Adventurous travellers will immerse themselves in the heart of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province on this exciting 10-day dive safari, the perfect mix of diving and safari drives. Divers will have ten dives across Aliwal Shoal, a renowned diving site created from a fossilised sand dune and Sodwana Bay, offering the only tropical water diving in South Africa.
Sharks are one of the main drawcards in KwaZulu-Natal, with tiger sharks drawn to its warmer waters from November to March and ragged tooth sharks coming here to breed from June to November. The vibrant reef systems here also attract turtles, manta rays, eels, and potato bass.
Your underwater experience is complemented by two nights in Zuka Private Game Reserve. With ecological restoration at its core, you’ll learn about the park’s conservation success on thrilling safari game drives that will take you in search of cheetah, leopard, and rhino.
| Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 to 3 | Kwazulu-Natal South Coast | Classic Package: Agulhas House Premium Package: Lazy Moose Lodge | Classic: Breakfast & dinner Premium: Daily breakfast | Transfer from King Shaka International Airport, Durban. 3 coral dives and 1 shark dive at Aliwal Shoal |
| Day 4 to 7 | Sodwana Bay | Classic Package: Coral Divers Premium Package: Thonga Beach Lodge | Classic: Daily Breakfast Premium: Full board | 6 dives at Two Mile Reef Premium: Optional turtle tracking walks (Nov-Feb), sundowner wildlife drive, cultural visit, & forest walks |
| Day 8 and 9 | Zuka Private Game Reserve | Bayala Game Lodge | Breakfast & dinner | Transfer to Bayala Game Lodge Morning and afternoon game viewing drives each day |
| Day 10 | Transfer to King Shaka International Airport, Durban. |
Aliwal Shoal
Declared in 2004 and extended in 2018, the Aliwal Shoal MPA spans about 670 km², protecting 18.3 km of coastline and nearly 7 km offshore. It features multiple zones—from sanctuary to restricted and controlled—to safeguard marine biodiversity while allowing limited sustainable use. The ‘Shoal’ is actually the fossilized remnant of an ancient Pleistocene-era sand dune, later submerged and transformed into aeolianite reef with zones of beach rock. The main ridge, known as the “Crown,” lies around 12.5 m deep, flanked by deeper slopes averaging 19–20 m. Aliwal Shoal is globally renowned for shark encounters:
Grey Nurse Sharks (Ragged-Tooth/ Sand Tigers) are most abundant from June to November, forming mating gatherings of dozens at a time at Dive Sites like’ Raggie’s Cave’ and ‘Cathedral’ to name a few. Oceanic Blacktip Sharks are seen year-round, while Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks from November to May. Hammerheads are seen between October and March, with occasional Whale Sharks in the summer months. Many species of Rays are encountered, from Manta Rays to Ribbon-tail and Spotted Eagle Rays—especially sighted at Manta Point during peak seasons.
Sodwana Bay
The Maputaland Marine Protected Area comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site. The MPA is the oldest in South Africa and extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south. This gorgeous sub-tropical paradise includes immaculate forests and wetlands dotted with lakes and marshes as well as coral reefs and deserted beaches. The local wildlife includes numerous bird species, reptiles and freshwater fish, making this an ideal destination for nature-loving travellers.
Turtle Tracking walks (Thonga Beach Lodge)
In summer there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. Witness the culmination of an incredible journey as giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests.
Sundowners at Lake Sibaya (Thonga Beach Lodge)
A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo’s, Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are Included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.
Zuka Private Game Reserve
This wonderful park is renowned for its dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution in rhino conservation. Founded in 2001 by Tara and Jessica Getty, Zuka spans approximately 10,300 ha, and is a cornerstone of the Munywana Conservancy (~30,000 ha), bordering the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park has transformed degraded land into thriving wilderness and is actively focused on ecological restoration, species rewilding, and community partnerships. In partnership with African Parks, the reserve supports the Rhino Rewild initiative, providing a safe habitat for relocated southern white rhinos—about 40 individuals. Zuka is home to the Big Five (elephant, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo) along with cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, and countless other mammals and birds. The conservancy protects rare habitats like sand forest, supporting endemic plants, the Phinda Rain Frog, Phinda Button Spider, dwarf butterflies, and Thonga red squirrel.
