Learning to breathe underwater will immerse you in a new world (see what I did there?)
Scuba diving it’s an exhilarating activity and totally worth it but when you are in your pool session, about to go down, you might think “this is a bad idea” – it isn’t.
I’ll make your life easier by detailing everything you need to know if you want to do the Open Water Certification in Cape Town.
What is PADI?
PADI is the recognised brand for scuba diving certifications around the world. Their certificate is the most famous and can be done anywhere from Cape Town, to a resort in the Maldives, to an island in Malaysia: the scuba diving certifications are always PADI.
They also have different types of certification, from first timer’s scuba diving adventure to scuba diving open water certification to a range of more advanced courses. Wherever you are in the world, whatever your previous certification experience is, you can always keep getting better and exploring more.
My first adventure as a scuba diver took place in Cape Town, wanting to get certified before my upcoming trip to São Tomé and Príncipe so that I would be able to dive in warm water.
What’s the Open Water PADI & Where to do it in Cape Town
The open water certification is the first certification in the scuba diving world you can get. It allows you to scuba dive to 18m under water, without an instructor.
We used Into The Blue, a dive shop in Sea Point, Cape Town. With a couple of friends, we completed the Open Water PADI certification. It takes 3 to 4 days depending on how long you have. In our case, we used a weekend plus a Saturday.
On the first Saturday you’ll have the pool session. There you learn how to set up your equipment and all the necessary skills. Skills include hand signals, filling the mask with water or taking your bcd (bouyancy control device- your backpack with the tank) off and put it back on in the water.
During day 2 you will have 2 different dives. You will do some of the skills you learned in the pool, in the ocean and the rest will be exploring. On Day 3, there are again some more skills in both of the 2 dives and some more exploring.
About the school and instructors: they are amazing individuals, who became friends very quickly and made our three days not only entertaining but fun! I totally recommend Into The Blue if you are looking for a good open water certification school in Cape Town.
Necessary gear for the course:
You don’t need any specific gear, as it will all be provided by the school/resort. You need a swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit, and a towel to dry up after your dives. Specialised gear that the school will provide:
Finns
Mask
Regulator
Bcd – this is the backpack that has the oxygen tank attached to it – simply put. It is also used to inflate and deflate and therefore controls your bouyancy under water
Weight bell
Gloves
Wetsuit
Boots
Oxygen tank
If you are doing your open water at a destination with warmer water, you might have different suits (short sleeved) or even no boots or gloves. This depends on the water temperature in your area. Cape Town dive sites are in the Atlantic and they are quite cold to dive in.
Things to do before your Scuba diving sessions
You will have to read the theory and do some quizzes. It takes some time as there is a lot of theory to go through.
Be patient because the scrolling on the Desktop website is THE most horrible experience ever. The app is better though, so I totally recommend that. Even though the app is better it is still slow and annoying to use so just be patient – paying for the printed version is just more money and you will be throwing the book away/not ever looking at it again – be environmentally conscious!
Make sure you don’t have a cold or sinusitis – it is important to get checked by a general doctor in case you do – you shouldn’t have congestion for this because you won’t be able to equalize and not doing so is very dangerous.
What to expect from your open water certification
Before your session it feels like you are back in school. If you are anything like me, you’ll be going through the theory the night before and feeling like a naughty teenager.
The first day is the least exciting of the three as you are in a pool being taught skills – some will be very easy, and some will be harder, be patient. It is also the first time you will learn how to equalize under water (in case you have never done that before) and for some of us it takes some time.
Once you are out in the sea you will enjoy a new perspective and discover a new world.
Padi Open Water price at Into The Blue, Cape Town
There are two options that have different prices.
Open Water Digital Option: 5995 ZAR per person. The prince includes the log in to your PADI online system so you can read and download the theory manual.
Open Water Deluxe Option: R6495 ZAR per person. Includes a crewpack with DVD’s and the theory manual (book).
Mistakes newbies make – and how to avoid them!
Before I get started, I did all of these. It is the human instinct kicking in. Hopefully reading about them will make you better than I was.
Move your hands a lot. Don’t, try to have them in front of you and balance yourself with your feet and bcd.
Stop breathing when you have a skill that requires you to not see. You can breathe with your eyes closed (e.g. take your mask off and put it back under water).
Breathe normally. A big part of scuba diving is having a relaxed breathing rhythm. If you are stressed and hyperventilating, you will run out of air sooner.
Saying everything is ok with the wrong sign. Underwater the thumbs up means ascending to the surface. We have all done it and will continue to do it, it takes practice.
