MARINE CONSERVATION EXPEDITION 2021: SOUTH AFRICA - In proud partnership with - presents - tomcannon ...
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presents
MARINE CONSERVATION
EXPEDITION 2021:
SOUTH AFRICA
In proud partnership with
Dear reader,
Thank you for enquiring about joining my expedition to South Africa in 2021!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and explain to you a little about how my experiences, passions and how I came to be a part of this amazing expedition.
I was born in the seaside town of Shoreham, on the south coast. of England where I spent my early childhood. I later made a life changing move to Western Australia with my family when I was
just 13 years old, giving me opportunities I had always dreamed of. I grew up being inspired by my Grandfathers diving career and living near the coast I developed a passion for the ocean and
its wildlife, together they ignited my dream of working as natural history videographer and photographer.
In 2015, my dream became a reality and I was lucky enough to begin working on board the Whaleshark, Manta Ray and Humpback Whales Interaction Tours on the Ningaloo Reef, in remote
Western Australia - this is where I am currently writing this piece to you! As you are aware, the state of our planets natural world has never been more at threat and it pains me to say that our
oceans are really baring the brunt of this. Once a thriving ecosystem, our greed and focus on our own species’ wants and needs, has led to widespread destruction and mass decline in the
ocean’s biodiversity from megafauna, such as the magnificent Great White Shark to the fish stocks they rely on - our impact as humans as gone too far.
With our planet’s future at risk, my life’s purpose has now become to learn, capture and share all that I can of the natural world
so that we can shift the focus of back to the world we have sadly grown apart from.
The expeditions we have created give the best possible opportunity for you to view wildlife in its natural environment, meet the people that dedicate their lives to protecting it as well as the
opportunity to learn from the experts that work with them every day as well as the ground breaking documentary producers. This expedition will educate and open our eyes to the very real
issues our wildlife faces and how we can begin to help protect it. We have simply created a inspirational trip of a life-time.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in South Africa on this awesome adventure!
Tom Cannon
MEET TOM CANNON
Born in the seaside town of Shoreham, England. Tom moved
to Australia when he was just 13 years old. His passion for
the ocean led him to become an underwater photographer,
specialising in Whales, Dolphins and Whale Sharks.
Tom has a strong social media following, after the image (right)
went viral in 2018.
Now Tom’s mission is to use his images and video to inspire
people from around the world to help protect the planets
oceans and it’s inhabitants.
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
A unique expedition to capture
the natural beauty of our oceans.
In July 2021, I will be travelling to South Africa to
meet a fantastic team of photographers, marine
biologists, influencers and shark experts on a
series of expeditions along the entire length of
South Africa’s southern coastline.
This will shine a spotlight on the people and
organisations working on the front line of ocean
conservation as well as to generate funding and
awareness for these organisations.
The expedition aims to show the raw beauty of
a world, both admired and misunderstood, by
many people around the world.
The expedition will provide stunning 8k and 3D
footage of a huge variety of marine wildlife in
their natural environment - showcasing sharks,
whales, seals, octopi, birds, dolphins and rays to
learn and understand the many species in order
to protect them.
OCEAN CONSERVATION
More creatures live in the oceans
than on land, with over 12,000
marine species in South African
waters alone.
With this diversity, it is more important than
ever for those passionate about marine wildlife
to come together, share expertise and raise
awareness about the threats they face and the
possible solutions.
To maximise the awareness of the issue, we will
film the entire expedition in full 8k, 3D video as
well as using expert photography technique.
This production aims to educate and inspire a
deeper connection to nature worldwide, by
sharing the stories of those on the front line of
the ocean conservation in South Africa.
CONSERVATION EXPEDITIONS
2021
SHARK WEEK | THE SARDINE RUN | LAND & SEA
EXPEDITION 3
ITINERARY:
LAND AND SEA
KWA-ZULU NATAL - SOUTH AFRICA
24TH JULY TO 3RD AUGUST 2021
Price: £2595
ALIWOL SHOAL | PROTEA BANKS | SODWANA
*Advanced open water diving certificate required for this trip.
EXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 1
Arrival Durban
We arrive at Durban International Airport before
14h00.
Then we make our way to our accommodation in
Umkomaas, 32 on Harvey, which is just one hour
journey from the airport.
For the next two days we’ll be situated in the
centre of Umkomaas. When we are not diving
simply take a stroll through the quaint diving
town to stock up on supplies, visit the bars and
restaurants - enjoying the South African lifestyle.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
EXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 2
Ocean Mantas - Aliwol shoal
After a light snack and a full safety and site briefing we will
head to sea for at 7 am for our first reef dives, led by marine
megafauna expert and passionate conservatioinist, Michelle
Carpenter.
The reef at Aliwol Shoal is world famous; a fossilised sand
dune characterised by soft corals and sponges. There are
nudibranchs, paperfish and numerous species of morey eels,
lion fish, scorpionfish, turtles, groupers , rays and skates. It
is also a breeding ground for Ragged Tooth Sharks. They are
in abundance this time of year and we can get up close and
personal.
Our skipper, Carl Elkington has 23 years’ experience on Aliwol
Shoal working in the charter industry, as well as working on
BBC’s “Blue Planet 2”, BBC’s “Natures Great Events” and Disneys
“Dolphins”.
Michelle Carpenter is a PhD student at the University of Cape Town
working with the Marine Megafauna Foundation. She has researched We will head back to base for a full breakfast and depart around
manta rays for four years in Mozambique as well as Indonesia. She has 11am for our second reef dive, then In the evening we will have
been working in the marine biology field for nine years, with experience in a presentation by Dr Ryan Daly of the Oceanographic Research
marine megafauna research, coral monitoring and restoration, teaching, Institute.
public outreach/education, and working as a divemaster. Michelle is also
an underwater videographer, photographer, and freediver.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
EXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 3
Blacktips baited shark dive
(no cage)
After morning coffee and nibbles we head out to sea by boat
with Dr. Ryan Daly who specialises in spatial ecology and the
conservation of sharks.
Running the show is our main man, skipper Carl.
Todays dive is such really exciting, as we will be doing a baited
shark dive! We will hang a bait drum at a depth of 8 metres
and hover next to it. There are approx 10-20 Blacktip Sharks
swimming around the drum and we are in the front row!
They are Carcharhinus Limbatus and they are much bigger than
the Blacktip Reef Sharks. As it is shallow, we can spend at least 60
minutes on the dive, or as long as your air lasts. This is another
great opportunity for photography as the sharks swim within
inches of you.
Dr. Ryan Daly is a top marine expert, whose PHD focused on the
After the dive, we will head back to base and have the afternoon
ecology of Bull sharks in Mozambique which has since expanded to
off to visit the village or to hang at base to edit the footage,
include studies on other top predatory sharks along our coastline
before we end the day with a delicious dinner.
such as Tiger Sharks populations. Ryan is also a strong activist, on
the health of our oceans.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 4
“Raggies”
After a light breakfast, we will take the shuttle through to Protea
Banks which is just short of an hour drive.
Situated about 8km off Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu Natal
South coast, Protea Banks is a unique reef system, with stunning
topography.
A huge diversity of game fish attracts a wide variety of top
predators seen in only a few places in the world. We will dive the
Northern Pinnacle at a depth of 28 to 38 meters.
This site is where the Ragged Tooth Sharks come to mate. It
allows divers to view ‘Raggies’ up close on their annual migration
route. The area consists of two ‘cave’ systems in which ‘Raggies’
congregate.
At times it is impossible to see the mouth of the ‘caves’ as it is
completely obscured by masses of Ragged Tooth Sharks. A variety
of Bull (Zambezi), Oceanic Blacktip, Tiger, Hammerhead and Dusky
Sharks are also seen regularly. There are also a few friendly Potato
Bass that love to come and greet the divers.