Aliwal Shoal
Agulhas House (Classic)
This welcoming boutique hotel and dive centre in Umkomaas has 21 ensuite rooms and 2 family ensuite rooms, each with air conditioning, fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the resort’s lush gardens and outdoor pool.
Lazy Moose Lodge
This luxury lodge is just minutes from the Aliwal Shoal launch site. With 23 rooms and suites, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms, and tea and coffee making facilities. Relax by the outdoor pool, take in the serene ocean views, or dine at the deck bar or main restaurant.
Sodwana Bay
Coral Divers (Classic)
Set within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Coral Divers offers accommodation types for all budgets, including safari tented camping, standard cabins, and ensuite cabins. Ensuite cabins offer air conditioning and a private deck. There is also an outdoor pool, self-catering kitchen, bar and restaurant, and TV lounge.
Thonga Beach Lodge (Premium)
A boutique luxury lodge within iSimangaliso World Heritage Park, Thonga Beach Lodge offers 12 spacious rooms with ensuites, air conditioning, private balcony, minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. Indulge in the spa, swing in a hammock by the outdoor pool, or participate in one of the resort’s eco-friendly activities like kayaking, turtle tracking, or forest walks.
Zuka Private Game Reserve
This wonderful park is renowned for its dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution in rhino conservation. Founded in 2001 by Tara and Jessica Getty, Zuka spans approximately 10,300 ha, and is a cornerstone of the Munywana Conservancy (~30,000 ha), bordering the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park has transformed degraded land into thriving wilderness and is actively focused on ecological restoration, species rewilding, and community partnerships. In partnership with African Parks, the reserve supports the Rhino Rewild initiative, providing a safe habitat for relocated southern white rhinos—about 40 individuals. Zuka is home to the Big Five (elephant, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo) along with cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, and countless other mammals and birds. The conservancy protects rare habitats like sand forest, supporting endemic plants, the Phinda Rain Frog, Phinda Button Spider, dwarf butterflies, and Thonga red squirrel.
Bayala Game Lodge
This recently renovated safari lodge is part of Zuka Private Game Reserve. There are 24 stylish guest rooms, some interconnecting for families. Each features large bathrooms with walk-in showers, air conditioning, and tea and coffee facilities. Upgrade to a Superior room for a private patio. There is also an outdoor pool, spa, free Wi-Fi, and bar and restaurant for guest use.
Aliwal Shoal
Natural processes, such as the fossilization of sand dunes, created Aliwal Shoal thousands of years ago. Lying between three and five kilometres off the Umkomaas shoreline, Aliwal Shoal, with its warm water and diversity of tropical fish, is rated as one of the top ten dive sites in the world and is the best dive site in South Africa after Sodwana. The site is renowned for its sharks, especially the ragged tooths that like to lurk in the caves along the shoal but fortunately they tend to populate here during their gestation period, during which time they are not aggressive.
Baited Shark Dives
Baited shark dives at Aliwal Shoal offer a thrilling and immersive shark encounter—with no cage—and are a standout activity in KwaZulu‑Natal’s dive tourism. Divers are taken by boat (typically ~20 minutes from Umkomaas) to a baited site south of the Shoal’s main reef, often at Protea Banks or directly adjacent to Aliwal Shoal. A bait drum, filled with locally caught sardines and sometimes scented with fish oil, is lowered between ~5 and 10 m depth. The current carries the scent, creating a “scent corridor” that attracts sharks. When shark activity becomes evident, divers (typically 6–10 per boat) enter the water with a dive master and float freely, hovering at around 5–8 m around the bait drum for about 45–60 minutes.
Agulhas House Dive Centre (Classic)
Located within the resort, this RAID-accredited dive centre supports both technical and casual divers. They have several purpose-built dive boats that operate for daily excursions to a number of dive sites around Alihal Shoal or for specific shark or sardine run dives (seasonal).
Scuba Co (Premium)
ScubaCo Diving & Travel have over 20 years of experience operating in the region, with a speciality in shark diving. They access a range of dive sites in Aliwal Shoal and also offer baited shark dives. Their dive masters are certified by both RAID and PADI. Guests are taken out in their 8m semi-rigid boats. All rental gear is of the highest standard, replaced every two years.
Sodwana Bay
The Maputaland Marine Protected Area comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site. The MPA is the oldest in South Africa and extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south.
An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life. Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with manta rays and turtles.