And that’s about it. Get your Open Water certification in Cape Town, enjoy, and travel to your next scuba diving destination!
Have you ever breathed under water? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
[columns] [span6]
[/span6][span6]
[/span6][/columns]
Big thanks to Into The Blue for letting me use their pictures in this post!
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is part of the UNESCO natural list. The falls (and river) serve as the border between the countries Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “The smoke that thunders”. The name comes from the mist from the water falling which goes high up into the sky, particularly during wet season. It is also considered the capital of adventure in Southern Africa for the wide adrenaline offers in the area.
After living in Cape Town for a year I had to make my way to the falls and experience the majesty of it. I travelled with friends and found out what do in Victoria Falls in 48h, so let’s dive in!
How to get to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls has two main towns near it. One is the town of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe, the closest town to the falls. The other one is Livingstone, in Zambia, about 18 minutes’ drive from the falls.
Both have an international airport and you can fly to either airport and because the transfer between them is a short one, you should look for the best price. Check if you need visas for both countries first!
You can fly directly from Cape Town but most flights from Southern Africa arrive via Johannesburg.
Best area to stay during your trip to Victoria Falls
There are several areas and vibes for you to choose depending on what you want. Victoria Falls town is the hub of a small town, walking distance from the falls. You can find anything from hostels to high-end hotels around the city. There are restaurants, nightclubs and a small town offering in terms of variety. There are resorts outside of town offering a more tranquil setting.
Livingstone town is mainly left as a tourist spot unless you know someone or you have a specific reason to want to stay there. It is too far away to just go to the falls, you’d need to drive. Instead, Zambia has a different type of offer with hotels located next to the falls, without being in a town/village. They offer different levels of hospitality and can go as far away as more than an hour from the falls.
If you are looking for a small town vibe close to the falls, Victoria Falls town should be your first choice. If you are looking for more of a ‘resort in Africa’ experience and just want to check the falls once, then the resorts in Zambia will be to your liking.
Where to stay in Victoria Falls
There are several good accommodations on both sides of the falls, here are just some options to get you started.
Zambia side:
Avani Victoria Falls: the only hotel with a private entrance to the falls on the Zambian side. That means that you can save up to about 30EUR in costs. It is a big hotel and great for families and couples alike.
Chundukwa: looking for something a little more secluded? This hotel has great value for price and offers a luxury experience a little higher up the falls.
Zimbabwean side:
Shoestrings backpackers: The backpackers where I stayed during my trip. It has a great vibe with simple and clean rooms, food is delicious and locals and tourists seem to get together for a beer in the evening!
Batonka hotel: It is an entry-level hotel style, this lodge offers a relaxing atmosphere and great service.
Victoria Falls in 48h: best things to do
First day in Victoria Falls
Arrive and check in at your accommodation. Start your Victoria Falls in 48h trip by walking to Lookout Café for lunch/snacks/drinks. If you are into adrenaline adventures, the gorge swing is a must do from this place.
Head back to town and stop at the falls. The falls can be visited from the Zambian side as well as the Zimbabwean side. They both have lookouts in front of the falls with views. About the 75% of the fall’s lookouts are in the Zimbabwean side.
During low water season (between the end of August and January) the Zambian side doesn’t have much water running down, due to turbines being used up the river (they are in the process of changing this!)
I recommend starting with the Zimbabwean side’s falls. The lookouts start off to the side of the falls and take you closer and closer to Zambia. I visited during low water season and the last 4 lookouts left us drenched in water, so during high water season ‘The smoke that thunders’ (Mosi-oa-tunya, the original name) will leave you very wet! From the last lookout you can see the amount of water on the Zambian side and make your decision whether to go there or not.
Go for dinner and a great hostel atmosphere at Shoestrings backpackers.
Second day in Victoria Falls
Go on a Chobe full day tour. The tour involves crossing the border to Botswana and spending the day discovering the landscape. You will have included a boat safari and a 4×4 safari, as well as lunch and transfers from Victoria Falls.
If you are curious about the fauna and landscape of Chobe, read this detailed post about it here.
Third day in Victoria Falls
Start the day early and go to the Zambian side for the Livingstone tour. This tour needs to be booked in advance. The tour takes you to an island on the Zambezi, Livingstone Island, where David Livingstone first saw the Victoria Falls.
During low water season you can do the thrilling activity of swimming in the Devil’s pool. It looks way scarier than it was! You get to visit the island (arriving by boat), cross the Zambezi river to get to the pool and swim there for a short time. All tours include either breakfast or lunch on the island.
If you want the warmest water go for the 7am tour. If you want the warmest sun go for the 9am tour.
