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Kite Surfing Course R1400 to R1600
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Kite Surf Rental R110 to R130
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Stand Up Paddle Board Course R120 to R150
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Surfing Lessons R140 to R160
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Surf Board Rental R30 to R50
South Africa Protea Banks Baited Shark Dive R1100 to R1200
South Africa Aliwal Shoal Baited Shark Dive R1200 to R1400
South Africa Gansbaai Great White Cage Dive R1100 to R1300
South Africa Hermanus Whale and Seal Kayak Tour R400 to R500
South Africa Hermanus Dinner at a local restaurant R150 to R350

Note
There are more optional activities being created every day – we have listed only the most popular. If there is something
specific you would like to do then speak to your guide as they will be able to assist you. All prices are payable in South
African Rand although it is possible to use USD in Mozambique we cannot predict the rate of exchange that will be used.

Please note that due to the seasonal fluctuations of the Kruger National Park we cannot guarantee that we will stay at the
places indicated in this itinerary – we will follow the game in order to give you the best viewing experience.

Day 1 Johannesburg – Blyde River Canyon

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind, we travel along the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives,
where we will visit the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Blyde River Canyon is the third
largest canyon in the world and the view is dominated by the Three Rondavels, huge rocky outcrops at the end of the
canyon. The Burke’s Luck Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion.
The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris. We then travel to the Ilkley
Game Ranch, a private game park on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. The evening is spent camping in the park
enjoying your first open air meal in the African bush. Later your guide will give a full briefing on the tour.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Marula Camp www.ilkley.co.za
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar
Route: Johannesburg to Ilkley. 505 km
Travel time: ± 8 / 9 hours

Last updated: April 2010 2

Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the vibrant economic powerhouse of South Africa and home to the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange)
as well as the headquarters of many major banks and mining houses. Although ‘Jozi’ has a negative reputation abroad
many visitors are pleasantly surprised on arrival to find it is nowhere near as scary as expected. If you have time then a day
trip of the City and Soweto is a fantastic way to soak up some history and gain some insight in to this kaleidoscope of a city.
Johannesburg is a large sprawling city and the different suburbs all have their own unique vibe, if you are flying in for one
night it is easiest to stay close to the Airport, however, if you are staying for a few days we recommend you spend some
time having a look online in order to choose the best area to stay, Sandton is great if you like shopping…

Panorama Route
In 1840, the Voortrekker leader, Hendrik Potgieter, led a party on an exploratory journey to Lourenzo Marques (now Maputo
in Mozambique). The women stayed behind on the higher ground near Graskop and most of the men rode off. The time for
their return came and passed. The waiting party became despondent and named the stream on whose banks they were
camped, the Treur (sorrow) and set out for home. Potgieter, however, returned safely, overtaking the women as they were
fording the river from then on known as the Blyde (joyful).

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in Africa and its cliffs rise between 600m-800m from the
riverbed. At the ‘Three Rondavels’ viewpoint is an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of
the canyon. Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, water
erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’.
Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water have formed a series of dark pools
which contrast artfully with the streaked white and yellow lichen covered rocks. Following the road and the Treur River
south, there are further viewpoints; Wonder View, God’s Window and the Pinnacle. The Three Rondavels are named after
the Swazi Chief - Maripi’s wives. From the lowest to the highest, they are Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maserote.

Day 2 Kruger National Park

Today we start the day with an early morning game walk in Ilkley Game Ranch before visiting the Moholoholo Wildlife
Rehabilitation Centre, where injured or lost animals are re-educated so they can be released back in to the wild. After a full
tour of the Moholoholo facility we travel to the world famous Kruger National Park for an afternoon game drive before
settling into our campsite at Skukuza Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Skukuza Campsite Kruger National Park www.sanparks.org
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers.
Included Activities: Morning game walk; Moholoholo tour (www.moholoholo.co.za), Afternoon game
drive in Kruger NP in the truck
Optional Activities: Night Game Drive Kruger National Park
Route: Ilkley to Kruger National Park. ± 200 km
Travel time: ±4 to 5 hrs (excl. Moholoholo visit)

Kruger National Park

At almost 2 million hectares the Kruger National Park is larger than many European countries and one of the largest
protected wilderness areas in Africa. Named after South Africa’s first president, Paul Kruger, the Kruger is also one of the
oldest National Parks, having being established in 1898. With such a long history it is no surprise that the flagship South
African National Parks (SANP) site is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. The
Greater Kruger is made up of many privately owned game parks that surround the park, there are few fences separating
the official Kruger NP with the Greater Kruger area giving the game even more area to roam.