Coral Divers (Classic)
An award-winning PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, Coral Divers operates year-round, with several dive boats to take guests to a range of reef and wreck sites around Sodwana Bay. A pre-dive meeting is held each evening before the following day’s dives to go through logistics. On the day, shuttles operate to ferry guests from the hotel to the beach departure point.
Thonga Beach Lodge (Premium)
Thonga Beach Lodge’s offsite dive centre is PADI certified, taking guests to a variety of reef dive sites not far from Mabibi Beach. Divers are taken out in the centre’s 8m semi-rigid boats, with capacity for two dives per day. As the boat is launched directly from the beach, dive departure times may change depending on conditions and tides. Most dive sites around the lodge are shallow, so Nitrox fills are not offered.
Aliwal Shoal Dive Sites
South Sands: Featuring a sandy seabed and corals, this dive site is always home to a plethora of marine life, including rays, whitetip reef sharks, and a resident school of red fang triggerfish. Maximum depth 17m.
Cathedral: A spacious natural archway, ragged-tooth sharks are frequently spotted here, as are frogfish and paper fish. Maximum depth 27m.
Raggies Cave: One of the best dive sites to see ragged-tooth sharks (seasonally from August to November). The spacious overhangs and cave systems are often used by the sharks for breeding. Maximum depth 17m.
SS Nebo: This advanced wreck dive is still mostly intact, a former wooden cargo ship that sank in 1884. Kingfish and salmon are often seen here. Maximum depth 27m.
Northern Pinnacles: Extensive rock formations are home to an array of marine life, including honeycomb Moray eels, batfish, and manta rays. Maximum depth 18m.
Sodwana Bay Dive Sites
Quarter Mile: This sandy bottom drift dive is often home to ragged-tooth sharks, but is only accessible when authorities have ensured that humans won’t disrupt their breeding grounds. Maximum depth 14m.
2 Mile: One of the region’s largest reefs, this popular dive site is sheltered and accessible to all abilities. Ledges, pinnacles, and caves are home to lots of vibrant marine life. Maximum depth 18m.
6 Mile: Also known as Snapper’s College due to the plethora of bluestriped and dory snapper. This Advanced Open Water site also features black coral, Moray eels, and juvenile boxfish that shelter in the reef. Maximum depth 25m.
7 Mile (Northern Wall and Mushroom Rocks): This renowned dive site offers dramatic drop-offs and colourful soft corals. You can often spot turtles, Moray eels, and black tipped reef sharks. Maximum depth 22m.
9 Mile: With swim-throughs, caves, and overhangs, this versatile dive site has plenty of wildlife hidden in its crevices, including Moray eels, tube anemones, and potato bass. Sharks and scorpionfish are also often seen. Maximum depth 22m.
Agulhas House, Coral Divers and Bayala Game Lodge Safari
| A 9-night coastal and safari escape through Aliwal Shoal, Sodwana Bay, Manyoni Reserve. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person pricing | |||||
| 3 nights at Agulhas House, including breakfast and dinner 4 nights at Coral Divers, including breakfast 2 nights at Bayala Safari Lodge, including breakfast and dinner Return airport transfers as specified in the itinerary 3 reef dives and 1 baited shark dive from The Agulhas House, including tank and weights 6 dives from Coral Divers, including tank and weights Activities and excursions as mentioned Park entrance and river usage fees unless otherwise stipulated |
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| Excluded | |||||
| Pre and post tour accommodation Flights not mentioned in itinerary Dive equipment hire Any optional activities Drinks and meals not mentioned in itinerary Personal expenses such as gratuities and telephone calls |
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| Valid to Dec 31, 2026 | AUD | ZAR | |||
| Low Season 1 May to 30 Sep 2026 | |||||
| 2 Divers | 51118 | ZAR | | | 51118 | |
| 4 Divers | 44474 | ZAR | | | 44474 | |
| 6 Divers | 41236 | ZAR | | | 41236 | |
| High Season 1 Jan to 30 Apr, 1 )ct to 31 Dec 2026 | |||||
| 2 Divers | 51588 | ZAR | | | 51588 | |
| 4 Divers | 44944 | ZAR | | | 44944 | |
| 6 Divers | 41706 | ZAR | | | 41706 | |
| This resort's prices are in ZAR and include all givernment taxes. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
