Colour Me Beautiful
Destination: Wadi Lahami Eco-Village, southern Red Sea.
Number of Divers: 24
When: Wednesday 14th – Wednesday 21st October 2009
Why: To experience great diving, sunshine and world-class photo opportunities by the bucket load!`
Planning for our 2009 Red Sea Trip started as far back as April 2008. By February 2009, the 24 spaces had been filled and a waiting list was already in place. All sorts of bribes were offered to secure a place on this exclusive list; groovy Armada wrecks, labradoodle dogfish, the deeds to the world’s oceans (yes, we were slightly dubious about that one also!) And so came October 14th…time for the chosen ones to depart for “heaven on earth”; included was Cillian Gray, designated Trip Leader Extraordinaire. Those left behind in Connemara remarked upon a unique green tinge to their skin; Eau d’ Envie anybody?!!
So how did it all go??? Words alone cannot do it justice, so thank god for digital cameras.
Wednesday 14th Oct: Marsa Alam Airport
A 5 hour flight and some onboard snacks brought our divers safely to Marsa Alam airport. The Wadi Lahami mini bus and driver greeted our travel-weary wanderers. You have heard of ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’, well try on ‘Drive Like an Egyptian’ for size. A 2.5 hour journey to the camp was characterised by much light-flashing, horn blowing and seat gripping. But t’was a journey well worth it. Wadi Lahami is one of the most southern dive locations in the Red Sea; ensuring unspoilt diving, incredible fringe reefs and of course the world-famous Fury Shoals. Next stop Sudan! Diving here does eaxctly what is says on tin, “guaranteeing Red Sea debutants and seasoned visitors the diving experiences of a lifetime.”
Wadi Lahami Mini Bus
Wadi Lahami Eco-Village is located on a sandy beach, directly opposite the Fury Shoals. Diving would take place daily off the Shoals, and on the inshore fringing reef. Accommodation was in spacious chalet tents or traditional Madyfa huts.
Beachside Accommodation at Wadi Lahami
Shoes, socks, sunhats optional; but don’t forget the suncream. Daily air temperatures reached the mid 30’s, while the water averaged a rather agreeable 28oC. (We continue to coax Cillian back into Irish waters less his hot water bottle.)
The subsequent 6 days passed in a frenzy of diving, socialising, eating and some obligatory drinking (well it would be rather rude not to!). But we did manage to garner some details from deliriously happy divers. (words were sometimes garbled, resembling other well known Oxford friendly phrases: “g..ur..rate”, “un..bloody..believable” (bet you won’t find that in a Dickensian novel), and so on and so forth until we got their drift).
Take me to the Beach
Surface Interval
Lunchtime in Wadi Lahami
A Cave System
An abundance of colour
1940's Tug Boat
Stockie and a coral dropoff
Clownfish
Trigger Happy
Check out our 2010 Holiday page.