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| Dates (Sardine Run) |
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Sardine Run — South Africa
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.
SUMMARY
Wild Coast, South Africa
6 Guests
7 or 14 Days
July 18 – 25, 2025
July 12 – 19, 2025
July 12 – 25, 2025
More Information
SCHEDULE
14-Day Itinerary
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)
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
EXPEDITION LEADER
Amos Nachoum is a distinguished figure in wildlife and underwater photography, seamlessly combining exploration and artistry for over 45 years. His dedication to capturing the essence of marine life has garnered him prestigious accolades, including twice winning the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year in animal behavior and the Siena Photo Competition in ‘Animals in Their Environment’ category.
Amos’s photographic excellence has earned him the title of Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 by Wilderness Photography. His impact on the artistic and conservation communities has been recognized with the NOGI Award in Art, solidifying his status as a leader in his field. His works have graced prominent publications like National Geographic, Time, and The New York Times, showcasing his ability to tell compelling visual stories.
In 2019, his documentary “Picture of His Life” unveiled his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to marine conservation. As the founder of Big Animals Expeditions, he leads private expeditions, ensuring safe and intimate wildlife encounters during peak seasons. These expeditions, whether on land or in the ocean, reflect his immaculate safety record and deep respect for the natural world.
By choosing to embark on an expedition with Amos, adventurers open themselves up to a transformative experience. They learn from a maestro whose life’s work resonates with the pulse of the oceans and the dance of wildlife across diverse habitats. Whether a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, participants in Amos’s expeditions gain unparalleled insight and a unique opportunity to connect with the wild.
Additionally, his work in marine conservation and education has not gone unnoticed. Amos has been named Seakeepers’ Man of the Year, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants. Through his expeditions, workshops, and storytelling, he continues to inspire, educate, and ignite a passion for conservation in hearts worldwide.
LODGING
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
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
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.
Send Me More Information
Reserve Now*
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.
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.
Please carefully review Big Animals’ cancellation policy below or on the Cart page before checkout.
*FINAL PAYMENT, CANCELLATION AND TRIP CHANGE POLICY
We at Big Animals LLC know how upsetting it might be for our valued clients to have to postpone or cancel a trip they have been looking forward to for months. We, too, are disappointed when plans must be changed. However, we make extensive preparations in advance of each trip and we are required to make nonrefundable payments to hotels and other vendors on a regular basis. Consequently, we must rigorously enforce our cancellation and trip change policy for all guests without exception.
Purchasing travel insurance is vital and may be obtained through a variety of insurance providers. Life in the modern world has taught us that trip cancellations and interruptions happen, luggage gets lost, and people have accidents prior to trips, and people get sick, and are unable to commence or complete anticipated journeys. Insurance is expected to provide you, as our valued client, with the protection and peace of mind in the event that all things do not go according to your intended plan. As a traveler, please be aware you are personally responsible for any expenses incurred due to illness or injury that may arise before departure or while you are on expedition — and as per the details below — cancelling or altering a trip without insurance becomes very expensive for all parties involved, including for Big Animals LLC.
We encourage you to make the responsible choice — protect your investment with a reasonably-priced, comprehensive insurance policy.
Big Animals LLC requires a deposit equal to 33% of the total trip price at the time of booking, including all applicable taxes, in order to secure space.
Once we have accepted your deposit and application, we will make non-refundable payments to secure your space with overseas vendors; consequently, all deposits on expeditions are also non-refundable, without exception.
- Full payment is due 90 days (12:00am US Pacific Time) before the expeditions’ departure date.
- In the event of cancellations made by customers fewer than 120 calendar days (12:00am US Pacific Time) before the expeditions’ start date, then Big Animals LLC shall charge a fee equal to 50% of the expedition’s full price, plus a $500 administration fee, and will offer the discounted trip to another traveler at a discounted rate. If no replacement traveler can be located then the full amount previously paid by the original trip purchaser to Big Animals LLC shall be non-refundable. Please purchase travel insurance and plan accordingly.
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