It was great two weeks’ time…We enjoyed every minute of it...

Kruger National Park with the guidance of Sir Henry Green and LR Defenders was awesome; the highlights of the safari were the leopard we saw on our way to Oliphants Lodge at night time and the BBQ organized by Sir Green…

Margate, Shelly Beach was astonishing with the great viz underwater, zambezis, school of hammerheads, guitar rays and tigers…Seeing Bev of Nolangeni was also great as I love chatting with her at her armchairs looking at St. Michaels…

Umkomaas was as usual; perfect…Lalamanzi Staff was incredible in food and other facilities…Their assistance and hospitality was absolutely awesome…Dives were better than January and there were lots to see at Aliwal Shoal…Two humpback whales to be first of the season was breathtaking with their breachings…Tigers and Blacktips at Rocky Bay with the assistance of Blue Wilderness was a total satisfaction…

Finally Simon’s Town, Cape Town…Accommodation at Central Hotel with Mrs. Melinda Coetzee and dives with Great Whites including 2 perfect breaching was remarkable…

So would you please send my thanks, greetings and regards to everybody involved in our amazing trip…

And many many thanks on you with your guidance, efforts, patience and passion…It was a never-to-forget 18 days in beautiful South Africa…

Hope to see you all soon,
Bora Mutlu

Thank you for helping me with these great two weeks in South-Africa. It has been so great, and I have seen everything I was hoping for, and then some :)

Wreck, sharks, dolphins, matas and whaleshark. Food, accomodation and the rentalcar; everything was in order. I will deffenetly hold on to your email, and hopefully you will hear from me again! The next time I will bring some friends as well. They can´s say no after looking at the pics I´ve taken :)

thanks again,
Aleksander Dybwik
Norway

All in all we had an amazing trip to South Africa! One that neither of us will forget! Thank you very much for sorting it out for us an making it so easy to do.

We had a fantastic time in Capetown. The tiger shark diving at the Aliwal Shoal was brilliant and was everything we could have hoped for. The highlight of our trip was definitely the diving that we did at Protea Banks. The dive company that you signed us up with were excellent. The divemaster/owner (Roland) is probably the best dive guide that we have been with anywhere in the world. He really was fantastic and made the diving even more enjoyable.

The diving is great at Protea Banks. We saw several different species including guitar, scalloped hammerheads, and tiger sharks. The tiger shark diving was again great! A very different experience to the one at Aliwal. At Aliwal there were lots of sharks (about 30 black tips and 3 tiger sharks) The accommodation at shelly beach was brilliant! Some of the nicest we've stayed in.

The safari was also well organised. We didn't see any cats, but agin that's nature I guess!

All in all a once in a lifetime trip. Thank you very much again for sorting it out for us. We are very grateful and would recommend you to anyone who wants to know!

Eddie

Just got home. Had a wonderful time! Thank you for everything.

Amanda and Mike

now I´m back in Germany since ten days and it was lots of work to do there.

But I want to say “Thank you!” for the diving and the organisation. It was very well organized and the dives have been wonderful. Mosambik and the tigershark was one of the best dives I did so far. One dive we saw a whale and an whaleshark as an add-on!!! And the accommodations have been relaxed and well situated. So I enjoyed my holidays from the first day ..!

Henry did a phantastic job and it was a very relaxed and enjoyable tour. Please send also greetings and thanx to him.

You can put my name on your recommendation list if you want.

Meanwhile back in Germany I told a couple of my friends about this trip and the locations, the divesites … Hope you will get much more bookings now.

All the best and hope to travel with you again,
Andy

I wish you all the very best for the year 2008 and beyond. We had a wonderful and relaxing time at Coral Dives in Sodwana Bay. The staff and people in general were very good,helpful and accommodating. The beaches are very serene, clean and untouched. The place is defintinely an excellent getaway even for those(my wife and self included)who are not diving. The kitchen arrangements do provide an opportunity to interact and become familiar with people on a daily basis. I would like to thank you sincerely for all your help, patience rearrangements and guidance in making this trip a memorable one.

