The Edge of Worlds - Aliwal, Sodwana, Hluhluwe South Africa (1)

Group Size:  Small - 9 Guests, 1 US Host, 2 South African Hosts

Dive Experience Level:  Moderate - Open Water Diver

Fitness Level: Moderate. Not recommend for those with physical limitations

Experience: Elevated - Warm and inviting, refined comfort in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere without sacrificing authentic nature experience.

Climate: Warm Summer in South Africa. High/mid 80s air temp. High 70s/low 80s water temp.

Led by seasoned, passionate travel and dive professionals, this adventure is designed for those seeking a curated, intimate, unforgettable experience connecting them to a world untouched by time. 

An 11-day, deeply immersive journey brings you into the heart of South Africa—from aquatic adventures the Indian Ocean to the vast vistas of Hluhluwe. Dive with sharks, walk with elephants, share firelit meals with new friends, and return home forever changed.

Itinerary Overview

Days 1–4: Scottburgh - Aliwal

• Private, comfortable oceanside lodging

• Dive the iconic Aliwal Shoal (2–3 dives/day) Wrecks, Sharks, and Reef Dives

• Evening programming immersing you in local culture and connectedness

• Community meals and storytelling with our expert team

Days 5–8:  Sodwana Bay Rare Dives & Participation in Shark Research

• Rare access to world-class and lesser-visited dive sites

• Sightings include sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales, colorful fish, seahorses, vibrant corals, and extensive macro life. You may also see manta and eagle rays.

• Evening Excursions:  Lakeside/beach/forest nature walks, beverages on the beach, a sunset wetlands cruise to see hippos, and more!

• Cultural evenings: traditional ceremonial dance & dinner hosted by the local village Chief’s wife, Traditional Braai night

• Leatherback Turtle Hatching Experience - Beach Night with Turtle Scientist!

The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000.

In 2020, the discovery of a new species of pygmi seahorse was discovered right here in Sodwana Bay. Come be one of the relative first to see this rare and beautiful creature.

Days 9–11:  Hluhluwe Safari & Stillness in Imfolozi Reserve

• Luxury lodge with panoramic views over massive game reserve

• Morning and evening Big 5 game drives + optional mid-day bush walks

• Gourmet meals by renouned on-site chef

• On-site spa to rejeuvinate, relax, and let these experiences settle deep into your soul

• Evenings of rest, reflection, and community under the stars

Culture, Connection & Celebration

• South African Braai: A firelit feast of grilled meats, music, laughter, and connection

• Village Chief's Wife -hosted dinner: Traditional dance and ancestral cuisine in Sodwana Bay

• Waterfall hikes, birding walks, logerhead and leatherback turtle hatching, and history explorations along the route

• Evening rituals: Stargazing, storytelling, and soul-deep conversations

  
  

Every moment is designed to immerse you in the living story of South Africa—its rhythms, its people, and its wild beauty.

Meet Your Hosts

What You'll Take Home

• A heart full of belonging and deeper connection to this world

• A mind enriched by wild systems and living culture

• Friendships, wonder, and stories you’ll carry for a lifetime