Trip – Ponta do Ouro, Kruger National Park
Learn to Dive and See the Big 5
Immerse yourself in this epic adventure and become a certified diver while exploring the stunning waters of Ponta do Ouro. This trip is designed for novices, where you’ll complete your PADI Open Water Diver course, certifying you to dive up to 18 meters. Before arriving, you’ll complete your PADI theory online, and once in Mozambique, you’ll begin your pool sessions and complete your open water dives in the vibrant reefs of Ponta do Ouro. After your diving adventure, continue your journey in neighboring South Africa with a Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park, where lions, elephants, and other iconic wildlife roam free.
This adventure is more than just diving and safari – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in marine conservation and community empowerment. From the moment you arrive, you’ll engage with local communities and learn about conservation efforts led by local NGOs and the Maputo Dive Center, including our Zero to Hero Diving initiative, which empowers Mozambican divers and marine biologists.
Whether you’re learning to dive, experiencing local culture, or spotting wildlife in Kruger National Park, every day offers a deep connection to Mozambique’s people, history, and environment. This journey leaves you with more than just memories – it’s an invitation to actively engage in marine conservation, support local communities, and experience the true essence of Mozambique and South Africa.
Ready to embark on this one-of-a-kind adventure? Explore the full itinerary below and discover the magic of learning to dive, marine life, and the wonders of Mozambique and South Africa’s landscapes.




Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ponta do Ouro

- Arrive in Ponta do Ouro and settle into your accommodation
- Kick off your experience with an introduction from one of our team members, where you’ll meet the team, learn about the trip, and get an overview of Mozambique’s incredible history and marine life
- Enjoy a relaxed, beachfront seafood barbecue (locally called a “braai”) while mingling with fellow divers and taking in the coastal atmosphere
Day 2: Pool Sessions

- Begin the day with breakfast at your accommodation
- Spend the day completing the pool training sessions for your PADI Open Water course, where you’ll practice key skills for safe diving
- Relax after your pool session and enjoy the beach or local activities
Day 3 and 4: Open Water Dives

- After breakfast, head out for your first set of open water dives (two dives per day) to complete your PADI Open Water certification
- After each dive, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore Ponta’s beautiful beach
Day 5: Dives as a Certified Diver

- Start the day with breakfast, then embark on two exciting dives as a newly certified diver
- Relax in the afternoon, taking in the serene beach vibes or participating in other water activities
Day 6: Free Day to Explore

- Spend the day as you wish – whether you want to dive more, or try a new activity like snorkeling with dolphins or surfing, the choice is yours
Day 7: Arrival in Kruger National Park

- Start your day with breakfast, before heading to Kruger National Park
- Transfer to Kruger and arrive at your accommodation
- Unwind after your journey with a delicious dinner, followed by a peaceful evening, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush
Day 8: Full-Day Safari Drive

- Start your day with a light breakfast
- Embark on a full-day game drive through Kruger National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other fascinating wildlife
- Pause for a relaxing lunch in the park, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kruger’s landscapes
- In the evening, gather for a traditional bush braai (barbecue) under the open African sky – a quintessential safari experience where you can share stories of the day’s wildlife sightings
Day 9: Full-Day Safari Drive & Dinner

- Start your final morning with breakfast, then set off on a full-day game drive as you make your way out of Kruger National Park, maximizing your chances to see the Big 5 and other incredible wildlife one last time
- Pause for lunch in the park, enjoying the surrounding wildlife and natural beauty
- After an unforgettable day in the wild, transfer to Maputo, where you’ll check into a cozy hotel
- In the evening, join your team for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the amazing journey from Mozambique’s waters to Africa’s diverse landscapes and iconic wildlife
Day 10: Departure

- After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey
- Bid farewell to Mozambique and the unforgettable experiences that have connected you with its marine life, culture, and wildlife
Timeline and Itinerary

Arrival in Ponta do Ouro - Day 1:

- Arrive in Ponta do Ouro and settle into your accommodation
- Kick off your experience with an introduction from one of our team members, where you’ll meet the team, learn about the trip, and get an overview of Mozambique’s incredible history and marine life
- Enjoy a relaxed, beachfront seafood barbecue (locally called a “braai”) while mingling with fellow divers and taking in the coastal atmosphere

Pool Sessions - Day 2:

- Begin the day with breakfast at your accommodation
- Spend the day completing the pool training sessions for your PADI Open Water course, where you’ll practice key skills for safe diving
- Relax after your pool session and enjoy the beach or local activities

Open Water Dives - Day 3 and 4:

- After breakfast, head out for your first set of open water dives (two dives per day) to complete your PADI Open Water certification
- After each dive, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore Ponta’s beautiful beach

Dives as a Certified Diver - Day 5:

- Start the day with breakfast, then embark on two exciting dives as a newly certified diver
- Relax in the afternoon, taking in the serene beach vibes or participating in other water activities

Free Day to Explore - Day 6:

- Spend the day as you wish – whether you want to dive more, or try a new activity like snorkeling with dolphins or surfing, the choice is yours

Arrival in Kruger National Park - Day 7:

- Start your day with breakfast, before heading to Kruger National Park
- Transfer to Kruger and arrive at your accommodation
- Unwind after your journey with a delicious dinner, followed by a peaceful evening, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush

Full-Day Safari Drive - Day 8:

- Start your day with a light breakfast
- Embark on a full-day game drive through Kruger National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other fascinating wildlife
- Pause for a relaxing lunch in the park, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kruger’s landscapes
- In the evening, gather for a traditional bush braai (barbecue) under the open African sky – a quintessential safari experience where you can share stories of the day’s wildlife sightings

Full-Day Safari Drive & Dinner - Day 9:

- Start your final morning with breakfast, then set off on a full-day game drive as you make your way out of Kruger National Park, maximizing your chances to see the Big 5 and other incredible wildlife one last time
- Pause for lunch in the park, enjoying the surrounding wildlife and natural beauty
- After an unforgettable day in the wild, transfer to Maputo, where you’ll check into a cozy hotel
- In the evening, join your team for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the amazing journey from Mozambique’s waters to Africa’s diverse landscapes and iconic wildlife

Departure - Day 10:

- After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey
- Bid farewell to Mozambique and the unforgettable experiences that have connected you with its marine life, culture, and wildlife

Accommodation options and Dates
Ready for Your Epic Learn to Dive & See the Big 5 Adventure?
This epic adventure gives you the best of Mozambique – completing your PADI Open Water certification in Ponta do Ouro, followed by a safari in Kruger National Park, where Africa’s legendary wildlife awaits. Book your spot now and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!
For more detailed information on each destination, including marine life, dive sites, dive conditions, activities beyond diving, and accommodation, as well as the PADI Open Water Diver course, click the links below:
Ponta do Ouro
Kruger National Park
PADI Open Water Diver course
For general information on traveling to Mozambique, click here.
Enquire about this package
are you interested in joining our Learn to Dive and See the Big 5? Fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
