SARDINE RUN EXTRAVAGANZA
Experience the utterly remarkable, and largely unexplained, sardine run extravaganza, which happens every year during May and June in South Africa. Billions of silver sardines travel north from the cold oceans off South Africa’s Cape Point and make their way up the picturesque South African coast. Marvel at the mesmerising array of marine and bird life that is drawn to the spectacle to feed.
Picture tens of thousands of birds plunging from the sky, with larger game fish, whales and numerous species of sharks all feasting on the sardines. The numbers and variety of marine life is astounding: bronze whale sharks, Zambezi sharks, hammerheads, copper sharks and great whites, as well as hundreds of bottlenose and common dolphins.
ITINERARY
Day 1 EASTERN CAPE
On arrival at Durban International Airport, you will be greeted by a Seal Expeditions representative, who will brief you on what to expect from your trip. You’ll then transfer to the Mbotyi River Lodge by road, which is an approximately four hour scenic drive from the airport. At check-in you will be given a brief overview of the upcoming days’ planned events, and informed on other activities on offer in and around the area.
Day 2 – 8 MBOTYI RIVER LODGE
You’ll enjoy an action-packed few days of phenomenal marine-life, as well as other activities in the area. The boat launches from the beach between 06h30 to 07h30, depending on the sardine action, the quality of light and your choice of an earlier breakfast at the lodge, or breakfast on board the boat.
A microlight is on hand to brief the boat of the happenings in the water within a 20 km radius of the shore. Once the boat has found the sardine shoal (usually by the 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 or 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. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and you can choose from the following activities on offer: a microlight flip, horse riding, walks or scenic drives.
A delicious dinner is enjoyed at the lodge each evening, followed by a relaxed discussion with your skipper and microlight pilot on the next day’s arrangements.
Day 9 DURBAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast will be served at the lodge before check out and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
FROM
$4 295 pps
9 days
HIGHLIGHTS
This is a once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.Get up close and personal to the “Greatest Shoal on Earth”
One of the largest concentrations of marine predators on earth
Excellent ground, air and sea support.
Based along the beautiful “Wild Coast” of South Africa.
PRICE INCLUDES
Dedicated full-time scuba guide.
Diving – 7 days on the water or alternate activity as determined by conditions.
Meals – Full or packed breakfast as determined by launch time, light lunch and refreshments on boat, and three course dinner.
Air Support – dedicated microlight spotter aircraft to call us to the action.
Each guest will get to fly in the microlight and see the Wild Coast from the air (weather dependant).
Equipment – airfills, cylinders, weightbelts
Return road transfers from Durban Airport
Let us help
We specialise in creating tailor-made, exceptional safari experiences to the best wilderness areas in Southern Africa.
While we do offer set itineraries and packages, our regional specialists are experts at creating bespoke safaris to match your wish list, budget, specific requirements, and travel dates.
This safari has set departure dates:
2019
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