The Northern Pinnacles is rich in reef fish life and it is a beautiful
place to dive. This evening we enjoy a farewell braai with the team.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 5
Big 5 safari
Today we bid farewell to Umkomaas and our sea friends and
travel four hours along the coast line and then inland to Rhino
Ridge in Hluluwe Game Reserve, the oldest proclaimed reserve
in Africa. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve – so prepare to be spoiled!
We will depart on our afternoon game drive in search of the
Big 5. Our safari is on open, high game viewing vehicles led by
professional guides and trackers who are always a highlight of
every safari. You just never know what’s around the next corner…
Safari drives are not only about seeing the Big 5, but learning
more about the amazing ecosystems and the wildlife.
Our knowledgeable guide will impart a wealth of fascinating
information, bringing you closer to the natural environment. As
the day draws to a close, we’ll have sundowners and snacks as we
watch the sunset on your evening game drive.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 6
Game drive
At 06.30 we head out in our safari vehicle, searching
for creatures great and small and especially looking
for the rhino that this lodge is famous for. Tom will
hold a small photography workshop, focussing on
the use of morning light in photography.
After our drive we will head back to camp for a hearty
breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to relax around
the pool, edit footage from Aliwol and Protea banks,
go on a guided game walk (extra fee R675 pp paid
locally) or hit the spa and relax!
Then at 3h30 we depart on our afternoon game
drive.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 7
Sodwana freediving
After our morning game drive and breakfast we will
take a leisurely 3 hour drive to Sodwana where the
warm Indian Ocean currents from Mozambique
wash into the shores of Maputaland. Here we’ll drive
past wide lakes, golden beaches and towering dunes.
We will be staying at Sodwana Bay Lodge which is
nestled behind the world’s highest vegetated sand
dunes. Just 6km from the beach, Sodwana Bay Lodge
has been carefully designed to match the rustic,
simplistic natural beauty of nature’s surroundings.
On arrival we will have a light lunch at the lodge and
then get ready for our free diving course with four
times freediving champion Beth Neale AKA “One
Breath Beth”.
This afternoon we conduct theory sessions, practise
breathing, breath hold and do some stretches. Then
we will practise all we have learnt in the diving pool.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 8
Freediving & 2 mile reef!
In the morning, we will meet with with Beth and Miles, and head
to sea by boat for a morning of free diving, the way it should be
done... in the best reefs in the world!
Freediving is the fastest growing adventure sport in the world. We
will be out for approximately 3 hours in one of the top reef diving
destinations in the world - you’re in for a real treat! The warm,
clear tropical waters, and shallow coral reefs, make it the perfect
place to learn how to to freedive.
Lunch at Sodwana Bay Lodge
This afternoon we’ll head out for a scuba dive. If the other reefs we
dive at are villages then the Two Mile Reef is a metropolis. Ranging
in depth from twelve, to thirty metres, Two Mile Reef can show
you everything that Sodwana has to offer; the shark caves on
Whitetip, sharks teeth littering the sand at Caves and Overhangs,
Beth Neale is a real life mermaid who holds the free dive record of 50m Trumpetfish hiding amongst Snappers waiting for unwary fish by
with no fins and has a breath hold of 6 minutes. She is a Pure Apnea Master Four Buoy, a Seahorse on Roonies and the Old Woman Angelfish,
Freediving Instructor and also a qualified PADI Advanced Scuba Diver. Joining that twists and turns through your bubbles following you all the
Beth on our expedition is Aqua man Miles. Follow Beth in Instagram way to your safety stop.
@onebreathbeth
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 9
Freediving and 5 mile reef
In the morning, we will go back out with Beth and
Miles and head to sea by boat for another free dive
session, for approximately 3 hours. We will no doubt
gain more confidence, stay under the water longer
and get closer to more marine life.
After our freedive experience, we make our way back
to land for lunch at our accommodation.
