The sardine run of southern Africa as seen on TV, occurs between May and July when millions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The run, containing millions of individual sardines, occurs when a current of cold water heads north from the Agulhas Bank up to Mozambique where it then leaves the coastline and goes further east into the Indian Ocean.

In terms of biomass, researchers estimate the sardine run could rival East Africa’s great wilderbeest migration. However, little is known of the phenomenon. It is believed that the water temperature has to drop below 21°C in order for the migration to take place.

The shoals are often more than 7 km long, 1.5 km wide and 30 meters deep and are clearly visible from spotter planes or from the surface. Sardines group together when they are threatened. This instinctual behaviour is a defence mechanism, as lone individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups.

Dolphins (estimated as being up to 18,000 in numbers, mostly the common dolphin but also the bottlenose dolphin) are largely responsible for rounding up the sardines into bait balls. These bait balls can be 10–20 metres in diameter and extend to a depth of 10 metres. The bait balls are short lived and seldom last longer than 10 minutes. Once the sardines are rounded up, sharks (primarily the bronze whaler, but also dusky shark, grey nurse shark, blacktip shark, spinner shark and zambezi shark), game fish (like shad/elf a.k.a. bluefish, king mackerel, various kingfish species, garrick, geelbek and eastern little tuna) and birds (like the Cape gannet, cormorrants, terns and gulls) take advantage of the opportunity.

The cape fur seal follows the shoals up the Eastern Cape coastline as far as Port St Johns, which is just North of Mboyti, where you will be accommodated.

Sardine Run Itinerary 2012

This is a typical itinerary for a 7 day package. Although a 7 day package is recommended you may book for as many days that suit your needs or pocket

DAY 1

Clients arrive in their own time at the Mboyti River Lodge. The drive is about 4 hours from Durban to the lodge. Should you need to be transported then let us know and we will make all the necessary arrangements for you. After dinner you will discuss the next days plan with your skipper and Micro Light Pilot. Usually they will have a good idea of where and what the action has been and will make a few recommendations to choose from.

DAY 2-6

Breakfast

06H30 The group can decide whether to have breakfast at the lodge first and take a packed lunch or launch early and take a packed breakfast and be back at the lodge for a late lunch. Whatever suits the group or the Sardine action trend.

Launch

Approx 06H30 to 07H30 (depending on light and breakfast ) The boats, one 8m rib, and one 8m cat, will be packed on the beach with your equipment waiting for the group to launch. The launch is a beach launch and can be the most thrilling introductions to the action awaiting you in the deep.

The Action

Approx 07H30 to 12H30 (depending on petrol and weather) The action can be so varied as to take in almost the entire scope of what you have seen on Blue Planet on Discovery. Usually the Micro Light, already in the air, will be advising us as to what’s happening on the water within a 20Km radius of Mboyti. Once the action has been found its all stations go. You may prefer to enter the water with mask and snorkel or with scuba. The action is usually fast and furious requiring you to jump in and out of the boat many times. You will welcome the exercise with all the food the lodge is feeding you.

-          After an action filled day at sea, those more adventurous would want to enjoy the countryside by various means. Here are some examples.

Micro light Flips

Take a ride in the Micro Light and see the action and the coastline from a different perspective – AWESOME

The first 10 min is free, if you would like a longer flight you can negotiate it with the microlight pilot.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

These are the various activities that are offered at Mbotyi River Lodge and are available to all clients that would like to do something in the afternoon instead of relaxing.  There will be a small service charge levied by the Lodge and all bookings need to be done in advance.

Walks

The walks are all graded from professional hiking to the casual and there are experienced guides who will show you the way safely.

Here are some of the walks:

Indigenous Forest – Walk through the biggest coastal Indigenous forest in South Africa. The forest forms the transition between the Kwa-Zulu Natal sub Tropical climate and the Eastern Capes more yellowwood trees with some unique forna and flora only found in this particular area.

Waterfall Bluff – for the serious hiker a 4-5 hour walk to the top of Waterfall Bluff one of only 3 places in the world where you have a fresh waterfall falling into the sea. So for those no launch days this is a goodie.

Shark Point – A short walk along the coastline to a majestic point of rocks called Shark Point. Watch the fishermen battle with large sharks or bring in a huge Salmon or Kingfish.

Drives – In the area there are 3 of the most amazing waterfalls and Gorges to be found anywhere. Some have been caused by erosion other by seismic events.

Magwa Falls – This is a seismic split in the earth that goes straight down for approx 100m spectacular, approx 10-minutes drive.

Frazer Falls – These have been caused by the traditional erosion method. Although not as spectacular as Magwa Fall the Gorge that follows is truly awesome plunging some 100m into some of the most unspoilt indigenous forest left on this coastline.

Supper Approx 19H00– This is normally a 3 course meal with fresh oysters served at the bar once a week as appetizers and a full seafood extravaganza once a week as well.

Discussion and Drinks – After dinner the day’s activities and the next days plans are discussed with your skipper and the Micro light pilot, plans are made and we all enjoy a cold beer

DAY 7

– Approx 07H00 – Breakfast is served for the last time. We all say our farewells and the guests pack to leave, after a memorable vacation.

.

PRICING AND DATES

MEETING POINT – Durban Airport for those being transported ( PLEASE TRY AND BE THERE BY ONE PM ) or Mboyti River Lodge for the self drives.

LENGTH OF STAY – 6 nights 5 days at sea. Leave on the 7^th day.

GROUP SIZE – Min 6 – Max 8

DIVING PER DAY> – 5 hours

PLACE – Relaxed but can be quite strenuous once on the action.

EQUIPMENT – Good mask, snorkel and fins a must.

Wetsuit 5mm ample

Splash jacket to keep the wind off a must.

Scuba equipment as usual. ( TRY AND KEEP ALL EQUIPMENT PLAIN BLACK – NO BRIGHT SILVER – WHITE OR YELLOW STRIPES  ETC – YOU DON’T WANT TO LOOK LIKE FOOD .

EQUIPMENT  SUPPLIED – Weight belts and Cylinders & air fills

BOATS – One 8m rib, and one 8m cat, all safety gear and radio contact.

INSURANCE – There is an optional Dan Insurance to cover your stay with us, for all dive related accidents, at no extra cost. This does not cover the out of water activities.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Due to the expeditionary nature of this event there will be no refund for NO FLY OR NO LAUNCH DAYS

DATES AND AVAILABILITY

Slot 1     25 May        1    June   7 DAY PACKAGE

Slot 2     1  June        7   June   7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 3     7  June      13  June   7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 4    13  June     19  June   7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 5    19  June     25  June  7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 6    25 June        5  July    11  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 7     5 July        11   July    7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 8    11 July       17   July    7  DAY PACKAGE

Slot 9    17 July       23  July    7  DAY PACKAGE

THE PRICE INCLUDES

- Full day on the boat 07h00 – 14h00

- Accommodation (Sharing)

- 3 Meals per day (One being snacks on the boat)

- A dedicated Micro light Pilot to put the group on the action with a VHS Radio

- Air fills

- Cylinders and Weight Belts hire.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

- Transfer from Durban to Mboyti

- Dive gear Hire (BC, DV, Mask, Wetsuit ECT)

Rates:

7 Day package from R 24 980.00 pp/s

11 Day package from R 43 980.00 pp/s

Return transfers from Durban Airport – Lodge R 2000.00 pp (option to hire own vehicle)

Please enquire for availability