You have more days in Victoria Falls?
Not a problem! You will see the town is full of energy for such a small and remote place. You can choose from a variety of safaris to nearby parks or focus on adrenaline activities.
There are day tours departing daily to the national parks and you can also choose to go on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi. Some of the available ones are white river rafting, microlight flight over the falls, helicopter ride over the falls, bungee jumping or zip lining. It is called the Adventure capital of southern Africa for a reason!
If you’re interested in a group of activities make sure you try to find an activity package to bring the cost down a little bit, your pocket will be happier for it.
Have you already decided what you’ll do in Victoria Falls with 48h? Pin it for later!
Are you staying in Victoria Falls, one of the seventh natural wonders by Unesco and looking for an add on? Have you read about Chobe National Park but aren’t sure if the trip is worth it?
If you want to spend a day exploring one of Botswana’s National Parks next door without overnighting there, this article is for you.
Deciding whether the day trip is worth the money and time spent and especially knowing whether the wildlife sightings are worth it (after most likely visiting another safari destination in Southern Africa) is something we want to know.
Luckily for you, I went on a Chobe Day trip and can share all of these insights with you. After this post you can decide if going there is worth it for you or not.
What and where is the Chobe National Park?
Chobe National Park is in the North of Botswana, and it is known for having the largest population of elephants in Africa.
Its varied ecosystems, landscapes and variety of animals (especially mammals and birds) make this area a prime destination for safari lovers. The Chobe river runs through the park and creates flood lands and woodlands.
The closest town to the Park is Kasane, with a domestic airport. It can also be reached by road transfer from Victoria Falls, hence why the Chobe Day Trip appeals to some budget-aware travellers.
How far away it is from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia)
When we speak about “staying in Victoria Falls” one can either stay in Victoria Falls town or Livingstone – the closest towns to the falls.
Victoria Falls is within walking distance from the falls themselves while Livingstone is about 18 minutes away by car. The distance from Victoria Falls to Chobe is around 1h30 and from Livingstone we should add another 30 minutes.
To go to Chobe National Park you will be going through borders in order to either:
Leave Zimbabwe and enter Botswana; leave Botswana enter Zimbabwe
Leave Zambia and enter Botswana; leave Botswana and enter Zambia
Keep this in mind when you check your visa requirements – you will need a multiple entry visa!
What do you do during the Chobe Day Trip
The bus will pick you up from your accommodation around 7h00 and start the drive to the border. During the drive, the road is tarred but you drive inside the National Park so you should look for animals!
On arrival to the border, you will queue to go through customs and then walk to the other side, where another bus will be waiting for you. The guides will direct you during the process, so you don’t get onto the wrong bus – don’t worry!
From the border you have a short drive to the hotel that you are going to use as a base.
The hotels that the different suppliers use for the day trip all have entrances to the river. You will then embark on your river cruise safari. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see elephants crossing the river or large herds of buffalo. The chances of seeing hippos and crocodiles are also super high!
On arrival back at the hotel lunch is included. You will have some lunch time and after that depart on your 4×4 safari through another part of the park. You will then have the opportunity to check out the area from a different perspective.
When the safari is finished you’ll go back to the hotel to get back on the bus. The estimated arrival time back at your accommodation, where they will drop you off, is about 17h30.
What is the price of the Chobe Day trip
There are different suppliers offering this activity around Victoria Falls. The prices per person range between 160 USD – 180 USD in 2018. (depending on inclusions and exclusions)
Chobe Day trip: is it worth it?
Yes!
The landscapes of Chobe National Park are something else.
It is a great way to discover a little piece of Botswana without overnighting and paying the high prices that characterise Botswana’s accommodations.
If you are afraid that, after being on safari before, Chobe is going to feel like too much safari, you shouldn’t be. Again, you might have seen the animals before but the difference in landscape is noticeable. The chance to see elephants crossing the river will make the experience very different and worth the time.
If you haven’t been on a safari before and are not sure if it will be to your liking, this day is a great way to discover two different types of activities (the boat safari and the 4×4 safari) in a single day and get a glimpse of how amazing the world of wildlife can be.
If you are a world travelled safari-goer but have never been to Botswana the day trip will give you a quick look, so you know what to expect in the country.
The Chobe day trip is totally worth the money during your stay in Victoria Falls. It acts as a great complement for the end of your trip.
Until less than a year ago I didn’t know where São Tomé and Príncipe was. To be completely honest, I hadn’t even heard of the country’s name. The islands are in the guinea gulf in West Africa and are the second smallest country in the continent. The country is comprised of two islands, Sao Tome being the biggest island while the smaller one is Principe. The capital is Sao Tome city, on Sao Tome island.
