SA vs Moz diving in December

[moorish8idol]

Hey folks,

I am signed up for a solo trip to South Africa for 10 days in December (Capetown, safaris and such) and would like to dive thereafter (I'd have another 10-11 days to play with). I would be finishing my first trip in Jo'burg. I have always wanted to go diving in Aliwal Shoal/Protea Banks but am also really keen to check out Mozambique (mostly just Tofo and Vilanculos areas). I love big animals - sharks, whale sharks, mantas - and I know that both locations would offer both. Does anyone think I could realistically do both or do I have to choose? As a solo traveler 41 YO female (I would like to be social and meet other people while there) any particular recommendations? What is "enough" time in any of these locations to get a good grasp on the local diving, particularly given the time of year?

Thanks!

 

[Christian]

I have flown Joburg-Maputo-Inhambane RT some years ago with TAP, can’t remember if that last leg was TAP tho, pro’lly a local Moçambiquan as it was a Russian machine. It’s short flights and a half-day affair if flights are corresponding. So with 10-11 days at hand you can easily get to Tofo beach.

 

[Christian]

Shot a piece for a magazine on Tofo when it was ”new” many years ago, it was good for mantas and whalesharks year round pretty much. Diversity and coral are somewhat underwhelming, but big numbers of fish. Pretty streneous procedudures as I recall it, similar to SA coast.

 

[Sunn]

Tofo is a nice place.

Another possibility : Ponta do Ouro (south Mozambique), but I don't remember the period for whale sharks