Thank you again

Kindest Regards,
Shyne

I wanted to tell you more about Gansbaai, I know I mentioned before about the great white that breeched but I wanted to tell you in more detail because it was one of the most amazing things I have seen in my life. We had suited up and I was on the small observation deck with a local couple, a gentleman from Spain, and the videographers. I was on the far port side facing the starboard side where the bait was, it was the same direction that the couple and the videographer were facing. I was facing 9 o'clock (the bow being 12, and the bait at about 7) when a dark shadow about a10 caught my eye. The shark broke the surface about 10-15 feet from the starboard side angled slightly towards the boat. The entire shark was out of the water where it just seemed to hang before belly flopping back down actually causing water to splash inside the boat. It was the clearest thing I remember the eyes, color, teeth, and general mass of that shark. While he was only about 10 feet in length the sheer mass and muscle that that shark had compared to the hammerheads, blacktips, and Raggies we had seen earlier. His girth was just so massive. The things that was not pointed out till later was the the sun was behind and and where the shark had hit the surface was where the shadows of that couple hit the water, it was really a case of mistaken identity.

Also thank you for recommending Spier, I had a great time petting and watching the Cheetah's as well as seeing the birds of prey next door. After getting grabbed by that owl at the World of Birds, it was nice to see some friendlier birds. It was unique to walk in a place and just be asked "hey, want to hold an eagle?"

Boulder Beach was fun too and I loved the "Please look under your vehicles for penguins" sign, it has been a hit here in Georgia. Again thank you for sharking your knowledge as our fearless leader.

Thank you,
Jordan Jones

I do not have the e-mail addresses for Karin and Reon so would ask you to pass my message on to them. The first 2 weeks of a long expedition are potentially difficult and set the standard for the rest of the trip. Karin, Reon and their teams were absolutely fantastic and spoiled everyone. Thanks to their efforts those 2 weeks are truly memorable and we all think fondly of that time.

We are now back in UK having been involved in a great adventure that none of the group will forget. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned. I hope to meet up again sometime in the future during all our travels.

Lastly congratulations to your rugby team, the better team won.

Best regards,
Ian Thomas

Firstly, I am writing to thank you for arranging a truly magnificent package for my diving around Protea Banks. I found all that I met extremely friendly, and every aspect exceeded my expectations. The diving was amazing - I only wish the weather had been a bit better.

Thanks and Kind Regards,
Stephen Downing

I just want to thank you for organizing my dives. I had a great time at both Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. If I ever go back to SA, I would certainly contact you again.

Thanks for everything.
Priscilla van Rooyen

You were right - it would have been a very bad idea to make the Umkomass to Sodwana drive at night. There were a few places were the road was detoured without signs to mark the temporary route. I would have been hopelessly lost in Zulu-land without day light. SA is a gorgeous country...

Thanks!

Well, we've arrived back in Canada, and I miss the warm African weather already! - though it is great to see family and friends again. And my day is just not complete without one of Reon's African idioms (my favourite has to be "the tics on the antelope's ass" - I can't remember the Afrikaans word he used for antelope). You really should do a book of those - they're priceless!

I have to try this again, as my unplanned speech at the gas station was slightly emotional, and hardly eloquent! (Karin had me on the verge of tears, and I have a rule that no one can cry alone in my presence).

I just wanted to say thank you for making my first African adventure such a fantastic and unforgettable one. I couldn't have hoped for anything better! A chance to catch a glimpse of both nature and culture, with just enough comfort thrown in to keep our pampered north american souls happy!

You all went above and beyond to anticipate our every need and whim, and I've never felt more safe and well cared for - even when facing a 16 ft tiger shark squarely in the face. Though that does go against Reon's advice of "stay away from the pointy end"!

