Sardine Run, South Africa – The GREATEST Spectacle in Nature!
Sardine Run, South Africa – The GREATEST Spectacle in Nature!

 

 

 

THE SARDINE RUN

Every year, between the months of May and July, many millions of Silvery sardines travel north from the cold southern oceans off South Africa’s Cape Point, hugging the shore as they make their way up along the coastlines of the former Transkei (northern Eastern Cape) and KwaZulu- Natal in what is commonly known as the annual Sardine Run.

Visible even by satellite, these famous sardine shoals travel in seething masses stretching for up to 15 kms in length, 3.5 kms wide and nearly 40 metres deep.

The Sardine Run is a spectacle in itself, but add to this, hundreds of predators arriving in mass to partake in a feeding frenzy. Birds, dolphins, sharks, whales and game fish all gorge themselves on the sardine’s.

Sardine Run, Dolphins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TRIP

On this 8 night, 9 day trip you will experience an action packed adventure filled with phenomenal marine life and other activities in the area.

The boat launches from the beach between 0630- 0730, depending on the sardine action.

A microlight (plane) is on hand to brief the boat on the happenings in the water within a 20km radius of the shore. Once the boat has found the sardine action (usually by large flocks of sea birds or the schools of dolphins in the vicinity of the fish) you can choose to either witness the spectacle by snorkel, scuba or from the deck.

The choice is yours to enjoy a packed lunch on board the boat or return to the Lodge in the early afternoon for a late lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Choose from the following activities on offer: a microlight flight, horse riding, walks or scenic drives.

 

Sardine Run, Sailfish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accomodation- Mbotyi River Lodge

The Myotyi River Lodge is situated at the mouth of the Mbotyi River and tribal estuary, along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Nestled in the rolling hills and lush tropical forest. The Lodge has 45 double or twin wooden thatch rooms, each with their own unique view of the sea or the beautiful lagoon.

Mbotyi Lodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIVE INFORMATION

Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers (certified to 30 metres)
A minimum of 30 dives is essential
Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

Sardine Run, Dusky whalers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRIP DATES

Currently working on dates for July 2019

PRICE

$9,335 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Return airfares Ex Brisbane to Durban via Johannesburg flying QANTAS
2 nights twin share accommodation at The City Lodge Umhlanga- Durban; includes breakfast daily
8 nights twin share accommodation- The Mbotyi River Lodge
All meals; Full or packed breakfast, light lunch and refreshments on the boat and 3 course dinner daily
Dedicated microlight spotter aircraft support to locate sardine ball
1 x guest microflight (weather permitting)
Up to 7 days on the water or *alternate activities (determined by weather)
Air fills, tanks and weight belts
Return airport transfers throughout
Australian departure tax

*Alternate Activities
The following activities are substituted if the boat launch is unavailable- visit to a rural African Village, horse riding and guided walks

Sardine Run

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Travel Insurance
Personal spending monies
Excess luggage surcharges

CONDITIONS APPLY

Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in USD currency exchange rates

Note: the package price is based on an exchange rate of 0.76 USD= 1.00 AUD

Sardine Run, Seals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

To secure your place on this trip, you will need to complete an online booking form, along with a non- refundable deposit of $1,500.

Please find the Dive Adventures online booking form HERE

Please note that additional payment installments will be required throughout the duration of this booking. All details will be confirmed at the time of booking confirmation.

Sardine Run, gannet

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEAR HIRE

We strongly recommend divers bring their own gear rather than hiring on location. Having gear that you are familiar and comfortable with is important for this type of adventure diving. Gear is available on site if required.

The Indian Ocean is the warmer of the 2 oceans bordering South Africa. You will be diving in the winter season where water temperatures will vary between 15- 21C. A 7mm wetsuit will most often suffice with booties, hood and gloves.

If you require any dive gear for this trip, please communicate this to us via email ([email protected]). If you are hiring from us, additional charges for gear hire and excess luggage fees will apply.

 

 

Leave a Comment

%d bloggers like this: