Thrilling Sardine Run Arrives on KZN South Coast

The Sardine Run has arrived on the KZN South Coast – don’t miss any of the action!

The much-awaited Sardine Run has made its way to the KZN South Coast, promising an exciting spectacle for visitors. This annual event, known as the #greatestshoalonearth, occurs during the winter months when temperatures drop and triggers the planet’s largest biomass migration. It attracts a diverse range of marine creatures such as whales, dolphins, sharks, game fish, and birds looking for a salty feast. The KZN South Coast offers prime viewing spots for this marine extravaganza, including Blue Flag beaches, renowned dive sites, and opportunities to witness the action from marine and aircraft.

Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of the Sardine Run, emphasizing its status as a highly anticipated natural phenomenon that unfolds in its own time. Divers, anglers, and ocean enthusiasts consider this event a must-see, with the added bonus of potential sightings of migrating humpback whales. It’s important to note that shark nets are temporarily lifted during this time for the safety of bathers, so it is essential to consult with lifeguards on duty to determine which beaches are open for swimming.

Reports indicate that Sardine Run activity has been observed along the Eastern Cape in recent weeks, with the pilot shoal making its appearance on the KZN South Coast on June 9th. Wayne Harrison, Acting Head of Operations at KZN Sharks Board, reported underwater sardine activity off Glenmore, lower KZN South Coast, at 6:30 am. The echo sounder revealed large masses of sardines passing by, close to the sandy bottom and bypassing Glenmore. Additionally, there was an increase in bait fish near the lighthouse in Port Edward, heading north. However, tracking the sardines beyond Margate and Uvongo proved challenging.

On Saturday morning, fish activity was detected just south of Port Shepstone. The shoal extended from Umbango, past the Port Shepstone Lighthouse, and into the bay at Umzimkhulu, reaching the northern side of Shaka’s Rock. The shoal was swiftly moving northwards, but due to high tides and large shore breaks caused by a fresh south-westerly wind, netting was not possible.

By Sunday, June 11th, fish sightings began south of Pumula, but netting attempts in Pumula and Hibberdene were unsuccessful. At Umfazazane, the entire area was teeming with sardines, but again, no successful netting occurred. However, by the time the fish arrived in Elysium, three nets were deployed, resulting in a catch ranging from 60 to 80 crates per net. The majority of sardine activity was observed along the East London to Kei Mouth stretch, with fish moving closer to the shore. This hints at a potentially remarkable season if conditions align favorably.

The arrival of the Sardine Run on the KZN South Coast coincided with the celebration of World Oceans Day, marked by the inaugural Ocean Festival in Scottburgh. The four-day festival encompassed various activities, including beach, river, and reef clean-ups, the Ocean Festival Coastal MTB Social Ride, the Cutty Sark Pro presented by SMTH Shapes surfing contest, the Made for More Surf Contest, the Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge, and live music performances featuring Qadasi & Maqhinga. The Ocean Festival also served as the platform to relaunch the iconic South African surfwear brand, Instinct, and host the first-ever screening of the impactful documentary “Cutting the Line.” The presence of the silver sardines during the festival reinforced the urgent need for ocean conservation efforts.

To experience the Sardine Run, the KZN South Coast offers 58 stunning beaches, including the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. Visitors can observe the #greatestshoalonearth from the shores or venture to designated whale-viewing sites, which offer excellent sightings of the Sardine Run and humpback whales. Numerous tourism operators are available to provide close-up encounters with the Sardine Run. Charter boats can take visitors to the heart of the action, allowing them to witness the spectacle from the boat or even indulge in snorkeling among the sardines, dolphins, and game fish.

For scuba divers and free divers, the KZN South Coast boasts two world-class dive sites: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, both of which are designated Marine Protected Areas. Protea Banks is renowned for shark sightings, while Aliwal Shoal caters to divers of all experience levels, featuring an array of caves, crevasses, and ridges that harbor a diverse range of marine life.

For a unique perspective, visitors can opt for an aerial view of the KZN South Coast by taking a microlight, helicopter, or light aircraft flight. World of Wings in Umkomaas offers microlight flights for views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh, and the lower South Coast. Uvongo Airtrack Aviation, based in Margate, provides scenic helicopter and airplane flights for a splendid coastal panorama.

To stay updated on all the Sardine Run action, it is advisable to follow South Coast Tourism on Facebook and track the hashtags #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #sardinerun2023 #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #seakznsouthcoast.

SCTIE has curated a comprehensive 3-day Sardine Run Tour Package, encompassing diving, fishing, surfing, ocean safaris, helicopter or microlight flights, as well as inland experiences. For more information about this package and other attractions and events on the KZN South Coast, visit the website, explore the Events Calendar, consult the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide, and access previous SCTIE press releases.