When Debby, our dive specialist & destination expert, represented Diveplanit Travel at the recent GO Diving Show in Sydney, she brought more than the presentation on the Jenman African Safaris’ dive destinations. She brought over 30 years of diving experience, a PADI Dive instructor certification, and a passion for combining Africa’s underwater spectacles with its terrestrial wildlife.
Selecting standout diving memories from over three decades beneath the waves, is no easy task. From exploring the legendary Blue Hole in the Red Sea to diving Fiji’s pristine Vatu-i-Ra Marine Protected Area, Debz’ experience spans the globe. Yet some of her most treasured moments have been closer to home, at South Africa’s renowned 7 and 9 Mile Reefs in Sodwana Bay, where she once had a heart-stopping encounter with a massive Black Marlin. It is these kinds of up-close experiences with marine megafauna that make diving in Africa extraordinary.
What the GO Diving Show Revealed
The GO Diving Show proved to be an enlightening experience, with us noting a significant shift in Australian diving trends. Rather than revisiting the well-known dive sites of the Pacific and Asia, a number of Australian divers are increasingly looking toward newer, less explored destinations.
This trend aligns perfectly with what Jenman African Safaris offers: diving experiences that venture beyond the conventional, combined with wildlife encounters you will not find anywhere else.
What became clear at the show is that we can offer something truly unique, through our partnership with Australian based Diveplanit Travel. While other exhibitors presented well-known destinations, Diveplanit Travel & Jenman African Safaris showcased the extraordinary combination of world-class diving with iconic African wildlife safaris. Where else can you start your trip diving with whale sharks and end it by tracking lions or lemurs? This dual-experience approach resonates strongly with Australian travellers seeking an authentic adventure.
Why Africa Should Be on Every Diver’s Bucket List
When asked what makes diving in Africa unique, Debby’s answer is simple but powerful:
“The ability to combine underwater adventures with unparalleled wildlife safaris. It is not just about the dive sites themselves, though Africa’s marine biodiversity is exceptional, it is about the complete experience. You are not limited to a dive-only holiday. You can explore coral reefs in the morning and embark on a Big Five game drive in the afternoon.”
For Australians, Africa offers marine life and ecosystems vastly different from those found at home. While Australia boasts incredible diving, African waters present entirely different species, reef systems, and underwater landscapes. Pair that with the opportunity to see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and even lemurs, in their natural habitat, and you have a holiday that delivers on multiple levels.
Debby’s Top Recommendations
When it comes to destinations, our diving specialist has clear favourites based on what divers are seeking. For those hoping to encounter marine megafauna, particularly whale sharks, she recommends two standout locations: Saint Helena Island and Mafia Island, accessible through our Tanzania Diving and Wildlife Safari & Saint Helena and Kruger Safari package.
Saint Helena Island, one of the world’s most remote destinations, offers exceptional diving along with a rich cultural and historical experience. Our Saint Helena Island Scuba Diving Package combines this island adventure with South Africa’s Kruger National Park, creating an itinerary that is one of a kind.
For those diving in Tanzania, Mafia Island provides the perfect base for whale shark encounters, complemented by the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s incredible Nyerere National Park.
One of the most common questions is whether Africa’s dive sites are suitable for all skill levels. The answer is a resounding yes. From Sodwana Bay to Madagascar’s reefs, our destinations offer dive sites for everyone, from beginners taking their first plunge to technical divers seeking challenging deep dives. The variety is immense, and our diving specialist works closely with each client to match them with suitable sites based on certification level and comfort.
Building Awareness and Breaking Misconceptions
Interestingly, Debby did not encounter many misconceptions about diving in Africa at the show. What she did encounter was a lack of awareness of diving options. Many Australian divers simply had not considered Africa as a diving destination. They knew about the safaris, of course, but the diving opportunities remained largely under the radar.
This is precisely why attending consumer shows like GO Diving is so valuable. Our presence introduced the diving community to travel opportunities they may never have considered before. It sparked conversations, challenged assumptions about where the world’s best diving can be found, and showed that Africa deserves a place on any serious diver’s bucket list.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Diveplanit Travel, is our trusted partner in Australia, for creating exceptional diving experiences. These partnerships are essential to what we do. They ensure our clients receive expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to the best dive sites Africa has to offer.
Working with established and reputable dive operators allows Jenman African Safaris to maintain the high standards we are known for, while expanding our reach across the continent.
What Sets Jenman Apart
For travel agents and clients wondering what makes Jenman different, the answer lies in our expertise and our approach. We do not simply book diving trips; we craft comprehensive African experiences. Our team includes Debby, a diving specialist who has lived and breathed diving for decades, and explored dive sites across multiple continents.
This is not theoretical knowledge pulled from a brochure. It is hands-on experience from someone who has managed dive resorts, led countless dives, and understood both the technical and experiential aspects of what makes a scuba dive exceptional.
Our diving safaris span South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar and Saint Helena Island, with itineraries designed to maximise both underwater and above-water experiences. Whether you are interested in the legendary reefs of Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal, the sardine run off Chintsa on South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the remote beauty of Madagascar’s Nosy Be, or the megafauna encounters around Saint Helena and Mafia Island, we have packages that deliver.
The Value of Being There
Attending shows like GO Diving is not just about marketing. It is about listening, learning, and improving. By speaking directly with divers, understanding their concerns, hearing their dream itineraries, and answering their questions, we gather insights that help us create better experiences for our guests.
We learn what matters most to divers, what obstacles prevent them from booking certain destinations, and what would make an African diving safari irresistible. These conversations directly influence how we develop and refine our packages, select our partners, and train our team.
The result is diving safaris that are not simply assembled but thoughtfully designed based on real feedback from real divers.
Ready to Explore?
If you are a travel agent looking to offer your clients something beyond the ordinary, or a diver ready to explore Africa’s underwater world while experiencing its legendary wildlife, we are here to help.
Our diving packages combine expert guidance, quality accommodation near prime dive sites, and seamless logistics that let you focus on the experience rather than the details. From beginners taking their first ocean dives to advanced divers chasing rare marine species, Africa’s diverse dive sites offer something for everyone.
And with the added bonus of world-class wildlife safaris, you are not just taking a diving trip. You are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.
Start Planning Your African Dive Safari Today.
Email: info@jenmansafaris.com
Phone: +27 21 683 7826