I visited in October for 9 days and previous to my trip it proved quite hard to find up to date information regarding practical travel requirements such as money or accommodation, so here’s everything you need to know about São Tomé and Príncipe so that you can plan your travels with as much information as possible.
Everything you need to know about São Tomé and Príncipe
Fast facts
Coffee and cocoa cultivation
Biosphere reserve unesco
The Equator separates a little part on the south island from the rest of the country
Dreamy beaches and year round 26ºC degree water
Getting to São Tomé and Príncipe
Flight: You can fly from Portugal, Angola or Ghana with direct flights. They don’t fly every day of the week but about 2-3 times a week depending on the airline.
Boat: This is not really an option. You might be lucky and be able to hop on a cargo boat or similar but there are no regular departures.
Travelling between São Tomé and Príncipe
Flight to connect between the islands both airlines (35min) with STP airways or Africa Connection.
There are some boats but for practical reasons I wouldn’t recommend them, as they take longer and do not have scheduled departures.
The information online is not up to date. I recommend you to contact your closest embassy. For EU citizens you only need a valid passport (I found that out after contacting the Brussels embassy).
The islands are in a malaria area, and noted by CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) preventive pills should be taken. Some years ago there was a big campaign to prevent malaria by providing insecticide sprays, mosquito nets and treatment. The citizens will tell you that malaria pills are not necessary in the country, so you can decide for yourself. I didn’t take preventive pills during this trip.
Driving in São Tomé and Príncipe
They drive on the righthand side of the road. Only the main roads are tarred, and the rest are gravel/dirt roads. Even in the cities there are gravel roads. A 4×4 is required for the usual day trips, as potholes, and bumpy gravel roads are common.
During your days on the big island (that is Sao Tome), you will most likely do the southern day tour, the northern day tour and the central day tour. They all require a 4×4 as some parts have tarred roads and some don’t. I have never had to drive so slowly over so many potholes, but it was part of the fun (the co-pilot begs to disagree on how smooth or not I was 😉 )
Paying in São Tomé and Príncipe
They do not accept card payment on the islands. They do not have foreign currency ATMs. I am not joking. São Tomé and Príncipeis (so far and hopefully) the only country that I’ve heard of who doesn’t accept card payments. When booking accommodation online, they will ask for a bank transfer (international). For car rental they will ask you for cash on arrival.
If that doesn’t sound crazy enough, wait until I tell you that their ATMs won’t let you withdraw money. ATM’s only work with their own bank cards. You have to carry cash with you for your whole trip. That means budgeting your possible expenses in advance (I had 1€ left by the time I left – that proves how amazing I am at budgeting, right?). You can bring Euros and pay with them everywhere. Some places won’t accept Euro coins but only Euro notes, so keep that in mind when they give your euro coins back (because, they do have them and are trying to get rid of them). It is a good idea to ask for dobras back instead.
You can also exchange from Euro to Dobras (it is always good to have some small notes) at hotels and near the Petrol Station in Sao Tome. Some guys will be asking “cambio?” “exchange?” and they will follow the official rate (but you should always check).
I only found one exception in Bom Bom Resort, Principe, where I could pay with credit card.
The country is very safe. Not at any point during the trip did I feel unsafe or uneasy. I had two interactions with police while driving the rented car and both were very polite and friendly. People do look at you but it is more of a why-would-you-come-here face than anything else.
Culture
São Tomé and Príncipe gained its independence from Portugal in 1975. The language spoken is Portuguese with a very distinct African accent. There is a lack of classrooms and educated teachers, and the unemployment rate is close to 50% on the islands.
The buildings in the main cities haven’t been maintained for the last 40 years, and areas of town are left “abandoned”. There is a need to take care of their beautiful architecture. It feels like they don’t care and conserving their own country is not a priority yet. There is quite a lot of rubbish on the streets as well.
Accommodation in São Tomé and Príncipe
Although the accommodation industry is developing, there are few options available to stay around the country. Most of the accommodation on offer are 5 star and luxury hotels, developed by foreign portfolios. The entry level industry is starting and there are a couple guesthouses available on both islands, although they are not so easy to find. I recommend checking the website Sao Tome islands (https://www.saotomeislands.com/hotel.html) as well as booking.com.
Internet access
All hotels and guesthouse have internet access, as well as some big restaurants. The different wifi’s that I used were of good quality, enough to stream some youtube videos.