In the afternoon, we will be back on the boat to
scuba dive at 5 mile reef, one of the most epic dive
spots in the whole of South Africa and home to an
astounding variety of fine coral, which is remarkably
intact. The multitudes of colourful tropical fish that
swarm over the reef, and around the divers create
the sensation of being in an endless aquarium. A
magical dive you can never forget!
The late afternoon is free to chill, before dinner at the
lodge around 7pm.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 10 am
Mile 7 reef
We’ve saved the best for last!
After an early start we head to Seven Mile Reef, which
regularly features in the top ten dive sites in the
world in magazines - this is a photographers dream
as the colourful clusters of fish around the outcrops
on Northern Wall make every photo a majestic
backdrop.
Seven Mile Reef is a microcosm of Sodwana;
stunning topography, amazing schooling fish and
incredible macro life. Seven Mile Northern Wall, the
Amphitheatre and Mushroom Rocks will leave a
lasting impression on any diver.
Ranging from twenty four to sixteen metres Seven
Mile is the only wall dive in Sodwana.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 10 pm
Hippos and crocs!
In the afternoon, we travel by 4 x 4 to Lake Sibaya,
home to the 2nd largest population of Hippos and
crocodiles. Lake Sibaya is tucked against forested
coastal dunes, parallel to iSimangaliso’s coastline. Its
pristine, crystal clear waters, fringed by pure white
sand are fed entirely by run-off from the highly
vegetated dunes reaching 165m. The lake is an
important breeding, feeding and roosting area for a
host of bird species.
The Lake supports a diverse array of zooplankton,
15 species of aquatic and 43 species of terrestrial
molluscs, as well as flora and fauna unique to South
Africa. Here we will enjoy a farewell braai and share
our last African sunset together.
The rest of the evening will be spent back at
Sodwana Bay Lodge where we will prepare a HUGE
dinner to mark the end of this incredible expedition.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includedEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
DAY 11
Farewell
After an epic trip through Kwa-Zulu Natal, we make
our way back to Durban, on a 4 hour drive.
The expedition draws to a close and over breakfast
we share our memories of the adventures we had in
the last 10 days.
You depart the trip having made new friends and
connections with a greater knowledge of the animals
and people of South Africa. You will also have a hard
drive full of epic photos and film, for when you return
home. and relive the Land and Sea adventures all
over again!
Breakfast included
----------------------------------------------------------------EXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
ACCOMMODATION
32 on Harvey - Umkomaas
(DAY 1-4)
Situated in the centre of Umkomaas and walking distance
from the dive center, this guesthouse is perfectly located
with everything you need, right at your fingertips.
‘32 on Harvey’ offers that tranquil setting where
unwinding is a must with a tempting treat of relaxing
around the pool. Your home away from home offers
your choice of twin or double beds, there are Nespresso
coffee machines in each room as well as all the simple
luxuries.
TWIN SHAREEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
ACCOMMODATION
Rhino Ridge - Hluluwe Game
Reserve
(DAY 5 and 6)
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, in partnership with with
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, is a huge success story in rhino
conservation in South Africa, working to bring the species
back from the edge of extinction. It is the only private
lodge in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
We willl experience Africa’s oldest national park together
with a luxury safari that you’ll never forget.
The lodge features slick, contemporary design with
natural finishes and a deck that extends along one side
of the lodge, 11 metre infinity lap pool, sundeck and spa.
TWIN SHAREEXPEDITION 3 | Land and Sea
ACCOMMODATION
Sodwana Bay Lodge
(DAY 7 to 11)
The lodges are tastefully decorated, wooden thatched
chalets that offer scenic views. The chalets are situated
right in the heart of the town and they are twin or double
occupancy.
Chalets have en-suite bathrooms, a fridge as well as a tea
& coffee station and a Television.
The lodges are all air-conditioned and also have ceiling
fans. You have your own balcony where you can sit back
and relax, enjoying the peace and quiet.
TWIN SHARETo register your interest in joining this trip
CLICK HERE
If you have any questions please
contact
Kieran Gregory
kieran@inspiredventures.co.uk
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