Trip Planner
GETTING THERE
From Johannesburg, take the N17 East past Springs. Drive through Bethal and Ermelo. The N17 becomes the N2 South and continues through the towns of Piet Retief and Pongola before you get to Hluhluwe town (don't trust the Google Maps routing past Jozini).
From Durban, get on the N2 north and drive past Ballito and Richards Bay before reaching the Hluhluwe turn off.
From Hluhluwe, drive straight through the town and turn onto the R22 for about 80km to reach the town of Mbazwana and on through to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park gates into Sodwana Bay.
THE PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
This certification caters to those aged 10 and up. The course, which allows you to dive to 18m (or 12m for juniors), comprises five theory and five pool sessions, an exam and four qualifying open-water dives. We went in February because it’s low season, the weather is fabulous, the water is warm, and the beaches are typically quieter. There’s also the advantage of possibly seeing turtle hatchlings return to the sea. The course itself costs roughly R4 620pp. 033 345 6531, coraldivers.co.za
WHERE TO START DIVING Can’t make it to Sodwana? Find where to begin your PADI Open Water Diver course in your region at Padi.com
THE CREW
Are you for scuba? You don't have to do it alone. The Womxn for Wild travel package includes a festive welcome dinner, all park fees, dive permits, course material and coaching, accommodation, pizza lunch and celebratory beach picnic, plus a goodie bag filled with local ecoeducational products. We’ll be back in February 2022 with tiered packages from R6 500pp. womxnforwild.co.za