Zambezi Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) or Bull Sharks as they are known elsewhere… “Zambies” as they are called locally, are almost a constant year-round presence at the Protea Banks.
They can be seen on most dives. But are most common from November through to July.
The Name…
They take their name from Africa’s fourth-largest river, the Zambezi. Where they have been seen over 1000 miles from the coast. Carcharhinus leucas are the only species of salt-water shark that can exist for long periods in freshwater.
Zambezi’s are large and robust bodied sharks with distinctive broad, flat snouts. And their overall appearance, together with their small eyes and general demeanor, is why they are called “bulls” elsewhere! Their average length is around 2.3m… But larger ones are not uncommon and the biggest captured was a 4m long female.
Are They Dangerous?
Zambezi sharks are rated as the third most dangerous shark in Southern Africa after great whites and tigers.
And, as in other parts of the world, they are believed to be responsible for most shallow-water attacks on swimmers and bathers.
They are a very regular feature of the Protea Banks. And while not as common as Oceanic Blacktips are seen on most dives.
The overall area of the Protea Banks is rich in tuna and generally the sharks seem well fed.
That said, personally I get a bit nervous around Zambezi’s and bull sharks in general, as they always come across as quite sneaky…
So, I am always super cautious with them. But overall the encounters with them at the Protea Banks fall into two main areas.
The Zambezi sharks of Protea Banks are often very inquisitive – not overly aggressive, just very nosy, which in itself can be quite intimidating! Typically such encounters occur with a lone shark that will come and check you out.
In my experience that usually occurs either on the bottom part of the dive or during the early part of the ascent.
The second type of encounter is on the baited dives. Where it is normal for between 5 to 10 Zambies to gather some 15m below the bait box at a depth of around 25m.
Often they stay there and if you go down to get closer, so do they and before you know where you are 40m is approaching!
But occasionally they will come up. At which point the Oceanic Blacktips will quickly fade in to the background and the show belongs to the Zambesi’s!
They really are an impressive, if somewhat intimidating shark. They show no fear or hesitation when they do come close and the encounter is clearly being conducted on their terms.
Very exciting stuff!
Back To: Diving the Protea Banks
