Firstly, welcome to Scubaboard!
Next - recommendations:
I am going to skirt around from recommendations in Mozambique, other than to say that I had a wonderful time at
Ponta Malongane. I found it better than my experience at Ponta do Ouro. Malongane is closer to the reefs generally dived from do Ouro, so there is a much shorter boat ride out. There are a lot of accommodation options as well (from bring your own tent to log cabins).
Other than that I have no experience further North, so I can't really help with the Inhambane question.
From a logistics perspective, it may make sense to dive Sodwana Bay first, then head down to Aliwal Shoal. This depends on whether you will be driving or flying from destination to destination. If you are driving from Moz, you could stop over at Sodwana for a few days on your way down to Durban and then on to Umkomaas (Aliwal Shoal).
In Sodwana Bay, my unreserved recommendation is for
Da Blu Juice. They are a smaller charter (read: personal attention) and make use of the Coral Divers accommodation facilities. They really are great (safe and extremely competent)! Other than that you can try
Coral Divers, or
Sodwana Bay Lodge.
The Aliwal Shoal should be pumping in July. Expect to see Ragged Tooth Sharks! I would try
Quo Vadis,
Sea Forever or
The Whaler. You can also expect good service from
Sea Fever or
Meridian Dive Charters. There really are a lot of good, experienced charters in Umkomaas (and Scottburgh) that will be able to look after your needs.
I can definitely guarantee that you will see a great country and meet some friendly people!
Keep the questions coming - there are many S.A. divers on the 'Board.
Cheers,
Andrew
