 Zambezi (Bull Shark, Carcharhinus leucas)
The most dangerous shark in coastal waters. Large sharks, they average 3 -3.5 metres, they have extremely powerful jaws and feed generally on sharks, even small Zambezis, turtles, fish and seabirds. They can and do exist in areas of lower than normal salinity. They travel far up the larger rivers as well as into Lake St Lucia.
It is not uncommon for a dissection of a Zambezi at the Natal Sharks Board to yield human remains though it is believed that these result mainly from drowning victims being washed down river to the sea rather than attacks on living humans.The murky waters are a favorite haunt of the Zambezi in search of 'free meals'.
Attacks on living humans are rare but shows of extreme aggression are common. This shark will typically circle divers or, more especially spearfishermen, slowly contracting the circle. Finally there is a mock attack with the shark swimming directly at the diver, swerving away at the last moment, often with the spearfisherman's catch as a prize.
For this reason, Discovering Africa limits diving with Zambezis as well as with Tigers to more experienced divers who have received the proper training. Although resident throughout the year at our three dive locations, the Zambezi and the Tiger are not seen on the normal reefs which we dive. In order to dive with these species, after the standard Safari, we can organise for suitably qualified divers to visit the known locations where they may be encountered.
Where to see them
Ponta do Ouro From October to May on Pinnacles Reef. Some huge specimens which, in the clear still waters, love to perform their favorite trick of swimming directly at a diver and veering off at the last moment. If that does impress you, you have no imagination !
Protea Banks All year round but best sightings are October - May. A more challenging site to dive but sometimes yields dozens of Zambies on one dive.
Aliwal Shoal Sightings are not common but do occur particularly on Castle Reef.
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