Although most people visit Kruger with the goal of sighting the ‘Big 5’ (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant), one of
Kruger’s most significant features is the huge range of biodiversity present in the park. Kruger is home to an impressive
number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals! In addition there are also
important archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela as well as San rock paintings, evidence that man has also had a
long history in the Kruger area.

Day 3 Kruger National Park

After breakfast we will pack up camp and load everything on to our truck, however the day will be spent in open 4x4
vehicles in order to truly appreciate the Kruger. Specialist Kruger will drive guides your 4x4 vehicles and by using these
smaller vehicles we have a better chance of viewing the wildlife. The whole morning will be spent driving, at mid day we
will stop at one of the well appointed camps where you can buy lunch and relax before the afternoon game drive that will
bring us to the our overnight stop.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Crocodile Bridge Campsite Kruger National Park www.sanparks.org
Facilities: Shared Ablution, hot showers, drinkable water
Included Activities: Morning and afternoon game drive
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Optional Activities: Lunch at one of SANP Restaurants, Morning game drive with ranger from SANP
Route: Southeast through Kruger National Park. ±77km
Travel time: ±4hrs

Day 4 Kruger to Praia Do Tofo

A very early start will see us crossing the Mozambique border and driving north to the famous Praia Do Tofo, home to the
largest Whale Shark and Manta populations in the world. We will have a late arrival into Bamboozi campsite where we will
set up camp, prepare an evening meal and have a full dive briefing for the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Bamboozi Beach Lodge www.bamboozibeachlodge.com
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar
Route: Kruger National Park to Praia Do Tofo. ±650 km
Travel time: ±10hrs

Mozambique
Mozambique’s first inhabitants were San hunters and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisan peoples. Between the first and
fourth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from the west and north through the Zambezi River valley
and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. The Bantu were farmers and ironworkers. When Portuguese
explorers reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab commercial and slave trading settlements had existed along the coast and
outlying islands for several centuries. From about 1500, Portuguese trading posts and forts became regular ports of call on
the new route to the east. Later, traders and prospectors penetrated the interior regions seeking gold and slaves.

Although Portuguese influence gradually expanded, its power was limited and exercised through individual settlers and
officials who were granted extensive autonomy. As a result, investment lagged while Lisbon devoted itself to the more
lucrative trade with India and the Far East and to the colonization of Brazil. By the early 20th century the Portuguese had
shifted the administration of much of Mozambique to large private companies, like the Mozambique Company, the
Zambezi Company and the Niassa Company. These companies were mostly controlled and financed by the British, who
established railroad lines to neighbouring countries and then supplied cheap (often forced) indigenous labourers to the
mines and plantations of South Africa. Because these policies were designed to benefit Portuguese immigrants and the
Portuguese homeland, little attention was paid to Mozambique’s national integration, its economic infrastructure, or the
skills of its population. This led to the civil war that lasted from 1977 until fighting ceased in 1992, the first democratic
elections were held in 1994 (the same year as South Africa). Signs of the war are still visible in many places.

Praia do Tofo
Tofo is situated in the province of Inhambane and is 22km south of Inhambane. About 17 km east of Inhambane is where
Bar Babalaza marks the crossroads between Tofo and Barra. Tofo is a small beach town that mainly caters to tourists who
come for the snorkelling, diving and surfing.

