Five reasons to experience the magic of South Africa's sardine run

Each winter, a spectacular display of nature unfolds along South Africa’s East Coast, captivating tourists, researchers, and locals alike.

Known as the Sardine Run, this seasonal migration of billions of small, silvery fish encapsulates one of the grandest natural phenomena on the planet, attracting a dazzling array of marine predators and observers.

With the migration typically commencing from late May to July, the sardines are drawn to cooler waters sparked by a drop in sea temperatures, making their journey an awe-inspiring sight against the backdrop of the South African coastline.

“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,” explains Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts.

Each year presents a unique marine spectacle as sardines traverse the Transkei coast in the Eastern Cape, making their way along the Wild Coast and up to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, ultimately creating a feeding frenzy as they become the prey of numerous apex predators, including dolphins, sharks, and predatory fish.

Unlike a singular, continuous shoal, the Sardine Run comprises multiple groups arriving at varying times and locations, typically spanning four to six weeks. “Most years, the run doesn’t extend much beyond Durban,” clarifies Lamont, “due to warmer water temperatures and strong currents that tend to disperse the shoals.”

For adventurers eager to experience this marine marvel, Lamont offers five compelling reasons why the Sardine Run deserves a spot on any thrill-seeker’s bucket list:

• It’s a marine safari like no other: The Sardine Run eclipses even the famous wildebeest migration in volume, making it a dream come true for every avid angler. Marine life such as tuna, dorado, and marlin follow the sardines, allowing fishing charters and diving excursions to offer an unrivalled marine adventure. Capturing the moment with a prized catch here will provide bragging rights for a lifetime.
• It’s one of nature’s last untamed events: Witnessing the Sardine Run provides a rare opportunity to observe a wild marine phenomenon devoid of human control or intervention. Just nature, raw and beautiful, unfolding right in front of you.
• Boosting coastal communities: Each year, the Sardine Run results in a surge of local and international tourists in the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, leading to bustling occupancy rates for accommodation and invigorating business for local restaurants and shops. This event has become a pivotal highlight on the region's tourism calendar.
• It’s a photographer’s dream: From dynamic bait balls and leaping whales to impressive dolphin displays and the breathtaking glow of dawn over the ocean, the Sardine Run is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply capturing holiday memories, there’s no shortage of stunning visuals.
• See it while the sardines still run: Scientists have noted a gradual shift in the timing of the sardine shoals due to global warming. While this iconic event continues to unfold each year, the uncertainty surrounding its future makes this season a compelling reason to witness it first-hand.

IOL