Great White Shark Diving in Gansbaai, South Africa

Between the islands of Geyser Rock and Dyer Island is a narrow and shallow channel called Shark Alley – reputed to be the world’s best place for Great White shark cage diving. Due to the 60 000 strong Cape Fur seal colony in the area, Shark Alley is the feeding ground for the endangered Great White Shark. Between the months of May through October is considered to be the best time to view the Great White Shark, although they are seen throughout the year.

For the adrenaline junkies, this provides you with the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the Great Whites – no diving certificate is needed to venture into the cage.

The Great White Shark is a surface feeder and thus all the activity takes place on or very close to the surface, due to this, the surface viewing from the boat is excellent, pefect for the not so adventurous who prefer the comfort of the boat.

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Diving the Sardine Run

The Sardine Run - a unique and unexplained phenomenon of millions of sardines traveling up the east coast of South Africa occurring from May to July, causing a frenzy of excitement amongst everyone and everything that comes into contact with them.

These small fish migrate from the colder waters of the Cape into the warm sub-tropical waters of the former Transkei (northern Eastern Cape) and KwaZulu-Natal in a northwards direction, coming close to shore in the South Coast area during autumn and winter, moving further offshore in the Durban area and finally, disappearing into the vast blue yonder.

Because of the cold currents along this stretch of coastline and their appetite for plankton, these fish converge close to the shoreline and to the surface, making ideal targets for hungry predators and perfect viewing for snorkellers and scuba divers.

A FEEDING FRENZY
The sardines shoal closely together minimising their chances of being taken by predators. Picture tens of thousands of birds plunging from the sky, feeding on the fish, with larger game fish and numerous species of sharks all feasting on the wealth of food that is available. The numbers and variety of sharks is astounding: Bronze Whalers, Zambezies, Hammerheads, Coppers and Great Whites can be seen by the hundreds. Bottlenose and Common dolphins join in the excitement and employ a hunting strategy that works the shoals into what is referred to as a "baitball". By working together, like sheepdogs in a field of sheep, the dolphins herd the sardines into a tight ball and push them towards the surface. The dolphins then pounce on them, gorging themselves on the tiny fish.

AN UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENON

In South Africa, the main spawning grounds for these fish are off the Southern Cape coast, where the adults gather for a prolonged breeding season through the spring and early summer. Their eggs are simply released into the water, fertilized and left to drift off in the open ocean. The ocean currents carry most of the developing larvae westwards and northwards into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean along the West Coast. Therefore, the migration of large shoals of sardines into the waters of southern KwaZulu-Natal during the winter months, remains an unexplained phenomenon!

This is an event for everyone to enjoy - be it bird watchers, marine-life enthusiasts, amateur or highly experienced divers or snorkellers. Experience the Sardine Run beneath the waves or above. Either way it has been described as one of the greatest marine spectacles on earth.

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Canoe trip down the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

The lower Zambezi canoe safaris are unquestionably the best in Southern Africa - with an ideal combination of unspoilt wilderness, some of the finest game and birdlife in the region, truly excellent river guides and a wide range of options to suit all tastes.

The canoe trips run with a minimum of 2 passengers and a maximum of 8. Explorer Safaris are led by qualified canoe guides with thousands of hours of canoeing experience (a learner canoe guide must have at least 1000 hours canoeing experience just to sit the canoe guides exam).

Generally the day starts with tea / coffee and biscuits at sunrise. The camp is packed and the party sets off. These early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast, usually after a couple of hours. Stops are made at any point of interest.

The trip continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta between noon and two pm. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm. Camp is unpacked and set up and dinner prepared. Camp is generally set up on islands, at sites designated by National Parks.

All canoe safaris take place on the Lower Zambezi River between Kariba and Kanyemba. Most of the safaris start or end in Mana Pools National Park.

This section of the Zambezi River flows through a variety of different scenes. Below Kariba Dam the narrowest point is approximately 80 metres and the widest point is 4.2 kilometres near Chikwenya, an island inside Mana Pools National Park.