The headland is also a favourite spot for fishermen when a high tide covers the shelf, allowing casting for the plentiful
kingfish into the deep waters beyond. Tofinho is also the site of the Frelimo Monument to Fallen Heroes, near to where
unfortunate victims of the colonial period were thrown into a sea cave, to be drowned by the rising tide. A spectacular
blowhole near the tip of the point can give a raw display of power, when there is a large swell running.

Day 5/6/7 Diving Praia Do Tofo

The following three days will be spent diving the reefs of Tofo. Each morning we will depart early for a double dive trip,
returning in time for lunch at the beach. The afternoons will be free for you to enjoy any one of the optional activities or just
lazing on this truly beautiful beach.

An evening during this stay we will have the honour of meeting Dr Andrea Marshall and Dr Simon Pierce, who will give a talk
on the Manta and Whale Sharks around Tofo, the threats facing them and the research being conducted. Both of these
experts are extremely well respected in their fields. The Manta and Whale Shark Research Foundation is the first of our
conservational contributions and you will be informed of the work that is being achieved with your contributions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Bamboozi Beach Lodge www.bamboozibeachlodge.com
Dive Centre: Tofo Scuba www.tofoscuba.com
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar.
Included Activities: 6 recreational dives along the reefs of Tofo
Optional Activities: Ocean Safari; Kite Surfing; Stand Up Paddle Boarding; Surfing

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Diving Praia Do Tofo
Tofo offers spectacular diving with a huge variety and abundance of sea life, from the amazingly graceful manta rays and
curious whale sharks for which Tofo is famous to a myriad of benthic, macro reef life as well as pelagic species. There are 16
reefs of which we will dive a selection based on conditions and desires.

Dive sites range from 10m to 37m catering for all experience levels, visibility varies between 10 and 30m and temperature is
usually between 24 – 28 degrees.

Key Dive Sites

AMAZON: This 25m site is formed by two ledges with craters and large swim throughs. Seldom visited due to the distance
from shore the site is wild and untamed, teeming with reef and pelagic fish. One of the few sites in Tofo where sharks may
be seen, including Leopard, White Tip and Black Tip along with Mantas, Eagle Rays, Devil Rays and Ribbon Tail Rays.

OFFICE: A rock pinnacle lying 10km out to sea and coming up from a depth of over 90m, the Office is made up of ledges
and gullies and includes a Manta cleaning station. A more difficult dive due to current but housing occasional sharks as
well as Potato Bass and a vast array of game fish.

GIANT’S CASTLE: A wall dropping from 26 to 33m that runs for 2km along a north/south ridge. The crenulated wall is
inhabited by giant Potato Bass and houses several Manta cleaning stations. Pelagic's including Barracuda, Kingfish, Pick
Handle Pike and big rays are often seen on this site, a mere 10 minutes from the dive centre.

MANTA REEF: The most famous site in Tofo, world renowned for its two Manta cleaning stations, discovered by Carlos do
Rocho in the 1960’s. The site begins in a small amphitheatre teeming with life and progresses through a series of pinnacles
before meeting the first of the cleaning stations. At this cleaning station Manta circle overhead to be cleaned by Goldies,
Cleaner Wrasse and Butterfly Fish. These cleaning stations often herald up to 10 Mantas gliding overhead and your safety
stop and ascent is often accompanied by inquisitive Devil Rays.

Day 8 Hlane Royal National Park Swaziland

Today we head south again and cross the border into Swaziland, entering the Hlane Royal National Park, a huge nature
reserve, home to lion, elephant and white rhino. We will camp near a water hole where game can be seen coming to
water and we will be entertained around the fire that evening by traditional dancers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Hlane Royal National Park
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar
Included Activities: Traditional Dancing
Route: Praia Do Tofo to Hlane Royal National Park ±600kms
Travel time: ±10 hrs

Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland (Umbuso weSwatini), sometimes called Ngwane, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa,
bordered to the north, south and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique. This nation, as well as its people,
are named after the 19th century king Mswati II. Swaziland is a small country, no more than 200 km north to south and 130
km east to west. The western half is mountainous, descending to a lowveld region to the east. The escarpment of the
Lebombo Mountains dominates the eastern border with Mozambique and South Africa.
The area that Swaziland now covers has been continuously inhabited since prehistory. Today, the population is primarily
ethnic Swazis whose language is siSwati, though English is spoken as a second language. The Swazi people descend from
the southern Bantu who migrated from Central Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Anglo Boer war saw Britain make
Swaziland a protectorate under its direct control. Swaziland gained independence in 1968. Swaziland has it’s own
currency, although South African rand is widely accepted.

