South Africa, as its name implies, is the southern country of the African continent. Featuring a vast coastline that stretches more than 2,500 km and along the South Atlantic & Indian oceans, it has a temperate climate and mega biodiversity. Where can you freedive out there though? Natalie Rudman, the country's deepest woman in CWTB, reveals her favorite location.
"One of my other most favorite dive destinations is Sodwana Bay in South Africa. Sodwana Bay is located on the northeast coast of South Africa, just one hour’s drive south of Mozambique, in one of the most unique and unspoiled parts of the world. The KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the Zulu people who have inhabited the area in harmony with the land for several centuries. Situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Maputaland Marine Reserve, efforts are made to protect its integrity from environmental degradation. You will find a peaceful and yet dynamic little town to spend some quality time away from home.
As a protected area, it is a world-renowned diving site, attracting visitors from all over the globe. In total, Sodwana Bay is home to more than 1,200 species of marine life, including five kinds of sea turtles, three species of dolphins, and numerous rays and eels. Seasonal visitors include whale sharks, manta rays, and ragged-tooth sharks in summer and southern right and humpback whales in winter.
There is a regular school set up in Sodwana bay Called Freedive Sodwana Bay. They run courses and adventure trips all year round. Also, a variety of instructors will visit the area throughout the year and offer courses in a variety of different agencies. I will myself be in South Africa to teach courses from November until the end of January 2022. I will be running pool and Yoga sessions in Durban. The depth session will take place in the beautiful, blue, clear, calm conditions of Sodwana Bay".
