New Expedition Annoucement - St Helena & African Safari

 

ST HELENA & AFRICAN SAFARI

FEB 26 - MAR 17 2027 • 20 DAYS • Limited to 7 divers only

FROM WHALE SHARKS TO THE BIG FIVE

Experience 2 of the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating & contrasting destinations in one extraordinary journey. Limited to 7 divers only!

Begin on remote, rugged St Helena, one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, set deep in the South Atlantic Ocean. This hidden gem offers frontier diving and is known for its extraordinary whale shark aggregations- the only place on Earth where whale sharks gather in roughly equal numbers of males and females, offering a rare glimpse of these gentle giants in their only known breeding grounds. Dive with endemic fish, Mobula rays, turtles, and playful dolphins. Explore the island’s dramatic landscapes on beautiful hikes and visit historic sites tied to Napoleon’s final years in exile.

 
 

Journey to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where the adventure continues beneath the waves and across the bush. Dive the legendary reefs of Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana Bay, coming face-to-face with tiger sharks, bull sharks, manta rays, and ragged-tooth sharks. Explore Africa’s largest coastal wetland by boat, drifting past hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular birdlife in a pristine lagoon ecosystem.

 
 

Culminate your journey in one of South Africa’s most celebrated private game reserves, where expert guides lead intimate game drives in search of the Big Five. Each evening, unwind at the luxurious &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge, hired exclusively for our group, offering complete privacy, attentive service, and an exceptional safari setting.

This expedition delivers a rare combination of ocean adventure, wild landscapes, and luxury safari experiences, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable wildlife journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Swim alongside majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish and gentle giants of the ocean, in the crystal-clear blue waters of St Helena.

  • Explore the pristine underwater riches of the “Galápagos of the Atlantic”, diving spectacular swim-throughs, volcanic walls, pinnacles, and reefs.

  • Search for endemic marine species found nowhere else on Earth, alongside frequent visitors including Mobula rays and playful dolphins.

  • Discover the wildly dramatic and unspoiled beauty of St Helena’s landscapes, immersing yourself in the island’s rich history and legacy of past exiles.

  • Experience the heart-pounding thrill of coming eye-to-eye with tiger sharks and Zambezi (bull) sharks and feel the electric buzz of being surrounded by dozens of oceanic black-tip sharks at Aliwal Shoal.

  • In Sodwana Bay, dive Africa’s southernmost hard coral reefs, coming face-to-face with ragged-tooth sharks and manta rays, and keep an eye out for loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

  • Traverse diverse terrestrial ecosystems on guided hikes and nature walks, from cloud forests and volcanic valleys to coastal dunes and African savannah.

  • Glide past hippos and Nile crocodiles on a private boat safari through Africa’s largest coastal wetland, while spotting rare and vibrant birdlife.

  • Transition from ocean to savannah with exclusive 5* safari experiences, including expertly guided game drives in a private reserve, tracking cheetahs and the iconic Big Five in uncrowded, intimate settings, complemented by immersive bush walks led by expert trackers.

  • Unwind in a luxurious safari lodge hired exclusively for our group, where refined comfort meets wilderness - featuring exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and sweeping views over the African bush.

 
Explore St Helena & AFRICAN SAFARI

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Sabine Templeton, Paul and Tom Cherrett, ScubaXcursion, Amoray Divers, &Beyond Zuka Lodge, Canva & Adobe Stock

 
 
Thomas Baechtold