I already can't wait to plan my next trip, there's still soooo much more of the continent to see - it really is an amazing place. And of course I have the perfect excuse, I simply must come back to do the bungee swing now, since I hate leaving challenges undone! ;) Though my mother was very thankful that the swing was out of order :D

If you decide to make the long trip to Canada, we would of course love to see you all! I will most certainly be recommending your group to all my friends! Please take care and keep in touch. Claudia :)

Claudia Zanchetta 614 Wellington St (west) Toronto, Ontario M5V 2X5 Canada (416) 504-2238

Top 10 reasons why I love Dive South

1. Every single thing they promised, they delivered on.
2. I was welcomed and taken care of like family.
3. No other dive outfit knows Southern Africa better, anyone who navigates through Mozambique that well is a friend of mine.
4. There's no better way to occupy countless dusty hours traversing the bush than listening to Reon's yarns of yore.
5. Karin and Reon are as genuine of people as you'd ever care to meet: contain absolutely zero BS. It is so refreshing to experience such a competently run operation.
6. Karin is an AMAZING chef.
7. I'd rather push Reon's Landy than ride in a Toyota.
8. Dive South has been eco-tour conscientious since before there was such a thing.
9. Scuba diving is my life, and pretty much theirs too.
10. Guinjata Bay is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen, and they introduced us.

Forever loyal and indebted, and with great X&O's, your California pal.

Diana Hale Wilson
PO Box 4682
Thousand Oaks
CA 91359
USA

Bye, Laura

All of the arrangements and accommodation were superb! Gerhard & Alet put red roses in our room and Susanne decorated our room with silk petals - small touches that really made it all the more special.

It seemed as though we were treated with special care - because we had booked through Divesouth. This was most apparent on our two dives with the White Shark Diving Company, who's dive master & skipper made us very welcome. (We felt like professional cage divers on the second day, looking at the nervous faces of the other divers not knowing quite what to expect!)

Thank you again - we will certainly recommend Divesouth to our friends, relatives and fellow divers!

If you'd like to see some photos - then take a look my website!

Kind regards,
Mike & Sarah Cook (nee Isnell)

I look forward to another opportunity to dive South Africa. Maybe the Cape next month!

Cheers,
Guilherme

Cheers
Oli

The trip was organised and run superbly, (and I have included my impressions of the first dive I did on the Aliwal Shoal), and with the recent articles should need no introduction. I could not wait for my next opportunity to visit.

This came very soon as I got the chance of a promotional flight to Durban, which I booked for May 2006. I again, confidently booked with Divesouth, who tailored me a dive itinerary and arranged payment of the required deposit. Within a week of this I broke my ankle and was advised that I would be unfit for travelling and diving until at least June. I immediately emailed Divesouth of my misfortune and that I would need to cancel the booking. I was delighted when I found a refund of most of my deposit had been made.

My reason for writing this to Dive Magazine is to fully recommend the Services of Divesouth and to reassure any prospective diver or visitor to South Africa not only the services Divesouth can offer but of their integrity and goodwill.

John Rudman - Advanced Diver - Cotswold BSAC

Many thanks
Richard, John, Geoff and Steve

Best wishes
Sarah Evans

Best wishes
Helen Moffatt

Paul McGregor

Just to confirm I have now checked my diary for Nov and sadly I'm not going to be able to get away from work again until next year - so the squid run will have to wait.

Hope to see you again soon.

Andy

Many thanks,
John Rudman.

The accommodation in Umkomaas was nice, and the Dive-Center and its people was really nice to us. The cabins we stayed in in Sodwana Bay was an experience for life-time. There were small lizards and mice in our cabins, but that was ok. The out-door bathroom was an experience as well. I will never forget the feeling I had, while standing in the shower, and looking up in the threes, only to see four monkeys staring back at me. I guess they wondered what I was doing...;-)

The safari in Hluluwhe was also amazing. The first thing we saw when entering the gate was a rhino and a lot of giraffes. It was just like on television. We got to stay in a great house, with all possible facilities, and the food we had were top class.

