With 12 years of friendship and counting … and lots of memories created already, we were happy to have this amazingly ‘crazy’ lady Ewa Drucis and her friends from Poland on Protea Banks. We got to spend an amazing SHARK WEEK … with action packed dives and amazing sightseeing, of the breathtaking country we are lucky enough to call home.

The ocean was a bit rough and we got some exciting launches in, as it is said “Africa is not for Sissies”! However, the conditions underwater were perfect! The dives were insane and action packed. Water temp at an average of 24 degrees Celsius and Viz between 10 to 20 meters for the week. On the baited shark dives we got to see Oceanic Blacktip sharks and Zambezi (Bull) sharks, giving our Polish friends great opportunities for photos and just to see these magnificent sharks a bit closer and for longer. On the reef dives we had Round Ribbontail Rays, Potato Bass, Gamefish and shoaling Hammerhead sharks!!!

A few of the days we weren’t able to launch for a second dive due to bad weather and winds. This however did not damper our moods, as this meant exploring more of what’s on land. We got to go to the Riverbend Crocodile farm in Ramsgate where we got to see these creepy creatures … and for the braver of the group … try some delicious Crocodile steaks at their restaurant. Another day included a hike through Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, to a beautiful waterfall … where after a 7km walk we got to swim and have a light lunch before braving the walk back. On our last day we got to go to Leopard Rock restaurant and view site, very popular for its food and amazing views of Oribi Gorge.

As part of the package booked with Aqua Planet Dive Centre and Charter we had 1 night stay in Hluhluwe Umfolizi Game Reserve for a night game drive, where LIONS were seen. Super fun and would recommend it to all first timers to South Africa. That night we had a traditional “Braai” (Barbeque) and even got to try Venison meat for the first time. On our last day we had a mid-day estuary cruise at St. Lucia where we got to see some more Crocodiles and a lot of Hippos. Great ending to a fantastic trip!

At the end … so sad to say goodbye for now … we enjoyed every moment with Ewa and the group and looking forward to many more years of friendship and diving.

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