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South Africa – Sardine Run

Scuba diving holidays experience around the world

South Africa – Sardine Run

Scuba diving holidays around the world

South Africa - Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is the legendary South African sardine migration that occurs once a year, between June and July, along the wild coast. Famous to all divers and nature passionate and second to none in terms of biomass. The migration of billions of sardines is creating a feeding frenzy for whales, sharks, dolphins and hundreds of other predators. This trip is a one-in-a-lifetime experience!
 
Together with the Sardine Run, you’ll be diving with all sort of sharks, from blacktip to bull sharks to the tiger and the great white. You’ll experience what it means to swim with whales and what it looks like when birds dive into the water.
Umkomaas is a small coastal town located 48 km south of central Durban on the subtropical south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, beside the mouth of the navigable Mkhomazi River. A large number of whales once used the estuary as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows. The Zulus named the river after this spectacle (Umkhomazi means the place of cow whales).
 
Occasionally, raft races, canoeing, and other sporting events are held on the river. The river is a popular white-water rafting destination. Umkomaas’ official animal is the Whale. Other wildlife seen in the area include many snakes, most of them harmless varieties like the Red-Lipped Herald and the Brown House Snake. Monkeys here are less common than in Scottburgh, but the birdlife is abundant, with the gregarious and friendly Hadeda Ibis a regular sight. Small wild cats like the Genet and Civet have also been reported, though only on very rare occasions. The crocodiles found near Freeland Park and the lower Amahlongwa, 8 kilometres south, are not present in Umkomaas. Duiker abound and can be seen in Empisini. The much larger and very beautiful Bushbuck is also seen in the vicinity.
The Aliwal Shoal coral reef was formed about 80,000 years ago. Is most renowned for the superb shark diving opportunities created by the Shoal, at about 5 km offshore.
 
The local port in Umkomaas is made from the Mkhomazi river, these offers a comfortable environment to load the scuba gears and jump on the 7,5 meter rubber boats that will take us diving.
The adrenaline starts right in the morning when we “launch” from the river, into the big waves and out at sea.
 
Aliwal Shoal is just 15 minutes aways and this is the place where we do the two daily dives.
 
First dive is the so called “baited dive” where, after baiting for about 1 hour, we dive with up to 20 to 30 blacktip sharks and, if we’re lucky, one or two tiger sharks.
The second dive is on one of the most attractive reef dives like “Cathedral” or “Raggies Cave“, home to the Ragged Tooth Sharks and a number of other species that can be found in the Shoal!

Protea Banks is the second main popular attraction for shark diving in South Africa. The situation here is quite similar to Aliwal Shoal. We have the same type of speedboat but we launch directly from the sea front.

The first dive usually is a baited dive. We will see blacktip sharks and we will have great chances to see bull sharks, dusky sharks and hammerheads.
 
We then go back and rest for breakfast on the restaurant terrace overlooking the ocean and we get ready for the second dive on the reef.
 
Drifting into the blue and spotting ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks and much more.
 

A Tranquil Base on the Wild Coast
Located at the mouth of the tidal Mbotyi River on South Africa’s stunning Wild Coast, this family-friendly resort offers the perfect base for our 5-day Sardine Run adventure. Surrounded by lush tropical forests, rolling hills, and the ocean, this serene retreat provides the ideal balance of relaxation and adventure.
From here, we will launch each day’s exciting marine excursions, exploring the unique wonders of the Sardine Run while returning to a peaceful, tranquil haven each evening.

The area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering beautiful waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems. The grounds of the resort feature manicured lawns, indigenous gardens, and a crystal-clear swimming pool, providing a perfect space to unwind after a day on the water.

Immerse Yourself in Pondoland Culture
Nestled in the heart of Pondoland, this location also provides an authentic cultural experience. Guests can take guided walks through the hills and valleys, meet local community members, and explore the rich traditions of the region. A visit to the nearby Magwa Tea Plantation gives a glimpse into one of the world’s largest tea plantations, with its lush tea bushes stretching across the hills and bordered by towering Eucalyptus trees.