Food and water
Being islands their main source of protein is fish. Fish is served everywhere on the island and is delicious. I had the pleasure to taste what now is my number 1 fish ever at a small restaurant during the stay. Coffee, sugar and cocoa are common. Typical plates include pregos, queijadas and feijoadas.
The tap water is drinking water but as always keep in mind every stomach reacts differently and you should be careful. I recommend having a filtered water bottle just in case.
When is the best time of the year to go
São Tomé and Príncipe is a destination that can be visited all year round. The islands have two rainy seasons. The short rains are in October and November and the main rainy season is in February and March. I travelled in October and the thunderstorms are a force to be taken into consideration. I had good weather but some days after 1pm the rain took charge.
Highlights
In São Tomé island
Central day tour
Southern day tour
Northern day tour
In Príncipe island
Visit Praia Banana
Visit Praia Campinha
Dive/snorkel
Why you should go to São Tomé and Príncipe
The tourist numbers annually are around 110.000 people. The country is still fairly untouched and has a different offer
Most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and warm water
Great endemic flora and the Obo National Park is a UNESCO biosphere area
Tourism is boosting the economy and giving jobs to the islands and hopefully improving their lives in the near future
Nice to visit the second smallest country in Africa (after Seychelles) and the smallest capital city in the world, Santo Antonio (Principe island)
During our 10 day trip in Uganda and Rwanda our second last stop was Lake Kivu in Rwanda. The lake forms the border between the DRC and Rwanda, and is also very close to Uganda. We stayed at Paradise Kivu to pamper ourselves.
Paradise Kivu recently opened they had an amazing “first year special”, allowing us to save some money and still be a little fancy. We stayed there for two nights and truly did not want to leave.
Quick Facts:
Good for: families, couples, friends
Starting from: 250 USD per night
Location: Gisenyi, Rwanda
Arriving at Paradise Kivu, Rwanda
Paradise Kivu is 10 minutes away from Gisenyi. The lodge is on the shores of the lake and sits on the side of a hill running from the entrance down to the small private beach.
To get there you will have to drive or take a bus to the city of Giseny. from there you can drive if you have a car or hire a motorcycle for about 10 minutes to take you to the accommodation. It is 10 minutes away from town but you can do almost everything from there.
About Paradise Kivu resort
From the main gate you descend onto the first level down, where the kitchen, main common area and restaurant are. The chalets are on both sides of the main area. There’s also an orchard that they use for all fresh produce in the kitchen.
The food is made with freshly grown vegetables, fruits and other fresh produce from their own garden. It blew my mind.
The menu is extensive and there are different international and local dishes to choose from. We had dinner and breakfast both days and enjoyed the cuisine a lot.
We ordered food and enjoyed a improvised picnic on the beach both nights, because there wasn’t another place we would rather be spending that golden hour. The staff was super happy to accommodate and brought all food and drinks down for us.
The most outstanding space in the lodge is clearly their private beach. Separating the cabins/main area and the beach there is a grass garden with picnic tables and hammocks.
From there, descending cobbled stone stairs one can find the private beach. It is about 6 metres wide in the widest area, but it is perfect and very romantic. The sunsets there cannot compare to any other that I’ve seen, as the sun sets in right in front of one, where the DR Congo is.
The rooms at Paradise Kivu
The rooms are standalone with a little deck area. They have thatched roofs and you can access them walking on cobbled stone paths from the main areas.
Inside the room there is a double bed, mosquito net, desk and chair. There was a little walk in closet with a safe and the bathroom.
Activities at Paradise Kivu
The lodge is far enough from the city to not hear noise and sits next to a lake. You can enjoy the beach or the tranquil ambience of the lodge itself – relaxing in the hammocks.
They also have a sister property, Paradise Malahide, halfway between town and Paradise Kivu. We took a boat to the other lodge and rented kayaks there. Right in front of the Malahide property the owners have a small private island that you can visit or rent for lunch or dinner.
What I loved the most
The entire lodge feels like an Eden garden, full of greens, trees and chirping birds. But I would be lying if I didn’t say my favourite part of the resort was the private beach… and the food… and the food we ate at the private beach! Both nights the sunset and having dinner sitting on a beach alone was the highlight of my stay.
What could be improved
There is always something you can come up with for this section, but in this case it was quite hard. The only thing I would say is that staff could have given us a better recommendation on where to eat in town. Not a big deal, it was very touristy and we wanted the right local experience.
What is the best food in a restaurant or lodge that you’ve experienced? Paradise Kivu’s food was definitely in my Top 10 greatest ones!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with thisCookie Settings, but you can opt-out if you wish. ACCEPTRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
