SIMPLY NEWS: JULY 2010

Hi everybody,

Hey it’s back to school, back to work, the FANTASTIC world cup soccer is over, well done to all involved and Spain for taking home the cup (hey wasn’t the ref a card?), the Springboks have their backs to the wall (except Bakkies Botha as he is head butting the wall) and we are back to send you another (hopefully) interesting newsletter – enjoy!

So what is our news from Ponta do Ouro after the fire?

We are now going at the speed of an African ox cart – after the ox was sacrificed at the last Zulu circumcision ceremony that is!

Whilst we continue to operate our dive charter at full steam, our accommodation and dining areas look like a soccer field with no grass – so not even FIFA is interested in us at the moment. The Maputo based owners of the property where we are situated have not given us permission to build again, and are still stalling with when and what we can build. We are however working with the authorities and government to get some good news, and will let you know as soon as we know more.

The guys and girls who lost their homes and contents are all OK and their lives are just about back to normal. They are all staying in temporary accommodation whilst we wait to build them new homes, and again we and they want to say “Thank you so much” for all the wonderful support and donations that have been received from everyone.

A reminder to you all is that we can still offer you a fantastic holiday experience in Ponta do Ouro, as we have lots of accommodation choices now available for couples, friends and groups, throughout the village. Please call us so we can chat to you about your preference and the options available.

Dive and Boat Show 2010

We will be exhibiting at the show which takes place at the Coca Cola (Registered Trademark) Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg, from 13-15 August. We will have our latest specials to offer, with lots of great pictures and videos to show you. We are upstairs opposite the Peroni (Registered Trademark) Beer stand (again) so please call in for a drink and a chat – it will be great to see you all.

Underwater Photography Courses

Our very good friend and top award winning underwater photographer – Fiona Ayerst, will be in Johannesburg soon to run her fantastic Digital Underwater Photography courses. She will also be exhibiting at the Dive Show, so if you are interested, please send her an email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or view her website www.fionaayerst.com or chat to her at the show.

Red Sea 2011

We would like to stick our necks out and state that we have the largest choice of boats at the best prices for the South African market. The boats that we represent are simply fantastic, large, modern and most of them come with free Nitrox, saving you about R1200.00 per person. The itineraries that they offer cover the entire Red Sea, so all group requests can be met. For those divers wanting to experience a bit of Egypt after the diving, we offer Luxor and the Nile Cruise boats, Dahab and Cairo. We have already started taking bookings for 2011, so please contact us to secure the best boats and the best dates.

Indonesia

We will again stick our necks out and state that the northern tip of Sulawesi Island, near the city of Manado, offers the world’s most incredible mix of diving and the world’s best “WOW” diving. If you have dived all over the world, but not here, then you have not dived! And for photographers, this is Heaven!

We offer 2 resorts, the fantastic Kima Bajo Resort, and the perfectly suited Lembeh Bay Cottages. We also have SA’s best pricing – just for a change! Having a glimpse of Heaven before you pass on is simply cheating, but worth it!

We hope to speak to you all soon – take care.

E&OE