A True Wilderness Escape
This remote and secluded destination offers an authentic wilderness experience, free from the distractions of shopping malls and commercial facilities. With only a few local shops, a clinic, and a school nearby, visitors are encouraged to bring essential supplies. Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, this area offers the opportunity to experience South Africa’s natural beauty and culture in its purest form. The region is not malaria-prone, though it’s recommended to bring insect repellent as you explore the breathtaking surroundings.

An Exceptional Safari Destination in KwaZulu Natal

Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers a world-class safari experience. This 22,000-acre, malaria-free conservancy is home to the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards – as well as giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and over 30 species of plains game.

The reserve’s rich biodiversity, featuring thornveld, acacia trees, and expansive grasslands reminiscent of Central Africa, creates an ideal haven for nature enthusiasts.

The reserve’s abundant water system, with perennial rivers and a striking waterfall along the Sundays River, attracts rare bird species, raptors, and vultures, enriching the diverse wildlife experience.

This extraordinary location promises an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the heart of the African wilderness.

Enhance Your Sardine Run & African Sharks Trip

Adding the Nambiti Private Game Reserve to your Sardine Run & African Sharks trip will elevate the experience by offering a thrilling safari adventure alongside the awe-inspiring marine experiences of the Sardine Run and African shark diving.

With the Big Five, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, the reserve provides a unique contrast to the underwater excitement, allowing you to immerse yourself in both land and sea environments.

This addition provides exceptional value, combining two of South Africa’s premier wildlife experiences—an unforgettable safari and exhilarating marine encounters—into one dynamic trip. It allows participants to experience the full spectrum of South Africa’s natural beauty, blending terrestrial and marine wildlife into a single, comprehensive itinerary.

  • Personal Diver: As this is a Group Experience, an ÉDA Personal Diver will accompany you throughout the trip
  • Accommodation Double/Sharing Room:
  • 6 nights at Agulhas House
  • 5 nights at Mbotyi River Lodge
  • 1 night at The Springbok Lodge
  • Meals: Full board
  • Dives: 
    • Shark Dives in Aliwal Shoal
    • Reef Dives in Aliwal Shoal
    • Shark Dives in Protea Banks
    • Reef Dives in Protea Banks
      (all dives will be on EANx – if ceritified)
  • 5 Days of “Sardine Run” Seafari
  • Tansfers:
    • from and to Durban International “King Shaka” Airport
    • all internal transfers related to program
  • International Travel
  • Single room supplement
  • Drinks
  • Dives not listed
  • PADI Certification: Enriched Air “Nitrox” PADI Certification
  • Insurance (Mandatory!): Travel and/or DAN Europe diving insurance
  • Other: All what not mentioned above

Itinerary

Scuba diving holidays around the world

Maldivian A humpback whale
  • Arrival
  • Arrival in Durban, pick up and accommodation in Umkomaas, at Agulhas House.
Umkomaas is a small coastal town located 48 km south of central Durban on the subtropical south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, beside the mouth of the navigable Mkhomazi River. A large number of whales once used the estuary as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows. The Zulus named the river after this spectacle (Umkhomazi means the place of cow whales).
 
Occasionally, raft races, canoeing, and other sporting events are held on the river. The river is a popular white-water rafting destination. Umkomaas’ official animal is the Whale. Other wildlife seen in the area include many snakes, most of them harmless varieties like the Red-Lipped Herald and the Brown House Snake. Monkeys here are less common than in Scottburgh, but the birdlife is abundant, with the gregarious and friendly Hadeda Ibis a regular sight. Small wild cats like the Genet and Civet have also been reported, though only on very rare occasions. The crocodiles found near Freeland Park and the lower Amahlongwa, 8 kilometres south, are not present in Umkomaas. Duiker abound and can be seen in Empisini. The much larger and very beautiful Bushbuck is also seen in the vicinity.
  • Let’s look for Tigers!
  • Early morning – Baited Dive (Tiger Shark – Oceanic Black Tip)
  • Second Dive – Aliwal Shoal (Sand Tiger A.K.A. Ragged Tooth Shark)
  • Accommodation at Agulhas House
The Aliwal Shoal coral reef was formed about 80,000 years ago. Is most renowned for the superb shark diving opportunities created by the Shoal, at about 5 km offshore.
 