From the first put-in point, a short distance below Kariba Dam Wall, the Kariba Gorge is narrow and fairly steep sided, this continues for 18 kilometres before the River opens out in to a wide flood plain. The flood plain continues until the Chewore River mouth where the River narrows again at the start of the Mupata Gorge, which is approximately 46 kilometres long. This section is not as steep as Kariba Gorge, but is beautiful and very remote.

The River has not flooded since the wall was built as the dam regulates the flow. (There was a minor flood when three dam wall gates were opened in the year 2000. However, this had minimal effect to the ecology downstream.) There are not enough tributaries below the wall to cause a flood during the heavy rains.

There are no rapids on this section of the river. The water is flat all the way from Kariba to Kanyemba, with an average flow rate of 4 km per hour.

The depth of the River varies from 24 -30 metres in the gorges to as little as 150 centimetres in the flood plain areas, although there is always a deep-water channel. There are a lot of islands and sandbanks, which make good camping spots.

Mana Pools is the only game park in Zimbabwe to be granted World Heritage Status and encompasses some of Africa’s largest areas of Acacia and Mahogany woodland, combined with spectacular, full-canopy Mopane forest.

Mana Pools is part of a 300 million year old rift valley supporting a large variety of mammals and over 400 bird species. Covering over 200 square kilometres, this national park has been set aside to be kept as wild as possible. There is only non-invasive, zero-impact tourism allowed. There are no safari lodges, generators, electric fences or other structures associated with safari camps as these are banned by law.

All the camps must be taken down the day after guests depart to ensure minimal damage to the ecosystem.

Wildlife is abundant in the valley especially during the winter months from June through to late August with game still being clearly visible through to the end of October / early November when the rains start.

The River runs through the Urungwe Safari Area, Mana Pools National Park, Sapi Safari, Chewore Safari and Dande Safari areas respectively. Wildlife will be seen on every trip, most commonly impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodiles, elephant and buffalo. Animals such as lion, leopard, etc, are more difficult to see but are certainly present.

Wildlife is much more abundant in Mana Pools, especially during the height of the dry season (July to October) when the game viewing can be fantastic. During the rainy season (mid November to end of March) game is around but not as visible.

Seasons:
High season - 1st July to 31st October
Low season - 1st November to 30th June

Book a Zambezi Canoe Trip today

Bungy Jumping Bloukraans Bridge, Garden Route South Africa

Situated at the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market, just 40km east of Plettenberg Bay along the N2 you will find the ultimate thrill, Bloukrans Bungy, Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the highest Bungy Jump from a bridge in the world. Secured in a full body harness Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible.

Try the NEWEST adventure at Bloukrans! The Flying Fox A 200 m cable slide (“foofie slide” for our South Africans!) out onto the archway of the bridge! This can be done in “Tandem” as well, to share the excitement.

Bridge Walking Tours to see one of Africa’s marvels up close. Come and learn about this amazing bridge. Walk along a spectacular and specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the Gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance.

Bungy Buddy – This for friends and/or loved ones who wish to accompany the jumpers onto the jump platform, on top of the archway

For those who wish to keep their feet on the ground, relax and watch the jumping from the safety of the Licenced Restaurant and Bar “The Cliffhanger”

World's Highest Bungi Jump for you?  ENQUIRE NOW

Sandboarding in the Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert is reputed to house some of the largest sand dunes on this planet.

Come conquer these constantly shifting and powerfully towering beauties by zooming down the sheer slip faces on a traditional Swakopmund sandboard or carve up the dune with style and skill on a snowboard adapted for sand.

Six different slopes to ride where speeds up to 80 kilometres per hour can be reached! An unsurpassed adrenalin buzz.

Lie Down Boarding: Catch your breath and gasp at the slope as you lie face down, dangling over the edge of a slipface, before being pushed off the edge and sent on your way down the carving, rolling, sandy slopes.

Stand Up Boarding: Highly recommended for snowboarders, surfers, and even the inexperienced boarder.

Top range equipment and excellent instruction make this activity a must do for the determined adventurist.

Shred down the sandy slopes of the Namib.

