Great White Sharks and Etosha National Park

23 August - 8 September 2006
Great white sharks and Etosha National Park

Something Special

Apex Expeditions brings you the unique opportunity of viewing Africa’s ultimate predators. From the continent’s big cats to the streamlined hunters of the deep, we invite you to experience the real Africa with real experts all in a single package. Choose one of our 14-day expedition packages and you can have the privilege of observing flying great white sharks, free diving with mako and blue sharks, or watching a cheetah hunt on the African plains.

Flying Sharks

The marine leg of your expedition begins with a welcome at Cape Town International Airport, from where you will be driven to your luxurious accommodation in Simonstown, only a minutes walk from our sheltered launch site. Simonstown, just 30 minutes from Cape Town, is steeped in naval history and boasts a friendly and secure atmosphere.

As the sun lights up the mountains of scenic False Bay you’ll head out in search of Air Jaws, the fabled flying great white sharks of Seal Island. World-renowned shark photographers Chris & Monique Fallows offer you the experience of viewing these fascinating animals in their natural environment, which is as pristine as the day it was first discovered.

Divers may cage-dive with these huge animals, while those who prefer to stay above water can observe the natural and predatory breaching for which the area is famous, or be lucky enough to witness a natural predation. Depending on which expedition package you choose, between 2 and 7 days will be allocated to the search for the great whites which will undoubtedly leave you with a respect, passion and love for these super predators.

Blue Water Predators

Coupled with the flying great whites is the opportunity for you to venture offshore into the warm, clear Agulhas current that is the domain of the pelagic predators such as the magnificent mako and blue sharks.

If you book an expedition between October and May, up to 3 days will be allocated for you to journey to the inky blue water off Cape Point where these pelagic sharks patrol the warm waters to hunt for vast shoals of massive tuna. Drifting offshore over 2000m of water we wait for the sharks to investigate us before, if qualified, you will be able to enter their world and be mesmerised by their sheer grace and beauty.

As pioneers of the pelagic trips we offer you the only opportunity in Africa to view and free dive with these graceful sharks, as well as the huge shoals of yellowfin and longfin tuna that often circle the boat. In an environment where visibility can exceed 30 metres (100 ft) and water temperature hovers around 23 degrees, and where dozens of pelagic bird species abound (up to 6 species of Albatross can be seen), the home of the blue water predators is a truly special place.

• Also to be seen both within the bay and in the deep are various species of whale, dolphin and the African penguin.
• Please note all marine trips are weather dependent.
• All divers must have at least an entry-level certificate.
• Also included: Airport transfers, meals at sea, use of diving gear, scenic trips on weather affected days and an audiovisual presentation.

Desert Dunes

For the land-based part of the expedition you will be lead into the vast plains, savannahs and ochre dunes of Southern Africa for an unforgettable experience with Africa’s famous wildlife in either the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or the world famous Etosha National Park. Depending on your chosen package, between 6 and 9 days are set aside for this wildlife safari.

After being greeted at Upington Airport the cry of the Kalahari beckons as we head off into the ochre dunes of the mysterious Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the first of its kind in the world. The park gives sanctuary to herds of gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest and eland, as well as the famed black-maned lions, hunting cheetah and leopard. The undulating red dunes, clear blue skies and rich wildlife diversity is any photographer’s dream.

Those hoping to see the BIG FIVE in an hour will be disappointed as patience is required to unravel the secrets of the shimmering red dunes. But the rewards are well worth it as, immersed in the intense silence and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable, you will have the privilege of watching the animals’ ongoing battle for survival in a thirstland wilderness unfold before your eyes.

Salt Pans

The alternative option offered for the land-based part of the expedition involves a transfer from one of the airports in Windhoek to the world famous Etosha Pan in Namibia. Home to more than 114 mammal and some 340 bird species, Etosha National Park is renowned not only for its austere beauty, but for the staggering diversity of bird and animal life which it supports. Etosha is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas and is a crucial sanctuary for many of Africa’s rapidly diminishing bird and game species, including the endangered black rhino, the roan antelope and the rare black-faced impala.

The life and death dramas played out amongst the dramatic landscapes of savannahs, mopani and salt pans offer a kaleidoscope of opportunity for any wildlife lover or photographer. You will have the chance of viewing lion, cheetah, leopard, rhinoceros and elephant among others, and hopefully you will travel home having been part of a real African experience.

• Maximum group sizes of between 4 and 6 ensures a flexible and unhurried wildlife experience.
• All meals for the land-based part of the expedition are catered for.
• The expedition includes transfers to and from all airports.
• Accommodation in the wildlife parks is provided in comfortable chalets or bungalows or your choice to camp under the stars.
• A 20% deposit is required to confirm a booking.

Separate shark and bush wildlife safaris are also available.

Contact us to plan your shark and bush expedition.