Ponto do’ Ouro or "The Point of Gold" is so named because early Portuguese explorers became a bit muddled over early maps, and thought gold might be found here. They were wrong! The dunes are rich black titanium, and the only gold seen here is when the long white beaches glint in the sun. Essentially this area is an extension of South Africa's Maputaland, but far more unspoiled. The town of Ponto do’ Ouro, which is fringed by sea, sand, dunes and Casuarinas trees, offers a superb holiday destination. Adventurous scuba divers can set off beyond the reefs and dive with sharks, dolphins and giant whale sharks. More gentle pursuits include whale and dolphin watching trips (you can even swim with them), viewing turtles (they lay their eggs on the beach in the summer months), swimming and long beach walks. It is a beautiful three kilometer stroll along the beach to South Africa's border at Kosi Bay .

Here we Scuba dive some of the most popular dive sites in the world. Doodles (18m max), Pinnacles (40m max SHARK DIVE), Kev’s Ledge (25m max), Anchor (18-24m max) to name but a few!

Under Portuguese influence, Lourenzo Marques became one of Africa’s most beautiful and fashionable cities with an impressive skyline of tall buildings and a cosmopolitan Portuguese/African atmosphere attracting many visitors. Places like the Polana Hotel buzzed with the chatter of socialites and the nightclubs thumped until the early hours. The war in the 1970s and 1980s changed all that, and when it was over the once proud city was in terrible disrepair. Thousands of immigrants crowded the buildings; litter lay everywhere and major services including water and electricity were out of commission. A lot has changed since then and the city is now re-inventing itself and slowly recreating some of its former glory. Once again the rich and famous are hanging out at the five-star Polana Hotel which has a grand view over the harbour, tea gardens and an old fashioned Victorian lift. Maputo boasts a Latino culture of street cafés, music and nightlife.

The oldest historic site is the fort, where you can patrol the ramparts, look at the old cannons or just sit and rest in the grassy courtyard. A must-see is the train station, designed and built in the early 1900s by the same Eiffel who gave us the famous tower. Recently renovated, it looks more like a palace, with polished wood and marble decorations, topped by a gigantic copper dome.

Other highlights include the Botanic Gardens; the National Art Museum, which has a fine collection of Mozambique's best contemporary artists; and the lively Municipal Market, where fruit, vegetables, spices and basketwork are sold. You will have the oppurtunity to explore this magnificant city.

The town of Xai-Xai, situated on the Limpopo River is a sprawling settlement of houses, markets and shops. Tourists generally only stop off for supplies in Xai-Xai with the real attraction being the beach situated about 10 kilometers to the east. The bay has a coral reef running about one kilometer off shore which offers protected waters for swimming and snorkeling. The coastal town portrays a typical Mozambican village. We spend a night here to break up the journey to Tofo.

Palm plantations, mangrove forests, white beaches and world renowned dive sites are found to the south of Inhambane. At Guinjata and Tofo we dive with Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Frog fish and the famous Harlequin Shrimps. This is just a few of the famous residents of the underwater world!

5 dives included.

Just a hop away is Tofinho which is known by surfers round the world for its fast right break. Also on this stretch of coast is the rocky torture den where the Portuguese left prisoners to be beaten into submission by the rising tide — another blight on the colonial history of the country, remembered by a towering stone monument erected by the communist government.

Inhambane - When Vasco da Gama rounded Africa in the late 1400s he pulled into this beautiful protected bay to replenish stocks and to explore. He took an immediate liking to the place and its people and named it Terra de Boa Gente or ‘Land of the Gentle People’. It took another 40 years before the Portuguese established a trading post and settlement and sadly the gentle people of Inhambane’s friendliness was rewarded by lives spent in slavery. Thousands were taken away for this inhumane practice which continued well into the last century.

Inhambane, which is one of the oldest settlements on the East Coast, was an important port and although large ships seldom call here, it still has the largest fleet of working dhows in the country. In the old quarter of town is the 170 year old Cathedral of our Lady of Conception where a rusted (and somewhat perilous ladder) leads to the top of the spire, offering a grand view of town and harbour. Also take in the old governor’s house on the waterfront, the fascinating railway station (it has a workshop filled with old stream trains and memorabilia and men clanking away on old machinery) and the Mercado, which sells a colourful array of spices, prawns, fish, vegetables and cashew nuts.

Even though the focus of this adventure is scuba diving, you have ample opportunity to explore these towns, mix with the locals and sample the local cuisine!

We bid farewell to this beautiful country and head off to the edges of the Kruger National Park. Here the Big 5 awaits us…

Kruger National Park, in South Africa is best known for the 'Big Five' - Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino - and is truly the flagship of South Africa's game reserves. Game viewing at Kruger National Park has been described as a 'spine-tingling experience'. Watch in absolute awe and wonder as the Lion stalks its prey, or at the Cheetah chasing fleeing antelope at breathtaking speed. You might come across the Park's big and tall, the gigantic and stately Elephant, and gaze at the dizzying height of Africa 's tallest creature, the Giraffe.

We spend the day game driving in the park.

Our exciting adventure comes to an end. Sadly we say our goodbyes, yet we know that Africa has found a place in your heart.

Tour Price includes the following: · Total of 12 dives · All accommodation & Transport whilst on tour · All national park entry fees and maritime taxes · All specified meals as per itinerary · FGASA/DEAT qualified Tourguide and PADI OWSI Instructor Tour Price excludes the following: · Gear rentals, extra dives and courses · Specified meals as per itinerary · Items of a personal nature eg. curios, drinks, tips etc

Day 1: Sodwana Bay Dinner- included

Day 2: Sodwana Bay Brunch & Dinner- included

Day 3: Ponto do’ oura Brunch & Dinner- included

Day 4 & 5: Ponto do’ oura Brunch & Dinner- included

Day 6: Maputo Breakfast & Lunch- included

Day 7: Xai – Xai Breakfast & Dinner- included

Day 8 & 9: Guinjata Bay Breakfast, lunch & Dinner- included

Day 10 & 11: Inhambane/ Tofo Brunch & One Dinner- included

Day 12&13: Komatipoort Breakfast & Dinner- included

Day 14: Johannesburg Breakfast- included