Join us for this environmentally friendly, unique, and "eeexcellent" Namibian experience.
Prices include transfers to the dune from Swakopmund, all equipment, safety gear, instruction, light lunch, drinks and a video. Stand up boarders have the option to try the lie down boarding at no extra cost.
No experience is required for either type of boarding

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Rafting the Nile, Uganda

Grade 5 White Water Rafting.  Raft the Source of the Nile!

Rafting down the warm waters of the Nile is not for the faint hearted...

It will probably be a sunshiney day as you navigate down the most perfect 30km of the Nile, making your way over massive waves while viewing the beautiful scenery around you... Sight-seeing will be temporarily halted  when you reach the legendary 'Overtime' as you challenge the 4.5 meter waterfall and drop into 'The bad place' which is probably the largest commercial rafted hole in the world.

Twelve major rapids are rafted plus lots of lower graded runs; all selected to maximize your safety and fun.

This is probably the best white water rafting in the world and with 100% safety records it is one of the safest.

No previous rafting experience is needed and your guide will instruct you on safety procedures and what to expect on this unforgettable experience.

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Kayaking the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

The Quirimbas Archipelago is one of the most unspoilt destinations left on the planet. Start your adventure by exploring ancient Ibo island from the comfort of beautiful Ibo Island Lodge; history, culture, birding, mangrove forests, sumptuous seafood, intrigue and tranquillity. Explore a coastline fringed by tropical islands on an ancient Arab dhow with friendly guides. Discover idyllic island beaches with pristine turquoise waters. Snorkel some of Mozambique's richest coral reefs and maybe catch sight of turtles, dolphins, and amazing species of fish. Snack on cashew nuts, tropical fruit and fresh seafood cooked over an open fire under the stars. Dazzling bird life abounds with storks, egrets and herons roosting in thick mangrove branches. Mobile beach camps set up on pristine islands offer wonderful swimming, peace and exploration.

Quirimbas Archipelago offers an incredible experience for adventurers, seeking an unequalled island and cultural experience in one of the last undeveloped places in Africa. This is adventure travel at its best!

Highlights

• Meet and greet in Pemba and light aircraft transfer over the Quirimbas Archipelago to Ibo Island
• 2 nights at Ibo Island Lodge on full board basis (excluding drinks)
• Guided tour of Ibo Island
• 6 days pristine island hopping kayaking - exploring and overnight island or beach camps
• Experienced English and Portuguese speaking crew
• NON participation mobile camp. (crew assembles the camp and handles all camp duties allowing you to relax and enjoy)
• All camping and catering equipment included for island camps

Day 1: Arrive Pemba and light aircraft transfer to magical Ibo Island
You will be met at Pemba airport. An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Ibo Island Lodge.

Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas, Ibo's 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten. Today you can wander around the mysterious ruins amongst forts and ancient trade buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be retold.

The lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and accommodates guests in beautifully simple yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. The emphasis at Ibo Island Lodge is on complete relaxation and a base from which to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago. More about Ibo Island Lodge...

Included Meals: Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

Day 2: Clear day to explore Ibo Island.

The Ibo Island guided Experience (included) provides a chance to interact with the amazingly friendly local people and observe their unique island culture and a way of life that hasn't changed for hundreds of years.

For those active souls your afternoon on Ibo can also be used to become acclimatized to the kayaking conditions. Alternatively you can chill at one of the pools with a refreshing cold Mozambique beer or watch the sun set from ring side seats at the roof top bar.

Included Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

Day 3: Start of dhow safari: Ibo to Darumba

Today will have you climbing aboard your kayak with trusty crew, equipment and supplies and departing ancient Ibo Island for your exploration into the Quirimbas Archipelago. Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you - as well as a host of local fishermen to meet and interact with along the way. The Darumba river mouth beckons and here you to paddle up this wide river where rural fishing villages dot the shore.

Your first chance to camp in the open Mozambique bush south of Darumba.

Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks to own expense.

Day 4: Southern tip of Matemo Island

Paddle into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to dive off and snorkel. We will stop on the southern tip of Matemo Island.

Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks to own expense.

Day 5: Matemo Island to Rolas

We continue onwards to Rolas Island and its clear waters with excellent reefs to snorkel and a stunning white sandy peninsular to swim from. Local legend says the island is owned by the sacred, resident coconut crabs, the largest species of land crabs. If you dare, go with "old man coconut crab" into the Rolas Coral Rock Forest to see some of the infamous crabs for yourself.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.

Days 6 and 7: Rolas to uninhabited Mogundula Island

In our opinion Mogundula Island is one of the best in the archipelago which is why we spend 2 nights here giving you a fantastic base from which to explore. Known by the locals as the island with the sacred lake it provides you with beautiful bird watching, pristine swimming off the sandbank beach and excellent snorkeling en-route. We will set up our camp under the shade of tree's and you have this magical uninhabited island to yourself!

Overnight camp and exploring on Mogundula Island and surrounds. Day trip to the Pangane Peninsula and/or Makaloe Island from your base camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.

Day 8: Mocojo to Pemba for flight out

Early morning of day 8 we turn south again and hugging the coastline bound for Mocojo on the mainland where you will transferred by vehicle to Pemba for your flight out.

Meals: Breakfast, All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.

Group size minimum 4 maximum 10

* Please also note whilst on dhow safari all camping will be bush or island camping with limited facilities. Washing water will be limited, and meals simple and nutritious based on the dry stocks able to be carried and the availability of fresh fish and seafood. The itinerary will need to be totally flexible and is weather and tide dependent. You are however assured of an adventure against a backdrop of varied and pristine scenery.

Contact Us for departure dates and rates     
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Climbing the Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo

There are dozens of volcano climbs on the planet, most offering a few puffs of smoke and the distant glow of a lava flow, but temperamental Nyiragongo is still an active threat.  Her last eraption was in 2002, destroying the town of Goma.
Besides being one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, she has the largest permanent lava lake in her summit crater.
Climbing the Nyiragongo Volcano is truely an African Adventure, if just entering Congo wasn't enough of a rush!




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Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, the highest freestandig mountain in the world, lies 3 degrees below the equator, is contained entirely within Tanzania and is one of Africa's youngest volcanoes. It peers down to Kenya on its northern border, and covers an area of over 5 100 square kilometres, thrusting over five kilometres into the sky! Its top is permanently ice-capped and offers both the hiker and mountaineer a rare challenge. At 5 895 metres it is Africa's highest mountain and one of the legendary Seven Summits. Although not to be taken lightly, any reasonably fit person can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, and there are several routes available. You will need a minimum of five days for the hike (but preferably six or more days), and you ascent from the steaming tropical rain forests, through heath land, to alpine desert, finally reaching the permanent glaciers and the summit, Uhuru Peak.

Finest Africa offer regular departures for individuals or groups. We will discuss, in detail with you, the different routes available, as well as the preparation required for such a trip. The ground handlers that we use have a summating rate of over 95% and impeccable safety record, we will ensure that your hike is comfortable and rewarding.

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Source of the Nile/Gorilla Marathon

Basic info: Two race formats 42.2km / 21.1km. 16th May, 2010.
The race kicks off at 630am – ish (it is Africa) from the Source of the Nile Jinja.

THE GORILLA MARATHON has the ambition of running to raise awareness of the plight of the gorilla population as well as raising funds for conservation work.

The race itinerary is based around the Source of the Nile, a spectacular region near the town of Jinja where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile River. The surrounding area is a mixture of forest and small farms and villages linked by red clay trails which will form the route of the marathon and half marathon.

The Race - We start right at the waters edge where Lake Victoria becomes the Nile – the river is already wider than the Thames in London at this point and descends in a series of rapids and small waterfalls through a rolling green tropical landscape.

After a short distance leaving Jinja we cross the Nile on a sturdy foot bridge and return a little further along over the hydro electric dam. From here we then go onto soft red clay trails through farms and fields until you reach the Nile Porch Resort where the 21.1km finishes.