I want to thank you very much for organizing the trip for us, and I will definitely recommend you and Dive South to all my friends. Hopefully I will come back to your amazing country one day in the nearest future.

Kind regards
Christine

I do hope you got back to Pretoria without too much hassle - it was so sad leaving the Coetzee team behind at the fuel station. Hannelie and the gang were great at the airport, please thank them for us.

We are now complete devotees of Mozambique and bush camping and really would like to do a trip to Namibia if it's at all possible.

Thanks so much again -please tell Karli I am practicing my Afikaans on my South African friends but they look a bit confused so I guess I've got my pronunciation all wrong (again)!

Keep well, Alison and Martin

We also just wanted to thank you for your very efficient and helpful services. You really made planning our trip easy and the whole trip was handled very professionally. Next time we want to go diving in Sodwana we know who to contact!!!

Thanks again, Claire Perrin and Patrick Gallagher

Thank you both (and Karlie) for making the holiday such an amazing and lovely experience. You both have such super qualities that supplement each other so well. Great organisation, always helpful, never a crisis, always calm, fun and very knowledgeable. Thanks to you both for everything it was really fantastic and the relatively minor lack of snorkelling weather did nothing to diminish the enjoyment for either of us.

We hope you got back OK, what was the problem in the end - just the hose or more? It is a shame we had to leave you but we were well looked after in Jo'berg. Karin, your daughter is a stunner! We left the other 4 to start some new riots in Soweto!

Hugh and Sue Price

On our part we returned home safe on 28th Sunday, all with excess luggage and pretty memories. We must thank Reon especially once again for his work and professionalism. It's a trip of a lifetime to remember. Will mail you some of our brilliant pictures of the trip later on.
Warmest regards from a sunny and hot Hong Kong !

Wilson Li

Ian Smith

Despite the conditions on the second day our exitement and wonder was not affected. I have definatley falling in love with the Great White Shark, I always had an interest anyway, and would definately support any cause to protect them further.

I am just trying hard to get the thought of moving to SA out of my head at the moment. Another visit will be on the cards its just a question of when. I would definatley do the cage diving again and as I would want to visit a few other places again I would have to come for a much longer stay.

Carl Mathers

SA is a great country, and I'm sure I'll be back before long. Thanks again, Stephen

Stephen Lewis

Andy Tan

Ian & Carol Porter

At Aliwal Shoal Swinney's boys blasted us through the surf in the RIBs and Reon showed us Cathedral. The sort of place you'd like to go when all is over. Then after the diving we went to Hluhluwe (Shoosh Louis!) Game Park for some truly heart stopping encounters. There we were looked after a big guy Bheki who can hear a white rhino taking a drink in the dark 150 yards away!

We've never returned from a holiday so full of different memories not to mention so bloody knackered! All made possible by a couple of people so bursting with enthusiasm and passion for what they do it was impossible not to feel special here. The hospitality was beyond reproach, case after case of red wine even the 5.00 am wake ups were bearable. You don't come on one of these trips for a rough time - and you won't lose any weight with Karin's superb cooking. Top class Dive South!!! Thanks to Reon, Karin and family!

Terry, Dave, Steve, Pauline, Linley & Dean

Please pass our deepest thanks to everyone on the team, Buddy and Leanne, Gerhard, Ian and Jon. Also all the dive operators Peter, Swinney and Rolland. Our first taste of South Africa has been beyond our dreams and we will be back!
Best Wishes,

Willie Siddal
Oceantec Adventures Ltd.

Had the pictures back and I'm sure most of my friends are now sick of hearing about the holiday and all the associated stories.

At the time you receive this e mail Rob and Kay will be still with you, extend our greetings to them and do hope their diving will be all they have expected and more, tell Rob that I will wait until he returns to the office to send him that "fecking letter" but the tapes will be posted later this week.

For now that's it, we are off to bed after 20 hours on the road that promised letter would follow over the next two weeks. Love and best wishes to you all and again thank you.