The local port in Umkomaas is made from the Mkhomazi river, these offers a comfortable environment to load the scuba gears and jump on the 7,5 meter rubber boats that will take us diving.
The adrenaline starts right in the morning when we “launch” from the river, into the big waves and out at sea.
 
Aliwal Shoal is just 15 minutes aways and this is the place where we do the two daily dives.
 
First dive is the so called “baited dive” where, after baiting for about 1 hour, we dive with up to 20 to 30 blacktip sharks and, if we’re lucky, one or two tiger sharks.
The second dive is on one of the most attractive reef dives like “Cathedral” or “Raggies Cave“, home to the Ragged Tooth Sharks and a number of other species that can be found in the Shoal!
  • Bull Sharks Baby!!
  • Early morning transfer to Shelly Beach
  • Baited Dive (Bull Shark – Hammer Head)
  • Second Dive – Protea Banks
  • Transfer to Mbotyi (Wild Coast)
  • Accommodation Mbotyi River Lodge

Protea Banks is the second main popular attraction for shark diving in South Africa. The situation here is quite similar to Aliwal Shoal. We have the same type of speedboat but we launch directly from the sea front.

The first dive usually is a baited dive. We will see blacktip sharks and we will have great chances to see bull sharks, dusky sharks and hammerheads.
 
We then go back and rest for breakfast on the restaurant terrace overlooking the ocean and we get ready for the second dive on the reef.
 
Drifting into the blue and spotting ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks and much more.
  • Sardine Run and Seafari
  • “Seafari” & Sardine Run Action!!!
  • Accommodation at Mbotyi River Lodge

We start our more sought after part of the trip: the Sardine Run. A major spectacle occurring almost every year: the fabled Sardine Run, the annual courtship migration of sardines from the Wild Coast to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. Usually occurring between end of June and beginning of July, it is a spectacular sight and the sardines lure a large variety of predatory fish, seabirds, and sharks, on a scale rarely seen anywhere else on Earth.

  • 18,000+ dolphins: common dolphin and bottlenose dolphin.
  • Thousands of sharks: bronze whaler, dusky shark, grey nurse shark, oceanic blacktip shark, spinner shark and zambezi bullshark.
  • Thousands of game fish: blue fish, king mackerel, various kingfish species, garrick, geelbek and eastern little tuna.
  • Thousands of birds: cape gannet, albatros, cormorants, terns and gulls.
  • Hundreds of whales: mainly humpback whales but occasionally also southern right whales.
Always for the sake of obtaining the perfect bait ball: this is the work of all the predators together, with the dolphins as main coordinators, creating the so called “bait balls”. These bait balls are formed by thousands of sardines and can be 10–20 meters in diameter and extend to a depth of 10 meters. 
 
All the predators are hunting together into these bait-balls which don’t last long; in the order of no more than 10 minutes hunt and prey are over. This is the highlight attraction of the sardine run.
 
  • Transfer back to Umkomaas
  • Free day
  • Accommodation at Agulhas House
 
  • Early morning – Baited Dive 
  • Second Dive – Reef Dive on Aliwal Shoal 
  • Accommodation at Agulhas House
  • Early morning transfer to Shelly Beach
  • Baited Dive (Bull Shark – Hammer Head)
  • Second Dive – Protea Banks
  • Accommodation at Agulhas House
  • Early morning transfer to Shelly Beach
  • Baited Dive (Bull Shark – Hammer Head)
  • Second Dive – Protea Banks
  • Accommodation at Agulhas House
  • Early morning – Baited Dive (Tiger Shark – Oceanic Black Tip)
  • After dive transfer to Game Park and Safari afternoon game drive
  • Accommodation at Game Park
  • Double Game Drive
  • Accommodation at Game Park
  • Departure Day
  •  Transfer to Durban International Airport for Departure
  • End of the “African Sharks & Seafari” experience

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