The marathon then continues on trails past a number of schools which are being supported and refurbished by the charity Soft Power, who we are engaging to help with the event and raise funds for the project.

The route will run through the village of Budondo and returning on trails to Nile Porch and the finish line.

The course is undulating in nature with no steep hills to climb. The start at Source of the Nile is at 1,170mts above sea level, the high point of the race is 1,220mt and the low point 1,140mts.

The routes are safe and the most dangerous possiblity is tripping over the lead teathering a goat to the verge – there are no crocs or hippo on this stretch of the Nile as the water is too fast.

There will also be a community 5km starting and finishing at the Nile Porch Resort for local children, Ugandan adults and supporters of those running the half or full marathons.

Nile Porch is an adventure centre and camp site with a spectacular location overlooking the Nile rapids – there will be water and an all day buffet available for finishing runners to refuel and cold beer for those looking to celebrate their achievement.

The Climate & Health - Mid-May is the end of the rainy season. It is likely to be sunny most of the time but there is a chance of short heavy rains – usually lasting for 30min to 1 hr when a lot of water will come down and the trails get very wet. But as soon the rain stops the sun will come back out and everything dries out.

Because of the 1,200mt altitude it is not hot at this time of the year and you can expect temperatures in the mid-20C but the sun is very strong and you need high factor sun screen. To avoid being in the strongest sunlight for too long the race will start at 7am.

Lake Victoria is a Malaria region.

Suggested Itinerary and Cost


Day 1   14 May, 2010 Depart Jhb in afternoon, arrive in Uganda in the evening. Meet and Greet and transfer to 3 – 4 Star Boutique Hotel in Entebbe – Bomas of Entebbe. Dinner open.


Day 2   15 May, 2010 Transfer morning hours to Jinja. Visit to Mabira Forest, Ssezibwe Falls, Source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls. Afternoon checking out the race course and meeting the other participants. Lunch at Jinja Nile Resort. Pasta Party in the evening at Nile Porch/Black Lantern.


Day 3   16 May, 2010 Race Day starting early morning hours. Transport provided to race start. Run from the Source of the Nile crossing the River Nile and proceeding through villages and countryside to end race at Nile Porch/Black Lantern. BBQ and party in the gardens at Nile Porch/Backpackers. Auction and prizes. Fun Day for local families. Return to Jinja Nile Resort for Overnight.


Day 4   17 May, 2010 Day of activities in Jinja Area. Enjoy White Water Rafting, either grade 3 or grade 5. OR try out the Nile Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Quad Biking, Canoeing, Fishing or other activities available in the area. Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort.


Day 5   18 May, 2010 Jinja to Entebbe
Depart Jinja morning hours. Visit Kampala craft markets, art galleries and other simple attractions. Proceed to Entebbe for overnight at Bomas or similar. Option to add boatride and visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Add $70 USD pp)


Day 6   19 May, 2010
Transfer to Lake Mburo NP. Afternoon game drive and boat ride. (Transit time 3 hrs)


DAY 7   20 May, 2010
Early morning walk. Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Transit time 6-7 hrs)


DAY 8   21 May, 2010
Gorilla tracking – About 8hrs hiking in search of Gorillas


DAY 9   22 May, 2010
To Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha Sector ( Transit time 2 hrs) : Game Drive in search of tree climbing lions. Evening game drive.


DAY 10   23 May, 2010
Sunrise game drive : To Queen Elizabeth NP main section. (Transit time 1 – 2 hours): Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel and short evening game drive.


DAY 11   24 May, 2010
Sunrise game drive or visit to Forest in search of Chimpanzees. Return to Kampala. Stop at Equator.


Itinerary includes

• Return flights from Johannesburg to Uganda
• All transfers
• English speaking driver/guide
• 3- 4 star Accommodation
• All meals
• Tour of Jinja and Source of the Nile
• Race Entrance Fees
• White water rafting or other activity


Excludes

• Visa to Uganda, available on arrival
• Beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal items like between meals snacks
• Porterage
• Souvenirs


Total Cost: Based on 8 people sharing, R36 000 per person