Hlane Royal National Park

The word Hlane means wilderness and before being proclaimed a protected area it formed the private hunting grounds of
the Swazi royalty. Hlane is Swaziland’s largest protected area and home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom.
Coving 30 000 hectares of Swazi bushveld, it is safe to walk in this National Park as the dangerous game are fenced in an
enclosure inside the park. Hlane is home to lion, elephant and white rhino, with an abundant and diverse bird life, including
the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa.
A network of self-drive game-viewing roads criss-cross the park’s flat terrain, weaving between the 1000 year old hardwood
vegetation and shallow pans which attract great herds of animals during the dry winter months. Guided walking safaris,
mountain biking and game drives in Hlane's open Land Rover's are also available.

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Day 9 Hlane – Sodwana Bay
After an early morning game drive we leave Hlane, cross the border back into South Africa and enter iSimangaliso Wetland
Park. We arrive in Sodwana in the late afternoon and check into our bungalows at Triton Dive Lodge. That evening we will
meet our dive guides and have a briefing of the upcoming diving.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Triton Dive Lodge www.tritondiving.co.za
Facilities: Drinkable water, bar, restaurant, dive shop.
Route: Hlane to Sodwana ±350 km
Travel time: ± 5 to 6 hrs

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Considered one of the 10 jewels in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the
world. The coral reefs contain over 1200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and
fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in
2000. Isimangaliso is the new name for the area previously known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.

Day 10/11 Sodwana Bay Diving.

The following two days will be spent diving a selection of the Sodwana Bay dive sites.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: Triton Dive Lodge www.tritondiving.co.za
Facilities: Bar, restaurant, swimming pool, shared ablutions.
Included Activities: 4 Recreational dives in Sodwana
Dive Centre: Triton Dive www.tritondiving.co.za Diving Sodwana

Diving Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay is a small town on the northeast coast of South Africa, south of the Tropic of Capricorn. It hosts one of the
most southerly and beautiful hard and soft coral reefs in the world. The dive sites are situated in the Marine Protected Area
within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage site.

Key Dive Sites

2 MILE: This is the largest reef at Sodwana Bay. This reef is approximately 1.9 km long and 900m wide and because of its size
hosts up to 30 different dive sites.2-Mile has the most extensive beds of beautiful coral of all types. All the different sharks are
occasionally seen here, with White-tipped and Grey Reef sharks seen most often. One of the highlights and many
customers’ favourite dive site is Anton’s Reef at the most southern tip of 2-Mile. has sheer walls which create vortex in the
slight current which attracts shoals of schooling fish, such as snappers, flame goat fish, coachmen and also king fish. A
spectacular dive and a photographers dream.

7 MILE: We normally drop in on Northern Wall, where there are beautiful structures of sand stone with corals and sponges
growing all over. Huge shoals of Blue banded Snappers and Goatfish are there to greet us. This area is a favourite hunting
ground of the Trumpet Fish, and all his different hunting techniques are observed. A slow drift along the edge of the wall
leads onto the Amphitheatre. Gorgeous Plate and Table Corals dominate the reefscape. Small fellows like the Golden
Moray, are occasionally observed hiding there. Continuing with the slow drift we then arrive at Lionfish Cave, named after
the Devil Firefish (or Lionfish) that often hide inside there. Occasionally a turtle will be found sleeping in this cave as well. At
this stage we often say farewell to those divers who’s air has not lasted, and continue our drift through to Mushroom Rocks,
which are huge sandstone structures rising from the bottom of 22 m to 15 m. These rocks get the name because of their
shape. They have beautiful corals, particularly the soft corals, and are surrounded by Goldies and other small fish.

Day 12 Sodwana – Protea Banks

We leave the wetland scenery en route to the KwaZulu Natal Coast. The bustling city of Durban is South Africa’s largest port
and a popular surf destination. It is also home to the famous dolphin coast and some of the world’s best Apex Predator
shark diving. An hour and a half south of Durban is the small beachside resort of Shelley Beach, launch point for the
infamous Protea Banks, our diving destination for the next few days.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Dive House, Margate (no website currently available)
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar, swimming pool, lounge and TV,
shared bedrooms.
Route: Sodwana to Margate. ±500km
Travel time: ±7 to 8hrs

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Durban is the metropolitan area comprising of Durban, Pinetown, Inanda and Umlazi, with close to two million people living
here. The first European settlers were mostly survivors of shipwrecks. One of these survivors, Rodrigo Tristaa, survived a wreck
in 1552 of the Portuguese galleon Saint John, and was the first to make his home here. Vasco Da Gama had applied the
name Natal (nativity) to this stretch of coast (first seen on Christmas day 1497). The entrance to the bay was known as Rio
de Natal (river of the nativity). The Zulu nation’s formation provided wealth for a trade market in this area. The merchants
set up a harbour where the base of trade with Zulus could be formed. A population of 26 hard-living traders and ivory
hunters thus created Durban. It was named on 23 June 1835, after the governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D’Urban.

Day 13/14 Protea Banks Diving

Over the next two days we will have 3 dives on the Protea Banks Reef where we hope to see some of the worlds largest
marine predators. Diving both North and South Pinnacles we will have the chance to collect Sand Tiger Shark teeth and
explore caves, swim-throughs and tunnels. An optional Tiger and Bull Shark baited dive at Protea Banks will be offered
during our stay. This dive takes place in open water, hanging in the blue whilst possible Tiger, Bull, Hammerhead and
Oceanic Black-Tip sharks come in to investigate the scent trail around us. A full safety briefing and training session is
included and this is a breathtaking experience.

Here we will receive our second conservational talk, regarding the sharks in the area, the threats to them and the work that
our donation will be helping towards.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: The Dive House, Margate (no website currently available)
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar, swimming pool, lounge and TV,
shared bedrooms.
Included Activities: 3 Recreational dives on Protea Banks
Optional Activities: Baited Tiger and Bull Shark Dive
Dive Centre: African Dive Adventures www.africandiveadventures.co.za
Route: Margate to Shelley Beach launch area 20 mins
Travel time: ±1 hour daily

Diving Protea Banks

Protea Banks has been rated by many divers from around the world as the best shark dive. Many divers are scared of sharks
due to horror stories and myths created by the movie world, but their fears are totally unfounded. Sharks are intelligent
animals, do not recognise us as a food source and generally tend to be shy and respectful towards the divers

Key Dive Sites

NORTHERN PINNACLES: The reef has two large cave systems which are used by the Ragged Tooth Sharks as resting zones on
their annual migration and congregation route. On a good day, the diver can encounter up to 200 sharks in an area
smaller than half a rugby field. Starting at the large cave we look in from the top to observe the ‘Raggies’ interacting
peacefully with each other, often in numbers so large the bottom can hardly be seen! Afterwards we can pass through a
tunnel that we can swim through (if it is not occupied by sharks). At the end of the tunnel lies the second cave. This cave is
also open on top and features several chambers, each one with a wide opening at the top ceiling. If there are no Raggies
in the caves, it is fun to explore around in the chambers, looking for sharks' teeth. This is the only souvenir we allow the diver
to remove from the reef. As spring goes into summer, large shoals of Hammerhead Sharks frequent this part of the reef.

SOUTHERN PINNACLES: This area is home to the Zambezi Shark (Bull Shark) that Protea Banks initially became famous for.
From Oct to May, some very large specimens can be encountered here. Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are also seen
shoaling at this time, they can come past in groups of up to several hundred. Hunting packs of Great Hammerheads
investigate any strange noises. We start the dive at the Southern Cave full of game and reef fish and head towards Kingfish
Gully, an overhanging rock that is home to large shoals of Kingfish, Yellowtail, Kaakap, Sea Pike Tunny and Potato Bass. The
current then takes us to a large sandy patch called Sand Shark Gully. It lies at exactly 40m depth and is home of the Giant
Guitar Shark, at times these can be seen lined up like planes at an airport.

BAITED TIGER SHARK DIVE: South Africa is one of only three countries in the world offering this kind of diving. Using a baiting
technique that closely resembles the shark's natural feeding habit, African Dive Adventures lets divers as well as snorkellers
and non-divers share in the experience. Starting with a special Tiger Shark Dive Briefing and explanation of code of
conduct, guests are then taken out to Protea Banks. The bait is dropped in the water at about 6m/18ft depth and we wait
until the chum slick has dissipated and a tiger shark has picked up the scent. As soon as the tiger is circling the bucket, the
divers enter the water as quietly as possible and swim slowly towards the bait bucket. Divers as well as bucket will be drifting
with the current as the tiger sharks swim round and round and right in between the divers. After approximately one hour we
will call time out and return to base. (This activity is optional and you need to pay the dive centre directly)

Day 15/16 Aliwal Shoal

The following two days we spend diving the equally famous Aliwal Shoal. Renowned for Raggie Tooth Sharks congregating
in their hundreds, dolphins and the baited shark dive.
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Each morning we will travel the hour from our Dive House in Margate to the town of Umkomas, launch site for Aliwal Shoal.
Over the two days we will do 3 recreational dives on the Aliwal Shoal, including the famous “Raggie Cave”. The optional
baited shark dive is well worth it, with Oceanic Black-Tip Sharks gathering in large numbers and Tiger Sharks investigating the
bait. The baited dive is accompanied by a photographer/videographer for a permanent record of your shark encounter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp: The Dive House, Margate (no website currently available)
Facilities: Drinkable water, shared ablutions, hot showers, bar, swimming pool, lounge and
TV, shared bedrooms.
Included Activities: 3 Hour Recreational dives on Aliwal Shoal
Optional Activities: Baited Shark Dive Aliwal Shoal
Dive Centre: Aliwal Dive Centre www.aliwalshoal.co.za
Route: Margate to Umkomas. ±100km
Travel time: ±2 hrs daily

Diving Aliwal Shoal

The World Famous Aliwal Shoal was formed thousands of years ago from fossilized sand dunes during the times when sea
levels were much lower than they are today. The Aghulas Current that runs south along the east coast of Africa brings with
it warm water and a huge diversity of tropical sea life.

Key Dive Sites

CATHEDRAL: A very popular dive for the Ragged Tooth Shark enthusiast. During the "Raggie" season it is possible to see up
to 40 of these placid sharks resting within the amphitheatre. A fantastic photo opportunity! During the summer months look
out for hammerheads above, and see the stingrays that take up residence when the Raggies depart.

RAGGIES CAVE: The most popular dive site here on Aliwal Shoal. As its name suggests this is the best place to view the
Ragged Tooth Sharks during the shark season. Entry into the cave is not permitted when the sharks are here but there is an
excellent viewing area at the entrance where divers can safely kneel and watch the sharks’ activities. When the sharks
have departed this is a very good place to hunt for sharks’ teeth in the sand. Please note that teeth are the only items that
divers are permitted to take from the Shoal. There are many resident potato bass found in the surrounding overhangs as
well as many types of moray eel.

HOWARDS CASTLE: This recently discovered and pristine site is not often dived as it requires a longer boat ride and sea
conditions need to be calm. There are loads of interesting gullies and overhangs as well as a wide diversity of marine life.

INSIDE EDGE: This section of the reef encompasses the entire inshore edge of the shoal. Although many large species of fish,
sharks, dolphins and rays may be found here, it is particularly good for finding smaller things such as octopus, cuttlefish,
scorpion fish, firefish, cowfish, nudibranchs and eels. The top of ledge is at about 14 to 16m and open water divers can
therefore enjoy this dive site providing they level off.

