blog
wild & waves
september 2025
A Journey Through South Africa: Adventure, Wildlife & Waves
South Africa is a land where raw wilderness meets vibrant culture, where the ocean is matched only by the call of the wild. Our latest tour took us on an unforgettable journey, a road trip of over 2,000 km filled with safaris, dives, and moments that left us in awe.
City Lights to Open Roads (Day1)
Our adventure began in Johannesburg, where travelers touched down full of excitement. After a quick break at the Alzu Petro Port with the opportunity to view wildlife like ostriches, buffalo and rhino’s, we set off toward Duikers Lodge for our first night in the African Bushveld. We enjoyed a bottle of Africa’s fruit of nature (Amarula) whilst chilling by the fire.
Safari’S Hluhluwe-Imfolozi (Day2)
No South African journey is complete without a safari. At Imfolozi Game Reserve, just north of Durban in KwaZulu Natal our guests witnessed elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebra’s among others and the raw beauty of Africa’s oldest game reserve. The thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat set the tone for the rest of our journey. A guided safari and sundowners brought nothing but smiles.
scuba Diving IN Sodwana & Aliwal Shoal (Day3-8)
For ocean lovers, the diving was nothing short of spectacular.
Sodwana Bay, tucked along the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets for marine life. Among its coral reefs and warm Indian Ocean waters, one of the most extraordinary encounters divers can have is with sea turtles. These ancient mariners, who have roamed our oceans for more than 100 million years, make Sodwana a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and divers alike. Seeing turtles in Sodwana isn’t just a travel highlight, it’s a life experience. These gentle creatures connect us to an ancient natural world and remind us of our responsibility to protect it.
Aliwal Shoal, a reef with a story. A dive at Aliwal begins with a surf launch — an adventure in itself as boats navigate the waves to reach the reef. Once you roll back into the water, you enter a world of raw beauty and constant motion.
Aliwal Shoal takes its name from the vessel Aliwal, which nearly ran aground in 1849. Since then, the reef has become a magnet for divers and scientists alike, offering a glimpse into the wild, untamed Indian Ocean. The reef itself is made of fossilized sand dunes, creating a maze of gullies, swim-throughs, and caves — the perfect habitat for marine life. Of course the gentle giants were a highlight for the trip. The adrenaline peaked as we encountered ragged-tooth sharks in their natural environment. Contrary to their fearsome reputation, most shark encounters here are calm, controlled, and unforgettable. Divers often leave in awe of these misunderstood creatures.
Eight dives in total gave our group memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on our next South African dive tour to experience Aliwal Shoal — where every dive is a story waiting to be told.
The Drakensberg Mountains (Day 9)
From the sea to the mountains, the Drakensberg brought a different kind of magic. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views made for the perfect contrast to our ocean adventures. At The Cavern, we rested, recharged, and reconnected with nature.
Flavors of South AfricA
Travel isn’t just about places — it’s also about taste. Along the way, we enjoyed:
Traditional bunny chows
Authentic braais (South African BBQs)
Ice-cold Black Label beers and a bucket load of Biltong
Reflections & Gratitude
This tour was more than a trip — it was a shared adventure. Every laugh, every sighting, every dive brought us closer together as travelers and friends. I’m deeply grateful to all who joined.
Ready for Your Own Adventure?
South Africa is waiting… wild safaris, world-class diving and landscapes that will steal your heart. Whether you dream of swimming with sharks, hiking through mountains, or experiencing authentic local culture, our tours are designed to give you the best of it all, tailor made to you.
Contact us today to book your spot on our next adventure.