South Africa’s iconic Sardine Run, one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on
the planet, unfolds along South Africa’s East Coast each winter. The seasonal marine
migration of billions of these small silvery fish between late May and July is associated
with a drop in sea temperature during winter. This creates a narrow band of cooler water
along the coastline, attracting the sardines. And, while the migration is also strongly
influenced by ocean currents, it remains one of nature’s great enigmas, as the exact
drivers behind the Sardine Run are still not fully understood.
“This thrilling phenomenon is as spectacular as it is unpredictable, as no two seasons
are the same due to the variation in timing and scale,” says Shaun Lamont, Managing
Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts. It attracts tourists, researchers, and locals
alike, offering an unforgettable glimpse into one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events
as kilometres of sardines, pursued by massive numbers of predators, spark a marine
feeding frenzy. The sheer scale and energy of it all make it a true bucket-list
experience."
The migration typically starts off along the Transkei coast in the Eastern Cape and
moves up the Wild Coast and along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Most years, the
run doesn’t extend much beyond Durban, as warmer water temperatures and strong
currents tend to disperse the shoals. “It’s also important to note that the Sardine Run
isn’t one long, continuous shoal,” explains Lamont. “Rather, it consists of multiple shoals
arriving at different times, varying in size and location, and typically spans a period of
four to six weeks.”
Lamont believes the Sardine Run earns a spot on any adventurer’s bucket list and
offers five compelling reasons why :
1. It’s a marine safari like no other
The Sardine Run surpasses even the great wildebeest migration in volume – it’s
nature at full throttle and every avid angler's dream. Game fish like tuna, mackerel,
dorado and even marlin follow the sardines, and boat and dive operators offer fishing
charters and dive excursions so you can come face-to-face with this 'Greatest Shoal
on Earth'. And for the fishermen…hook into something special here and you'll have
bragging rights for life. It’s the stuff that makes for legendary photos and even better
stories.
2. It’s one of nature’s last untamed events
No tanks, no feeding times, no human control. Just raw nature happening in real
time. It’s a rare chance to see a wild marine event up close and personal.
3. Boosting Coastal Communities
Every year, the Sardine Run draws local tourists and visitors from around the world to
the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Accommodation providers see high occupancy rates
during the season, which usually coincides with school holidays. Restaurants and
local businesses also benefit from the influx, making it one of the region's key tourism
highlights.
4. It’s a photographer’s dream
From swirling bait balls and breaching whales to leaping dolphins and the golden light
of early mornings on the ocean, the Sardine Run offers some of the most amazing
photo opportunities in nature. For those with an underwater lens, these massive
shoals create once-in-a-lifetime shots, so whether you're a seasoned photographer
or just love capturing your holiday's memories, there's no shortage of unforgettable
sights.
5. See it while the sardines still run
Scientists have observed a gradual delay in the timing of the shoals as ocean waters
warm. While the event still dazzles each year, this unpredictability adds some
urgency because even the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ is vulnerable to a changing
climate.
So, if you’ve never witnessed the Sardine Run, perhaps this is the year to do it. Whether
you choose to experience it from the beach watching excited locals haul in nets of fish,
venture out by boat, or see it from the air during a helicopter ride, visitors are
guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
And comfortable, family-friendly accommodation options in prime South Coast locations
place you right in the heart of the action. Properties like Margate Sands, La Côte d'Azur,
and Costa Smeralda in Margate, or Club Hacienda in Shelly Beach, offer front-row
views for making magical, lasting memories.
"There's something humbling about standing on the edge of the ocean watching one of
nature's greatest marvels unfold,” concludes Lamont, “and the Sardine Run reminds you
just how wonderful our planet still is."
To book your accommodation for the Sardine Run, visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za
ENDS
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Sources:
https://sajs.co.za/article/view/5887
https://www.biznews.com/sarenewal/2024/06/11/sardine-run-delay-climate-change
On Behalf of:
Shaun Lamont
Managing Director
First Group Hotels and Resorts