OUTSIDE EDGE: This is the dive site for viewing the big stuff, and it is always a good idea to keep an eye out at midwater
where schools of hammerheads, game fish or the odd tiger shark may be found.

EELSKINS: This dive site is superb example of the fossilized rock formations. Situated near the southwestern tip of the reef
there are lots of clusters of reef with plenty of sand gullies and lovely swim-throughs. Many cowries can be found here and
as the gullies offer shelter from the currents you will often find Raggies during the season and lots of shoaling tropical fish.

NORTH EASTERN PINNACLES: A very easy and gentle dive site for open water divers and beginners. Lots of potholes forming
sheltered nurseries for small fish. Many anemones and clown fish are to be found here as well as octopus. You may see
some large potato bass sheltering from the current.

NORTH SANDS AND SOUTH SANDS: These two large sand patches are an ideal location for students to practice their skills
and for divers to descend and pause to adjust buoyancy before exploring the reef. An ideal pace to find sand sharks and
often groups of dolphins can be found playing and rubbing themselves on the sand. Truly an amazing sight!

MANTA POINT: Lots of nooks and crannies where crayfish and cleaner shrimp hide. Good area to find rays of all varieties
especially Manta Rays during the season.

Day 17 Margate – Cape Town - Hermanus

We travel this morning to the Durban airport where we will say goodbye to our truck and fly south to Cape Town. A new
truck will meet us and drive us 2 hours north to the beautiful town of Hermanus, home to the best land based whale
watching in the world. The flight is with BA (British Airways) and if you are carrying dive equipment with you please make
certain to contact us for the sports equipment policy before you depart, you do not want to end up paying more than you
should for excess luggage!

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hermanus Backpackers Lodge
Facilities: Swimming pool, bar, pool table, internet
Included Activities: Flight Durban – Cape Town
Route: Margate to Durban. 124 km; Fly to Cape Town.
Cape Town to Hermanus. ±110 km
Travel time: ±4 hrs (excluding flight)

Hermanus
Hermanus has become known for being the best place in the world to do land based whale watching. With a 12-kilometre
stretch of cliff paths, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the village, while being entertained by the antics of these giants
of the sea. Whales can sometimes be seen from as close as five meters from the rocky cliffs.
Each year between June and December, Hermanus becomes home to a large number of Southern Right Whales.
Interpretative signboards, providing visitors with essential information on the Southern Right whales can be found at various
points between Grotto (Blue Flag) Beach and the New Harbour.

Day 18/19 Gansbaai Great Whites

These two days will be spent with optional Great White Cage Diving. One opportunity per day to look for the Prime Apex
Predator of the ocean. If an encounter is not made on the first day, a second day has been set-aside for you to try your
luck again. During this stay we have our final conservation talk regarding the threats to the Great White and the purpose of
your final donation. On the final night we will enjoy a meal out at the wonderful Bietangs Cave Restaurant.
http://www.bientangscave.com/
If you are lucky and encounter Great Whites on your first day, you may like to experience the kayak trip into the whale
sanctuary and visit the permanent seal colony along the coast of Hermanus.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hermanus Backpackers Lodge www.hermanusbackpackers.co.za
Facilities: swimming pool, bar, pool table, internet
Included Activities: One return transfer per day to Gansbaai for Great White Cage Diving
Optional Activities: Great White Cage Diving; Ocean Whale Watch Kayak Tour
Dive Operator: White Shark Projects www.whitesharkprojects.co.za
Diving with Great Whites
Nestling at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains is Gansbaai, an unpretentious village situated between the towns of
Hermanus and Pearly Beach on the most magnificent coastline of the Western Cape.

Named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese alleged to have settled at the freshwater fountain near the harbour, Gansbaai
offers natural, rugged and unspoilt beauty. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches of
Pearly Beach, you will find one of the most unique and astonishing land-based whale watching spots in the world.
Dyer Island, just off the coast of Gansbaai, is the breeding ground of the Jackass Penguin and home to a wide variety of
marine bird life. It's close neighbour, Geyser Island is home to some 60 000 Cape Fur Seals! It is no wonder that the passage
between these two islands forms the infamous 'Shark Alley' and creates an obvious feeding ground for the endangered
Great White Shark!

The Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) is the most feared creature on the planet, beautifully streamlined to slip
through the ocean with the minimum of effort. Its immense size, jet black eyes, row upon row of razor sharp teeth and
extendable jaws make this the ultimate super predator and on this day, you get up close and personal!

Divers and non-divers can rest assured that diving and observing with White Shark Projects will be a secure and wondrous
experience. You get to meet one of our intrepid skippers, a qualified paramedic, a Dive Master and our friendly crew and
enjoy a short talk on shark anatomy and behaviour. We explain how White Shark Projects works with the sharks in the area
and how you will spend the next 4 - 6 hours diving and viewing these wondrous predators in their natural habitat.
You are fully briefed on all procedures and the action begins as our crew 'chums' the cruise area and you wait with bated
breath for your initial glimpse of the first shark fin.

Sharks are usually wary at first and we wait a while for them to settle and then lower the dive cage. Our first guests enter the
cage (takes 4 - 5 people) and spend about 20 minutes face to face with the sharks!

We will work with individual sharks and you can enjoy topside viewing during your wait as shark activity is often close to the
surface. In fact Great Whites are also known for their 'spy hopping' - breaching right out of the water in pursuit of prey!
Topside viewing can yield a lot of those action shots! (This activity is optional and you need to pay the dive centre directly)

Day 20 Hermanus – Cape Town

A leisurely start in the morning and a short drive will bring us back to Cape Town and the end of our tour.

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Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad.
Route: Hermanus to Cape Town. 110km
Travel time: ± 2hrs

Tour Ends
We will drop you off at 1st Floor Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. We suggest you book
accommodation in the Greenmarket Square area for this evening. If you choose to stay elsewhere you will need to
arrange a transfer as the truck cannot drive around Cape Town dropping people off all afternoon.

TIPPING ON TOUR
Southern Africa: In general tipping in restaurants is generally expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you
have received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is
really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides.

Our guides and accompanying Dive Instructor do work hard, but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for
this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of
duty.

The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. We recommend USD1 (or about R5)
per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 3-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are
used and each crewmembers name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to each envelope and the elected
person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip
them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected.

THE NOMAD AFRICAN TRUST www.nomadafricantrust.co.za

At Nomad we are passionate about the people, places and wildlife of Africa that make our tours
so special. In order to give back we have set up the Nomad African Trust.

By the end of your tour you may have leftover local currency that you will not be able to change
outside of its country of origin. Any assistance you could provide to the trust by donating this left
over currency will be appreciated. Thank you for your help and please join our newsletter at the
website above to receive regular updates on what we are doing to support our beneficiaries.

GREEN SEATS - TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN AFRICA

Nomad gives you the opportunity to offset your carbon footprint by purchasing a “Green
Seat”. If you would like to help Nomad making Africa Greener, simply choose the tick box on
your booking form and we will take care of the rest. The Nomad African Trust will plant trees
that are ecologically viable and that have very high carbon absorption.

Green Seats can be purchased at departure or on tour with your guide. For more
information on our “Green Seats”, please visit
http://www.nomadtours.co.za/nomad_greenseats.html

THANK YOU FOR TRAVELLING WITH NOMAD

At the end of your tour you will be provided with feedback forms. These forms are confidential and should be given to your
crew in a sealed envelope. If you are not sure of the confidentiality of the feedback form please feel free to email us as
well on ops@nomadtours.co.za. Please make sure to also complete the feedback form as we use the answers on these
forms to improve and maintain our service levels.

Accommodation providers are subject to change without notice, the accommodation listed in this dossier is our preferred
supplier, but sometimes due to availability, we are unable to make use of the property listed in this dossier. If we cannot use
the accommodation provider as listed we will substitute another property of similar standards, however, en-suite facilities
are not always guaranteed.

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