It’s usually around this time of year that a northern-hemisphere mind turns to thinking about a summer holiday. And for many, what better way to banish the late-winter blues than with thoughts of Africa’s sunny skies, scuba and safari?
No-one does sun, safari and scuba better than Africa – even in the continent’s cooler, drier months of June, July and August, which makes it a great destination for that vacation this year. The diving is at its best in several locations, and these three months also see some of the best game viewing across Africa whether it’s the Big Five in the Kruger or migrating wildebeest in the Serengeti.
And although everyone likes sun and safari, we appreciate that not everyone is a scuba-diver. So we have focussed on diving destinations where there are plenty of other things to do, from snorkelling and water sports to spa treatments and catamaran sailing.
Here’s where to go:
South Africa – Coral Reefs & Big Five Safaris
The province of KwaZulu Natal is where you’ll find a beautiful sub-tropical coastline, complete with turtle breeding beaches, curious dolphins and coral reefs with marine life that rivals that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Head north for the best reefs but daredevil divers may want to visit southern Kwazulu Natal with its large shark populations – now you can cage dive or even snorkel with sharks!
Combine KwaZulu’s coast with one of its many excellent wildlife reserves or fly to the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s flagship conservation area and home to several private reserves with the best Big Five viewing on the continent. Great for families, great for couples and great for nature lovers.
Mozambique – Desert Island Paradise
Blessed with a scattering of tropical Indian Ocean islands, Mozambique has quietly made its way into the top scuba spots in Africa. There is well-established diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago – Benguerra Island is especially good – as well as in the Vilanculos region but advanced divers usually go north to the Quirimbas, a set of islands with exceptional scuba-diving on reefs that have yet to be fully explored.
Warm and sunny over the June – August period, Mozambique is popular with honeymooners and is also recommended for families – at Benguerra you can pay for five nights and stay for six as a family – as well as dedicated divers. As for a safari, the easiest and most rewarding combination with Mozambique is with South Africa’s Kruger Park – there are even direct flights.
Kenya & Tanzania – Scuba & Safari made Simple
Best known for their wildlife, Kenya and Tanzania are also among Africa’s best diving destinations. For the best scuba experience you’ll want to head for Zanzibar or one of its smaller islands: Mafia or Pemba offer particularly good diving on pristine coral reefs. The water is warm and generally clear, and the dive resorts also offer great snorkelling and water sports.
It’s an ideal destination for honeymooners – Mnemba Island offers a 50% discount for one partner travelling within 12 months of getting married – and the link to wildlife reserves are relatively seamless. Safari destinations such as the Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater are always good but if it’s the June to August period you are thinking about, consider Tanzania’s Serengeti where the wildebeest has reached the infamous river-crossing stage of their migration. You’ll also enjoy the year’s best diving conditions in Zanzibar; the cultural side of the island is in the south but head north for premier diving.
Cape Town – False Bay
Woah! Isn’t Cape Town’s False Bay freezing cold and full of Great White Sharks? And scuba diving in Cape Town? Is there anything to see?
Well, the water may be cold but the big sharks have moved away and as for diving, this is where the Oscar-winning underwater documentary ‘My Octopus Teacher’ was filmed. Centred around an area called Miller’s Point, this stretch of False Bay coast between Simons Town and Cape Point is one of the diving world’s last little secrets: clear water, teeming kelp forests, and a fascinating combination of cold and warm water species: penguins and fur seals with nudibranchs, soft corals and sea fans.
And being Cape Town, there’s a long list of things to do without getting your feet wet, from hiking and biking to wine tasting and cultural tours. It’s easy to combine Cape Town with a safari – fly north to the Kruger Park or head east for the malaria-free Big Five reserves of the Eastern Cape.
