Anyone Have Experience Diving Mozambique and with Peri Peri Divers

[ABLAB]

Must be very cool to have such great access to amazing dives site and game reserves. I realize I'm short changing myself some with such a tight schedule but not sure when or if I'll be able to get back so thought this may be the best route. And, since it's a package there is no wiggle room. Other option is 4 days of diving at Aliwal and 4 days of diving at Ponta with 3 or 4 days at iSimangaliso through Blue Ocean Dive at Umkomaas.

My first impressions after a bit of research was that there wasn't much to keep myself occupied in the vicinity of Blue Ocean dive and it might make for long post dive evenings where as in Tofo there would cool little town to have a pint, a bite, and a bit of conversation. And, from what I've read Kruger is more my speed in terms of wildlife although iSimangaliso does look pretty stunning. Fyi, staying at Marloth in Kruger.

 

[uwgreg]

Must be very cool to have such great access to amazing dives site and game reserves. I realize I'm short changing myself some with such a tight schedule but not sure when or if I'll be able to get back so thought this may be the best route. And, since it's a package there is no wiggle room. Other option is 4 days of diving at Aliwal and 4 days of diving at Ponta with 3 or 4 days at iSimangaliso through Blue Ocean Dive at Umkomaas.

My first impressions after a bit of research was that there wasn't much to keep myself occupied in the vicinity of Blue Ocean dive and it might make for long post dive evenings where as in Tofo there would cool little town to have a pint, a bite, and a bit of conversation. And, from what I've read Kruger is more my speed in terms of wildlife although iSimangaliso does look pretty stunning. Fyi, staying at Marloth in Kruger.

As a first safari experience, Kruger is clearly superior to iSimangaliso.
Tofo/Ponta definitely have better town vibes & opportunities than Aliwal/Protea towns (or Sodwana for that matter).

 

[gwklein]

If you trip is being organized by a local tour operator, I wouldn't be worried about missing your pickup. My experience has been that the local operatives are well aware of any changes to your flights or or issues before you are and adjustments will be made for you. Don't expect things to go perfectly as planned, but go with the flow as the changes are made for you.

As a prior poster noted, Kruger park has specific hours of operation. If your accommodations are in the park proper, you will be allowed one hour before and one hour after outside visitor have to leave. The best game viewing is early morning and late afternoon/evening. Game drives are usually 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the eveninng. You mentioned an all day drive. I looked up the all day drives and this was how they were described:

All-Day Drives​

On request and availability at camp level, guests may hire the use of a vehicle and driver for the entire day. Trained officials take visitors to sections of the park that are usually inaccessible to tourists.

I don't remember this being available when I was there.

 

[ABLAB]

Certainly don't expect things to go perfectly. I'm pretty sure Peri Peri has dealt with delayed arrivals many times. Just need to make sure we're on the same page in case of any hiccups.

It looks like we're staying at Marloth outside the park and the drives begin at 5:00 am and go to 3 pm each day. We'll have our own car and private guide.

On paper they seem organized and pretty detailed and very responsive on email and Whats App. So all signs are good as to their reliability and professionalism.

I've never taken a tour before as it's not all my preferred way to travel. I like to plan and go as I please. But, thought on this one a guided tour maybe best given that I'm unfamiliar with the roads, the possible language barrier, lack of infrastructure if anything goes wrong especially since I'm traveling solo, and the recent troubles in Mozambique.

 

[ABLAB]

Tofo is a bit remote and based on what I've seen the roads aren't the best and in case of a break down not quite sure how that would work. And, it's a pretty long drive from Tofo to Ponta on what looks to be questionable roads for a good portion of the drive (at least based on what I've found on You Tube) so decided against driving or relying on buses and shuttles.