There are a number of dive camps, self catering chalets and standard campsites available as well as a more up-market lodge. The camps are located high up on the densely vegetated dune, approximately a kilometer from the beach. The launch through the surf can be quite hectic and as a diver you are required to help push the boat into the surf and hold it there until your skipper instructs you to jump aboard. Any hesitation on your part will result in you being left behind so you need to have your wits about you.

Once behind the breakers you should have a more moderate ride out to the dive site, depending on which one you are going to. The most commonly dived reef is Three mile, which is the closest, but more experienced divers will enjoy Five, Seven and Nine mile reefs. The choice of site will depend largely on the dive group’s experience and the prevailing currents and diving conditions. The water temperature is generally between twenty two and twenty five degrees centigrade and visibility on a good day can be more than thirty metres.

In my first qualifying dive at three mile reef we saw Moray Eel, Stingrays, Potato Bass, hundreds of colourful reef fish, a wide variety of soft and hard corals and a nurse shark. Such is the quality of diving at Sodwana.

Car rental:
Confident explorers will enjoy the freedom of car rental, it’s easy, efficient and affordable. South Africa has a good and extensive road network and it’s certainly the most convenient way to travel around.
What you need to know:
•Most rentals are gear shift. Automatic vehicles are available but usually only in the more expensive categories and in limited number. If you want an automatic vehicle then request it in advance.
•Choose a rental option that includes comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage or at least 200km a day. These will work out to be the most cost effective.
•You will need a valid international driver’s license, be over the age of 23, and have a valid credit card for the fuel deposit. Without these you will not be able to rent a vehicle.
•Drivers drive on the left hand side of the road with the fast lane on the freeway being the far right hand lane. Traffic lights are commonly called robots.
When to use it:
•If you are two or more people travelling together, exploring regions or multiple cities where there are scenic routes in between that are worth exploring.
•If you are confident to drive and navigate yourselves and know which sites you’d like to visit or have a preplanned route.
When not to use it:
•If staying in one place for more than 4 days where the sites are fairly close by – then it’s a better option to get a taxi or local shuttle.
•If you are not confident of your ability to drive on the left hand side of the road and in traffic then it’s not for you.

Private transfers:
A good option for arrival and departure. It means you won’t have to navigate in unfamiliar territory, especially when you are tired from a long haul flight.
When to use it:
•When you are 1-8 people travelling together. The rate is charged per vehicle so naturally it’ll work out more affordable if there are more of you.
•Upon arrival if you are not part of an all inclusive tour. You will be met and taken directly to your hotel or guesthouse which is both safe and convenient.
When not to use it:
•If you are staying overnight at an airport hotel. Most of these have inexpensive shuttles to and from the airport.
•If renting a vehicle and starting your overland explorations right away.

Taxis:
Convenient for short city point to point trips.
When to use it:
•A good option for when you are sightseeing or out to dinner and don’t know how long you will be spending at a place.
When not to use it:
•When travelling distances of more than 30 minutes or visiting multiple points in a day. This then works out to be quite an expensive option and it would be better to arrange a private transfer or tour.

Trains:
Whilst there is an extensive rail network in South Africa, it’s not a popular mode of transport, especially for foreigners.
When to use it:
•If you are an adventurous backpacker, then taking short trips around the city in places like Cape Town during daylight can be fun. But know where you are going and where your stops are to avoid ending up in the wrong side of town.
•If you would like a short sightseeing trip, then the Apple Express in Port Elizabeth and the Outeniqua Choe Choe in George are great afternoon excursions. Info can be obtained from the local tourist offices.
•If you are looking for a luxury travel experience, both Rovos Rail and the Blue Train offer trips between Cape Town and Pretoria or along the Garden route. It’s a superb experience.
When not to use it:
•In Johannesburg or Durban, and especially after dark. Safety is unfortunately is an issue so it’s not recommended.

Campervans and 4×4’s
For the adventurous and independent type of traveler, this can be a lot of fun!
When to use it:
•If you plan to explore the back roads, like to be totally self sufficient and exploring at your own pace then this is the option for you.
•A nice option for families where you are exploring multiple cities and destinations.
When not to use it:
•If you are not good at navigating your way around or familiar with handling large vehicles and camping equipment.
•If you are on a tight budget. Hiring campervans and 4×4’s can be expensive so if travelling modestly it’s better to pack a tent and hire a smaller vehicle.

The first area is located approximately three hours north of Johannesburg and is known as the Marakele National Park. Characterized by the scenic Waterberg Mountains, there are several private game lodges that offer a superb game viewing experience. Mist often shrouds the mountains in the early mornings and it is quite a surreal experience to be out on a game drive and watch the early morning activities of the wildlife.

The second area is the Addo Elephant National Park. Located in the Eastern Cape it is approximately an hour’s drive north of Port Elizabeth which is the nearest domestic airport. Famous for its large elephant herds the park now boasts all of the Big Five. Numerous private lodges are located in and around the reserve and game viewing activities range between guided game drives and bush walks. Some of the lodges also offer game viewing from the Sundays River which flows through the reserve.

Located near to the Addo Elephant National Park is the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Having won many awards as a conservation area and private game lodge it is well known internationally. It tends on the pricey side but if you are looking for a truly amazing safari experience then it is well worth it.

In the last few decades many private reserves were created adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the two main areas being the Sabi Sands and the Timbavati. In recent years the fences between these reserves were dropped allowing the free migration of game between the three areas. This has resulted in a larger overall conservancy area and greater game viewing opportunities for visitors.

The most affordable safari option would be a self drive and self-catered tour in Kruger itself. There are numerous public rest camps that have comfortable bungalows and chalets. This option will allow you the freedom to enjoy game viewing from your vehicle and to choose your own routes and daily activities. However the camps are usually quite booked up so you will need to plan and book your vacation well in advance.

If you would prefer a guided tour then there are several operators who will arrange your accommodation at a range of the public rest camps, cater your meals and arrange guided game drives during your stay. There is also an option to do a three to four day walking safari in the Kruger. The accommodation set-up is quite rustic but the bush experience cannot be matched.

The more up-market safari option is to stay at any one of the many private rest camps or lodges in one of the reserves. The lodges range from comfortable three and four star tented camps and lodges to exclusive luxurious five star establishments.  At most lodges all meals are included and you will have two to three game viewing activities per day. This comprises of an early morning and late afternoon game drive, with the option of a bush walk for the more adventurous.  The guides and trackers are extremely knowledgeable and guest can often get really close up to many of the wild animals. The number of people on each vehicle is limited to ensure that you get the very best game viewing experience.