Additional information
| Dates (Sardine Run) |
|---|
South African Sardine Run
South African Sardine Run
Workshop Overview
Location
Wild Coast, South Africa
Duration
14 Days
Guests
6 Guests
Dates
Additional information
| Dates (Sardine Run) |
|---|
Set against the backdrop of South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal Province, our expedition promises a marine spectacle unlike any other. Between June and July, the waters come alive as massive sardine shoals embark on their northern journey from the Agulhas Bank. This “Greatest Shoal on Earth” draws a vivid tableau of predators: keen-eyed gannets diving with precision, agile dolphins herding their prey, and lurking sharks poised for the chase.
Each morning, clad in wetsuits and with cameras at the ready, we’ll embark on our zodiacs. The open sea’s rhythmic waves are our gateway to the drama below. Guided by the acrobatics of diving birds and the dance of dolphins, we’ll pinpoint the sardine gatherings.
Whether free swimming amidst the chaos or diving deeper to be surrounded by the spectacle, every plunge offers a new narrative. Witness the synergy of predator and prey, the swift darts of sharks, and the aerial mastery of birds—all converging on the ever-moving sardine ballet. This isn’t just a dive; it’s an immersion into one of nature’s most orchestrated marine events. Join us in this dance of life beneath the waves.
Request a Brochure
Workshop Leader
As an expedition guide, Amos is known for his meticulous planning and vast experience navigating challenging environments. He instills confidence in his team members, always prioritizing safety and respect for the natural world. His deep understanding of marine life and their habitats, coupled with his ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions, makes him an invaluable mentor to those fortunate to journey with him.
In essence, to embark on an expedition with Amos Nachoum is to learn from a seasoned explorer and master photographer, someone who has dedicated his life to understanding and showcasing the beauty of the world’s most formidable marine life. His vast experience, deep respect for nature, and commitment to sharing his knowledge make him a guide any veteran explorer or photographer would be privileged to work with.
Check Availability
Make Reservations (Jumps to bottom of this page)
Check ReservationsMake Reservations
(Jumps to bottom of this page)
Location
Wild Coast, South Africa
Schedule
Day 1: Arrive Durban
Day 2: Travel to Lodge
Group transfer to Port St. John, check in to accommodations at N’taba River Lodge
Days 3 – 14: Adventure in the Water
Ten days of adventure in the ocean. Every morning we leave early heading out through the surf to deeper waters. Searching for sardines, Gannets diving, dolphins, sharks and whales
Day 15 – Return to Durban
Transfer of 5 – 7 hours to Durban, in order to connect with international flights…
Conditions
Temperature
Water 68 – 72°F (20 – 23°C)
Surface 60 – 78°F (14 – 26°C)
Accommodations
N’taba River Lodge
Nestled between towering cliffs and set in amazing Tropical gardens on the banks of the Umzimvubu River, N’taba River Lodge is a family resort offering the finest mixture of Wild Coast hospitality and hugely comfortable rooms. Holiday makers seeking a place to get in touch with nature can find it all here! N’taba River Lodge is a nature lover’s dream… Indulge in lazy days just enjoying the river flowing past, canoeing, spending a day at the beach, enjoy hiking or walking trails, go horse riding on the beach, visit local communities and sample a local Pondo lunch. With the diversity our rugged landscape, the sheer beauty of the area and dense vegetation that surrounds us, bird watching enthusiasts will be held a captive audience throughout their visit, not to mention the opportunity for amazing photographs and unforgettable memories to take back with you! N’taba River Lodge is an attractive and luxurious establishment with a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. You will be pampered in spacious single or two bedroom family cottages, each with its own en suite bathroom or shower. We also have a Honeymoon cottage where our friendly staff is happy to serve a candle-lit dinner on your private patio overlooking the river. Our “Madiba” Executive suites are also offered to the discerning and frequent business traveler.
More information available here at their website N’taba River Lodge
Included
- Photography workshop with Amos
- Limited to only 6 adventurous photographers
- 12 nights at the N’taba River Lodge
- 10 days of diving activity on the high seas
- Round trip transfer Durban – Wildcoast – Durban
- All taxes
Excluded
- International Domestic flights
- Overnight in Durban
- Items of personal nature:
- Communication, drinks, laundry
- Rental diving gear
- Gratuities
What more can we tell you?
Workshop Video
The Great Migration
From June to August, the rugged coastline of southern KwaZulu Natal Province along the eastern edge of South Africa is an amazing place to dive. During these months humpback and pilot whales, dolphins, black-tip and dusky sharks, as well as a whole host of other aquatic creatures make their annual migration from the temperate seas to these magical waters.
When they are joined by the mass migration of sardines, moving in giant bait balls, this becomes one of the most spectacular experiences one can have in the water. There is an element of chance. Sardine populations and migratory patterns are cyclical and vary from year to year due to factors like weather, water temperature, and over-fishing. Some years the bait balls are sparse, and other years they arrive in the millions.
Searching the Ocean
The ocean is temperamental this time of year, so we must warn you that the seas are often tough and unpredictable, with unforgiving waves, daring you to get in the water. Sometimes the conditions are too dangerous and we will need to pass on that dare. We can expect that there may be a day or two on our trip when the conditions will be too challenging for us to launch. On these days, we will have the option of relaxing or exploring the beautiful and wild territory around the N’taba River Lodge.
On most days, the conditions will be challenging but safe, and we will be out looking for bait balls. Sometimes we find them when we get a call on the radio from a spotter or another captain — more frequently, will find ourselves first on the scene, something we will know when we see the cloud of gannet birds, in a frenzy over the water, taking turns diving from the sky then soaring back again into the cloud with their prey, snatched from the water below. This is where the action is.
Into the Water
Once in position, we will back roll into the water, finding ourselves right in the middle of a show already in progress — and what a show it is!
Bodies in motion all around us — action everywhere — all centered on a giant ball of sardines, who have migrated to this spot to host lunch. We will have seats on stage, right in the middle of the scene. Things will be moving quickly, adrenaline will take over as we witness dolphins aggressively herding sardines — picking off the unlucky ones that make up the ever-shrinking perimeter; blacktip and dusky sharks piercing through the bit balls, like arrows through a soft target, ripping voids where they gulp down the hapless fish caught in their paths.
Those sardines that try to escape upwards meet the petrel birds who are hunting them from the surface, while gannet birds get their meals by diving straight down through the bait balls. The best action is constant, overwhelming — filling the senses at hyper-speed. There is no experience quite like it.
Reservations
Booking Options
You can reserve now by either paying a 33% deposit through our online reservation system or by mailing a check.
If you’d prefer to mail a check to our office or arrange for a wire transfer, please get in touch with us via the Contact BigAnimals form below
Reserve Now
Payment policy and deposit
All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. In order to join an expedition, you are required to carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit. Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
All prices $USD
Dates and pricing are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuation.
Reserve by Check*
Email your interest in the Please mail deposit check to:
Big Animals LLC
189 Evans Avenue, Suite A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
