The Sardine Run
The greatest shoal on earth — billions of sardines migrate up the KZN coast each winter, drawing dolphins, sharks and gannets.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The greatest show on earth, provided you have the patience to chase it.
The greatest show on earth, provided you have the patience to chase it.
- Trip Role
- Worth a Detour
- Ideal Stay
- 1 week
- Time Needed
- 5-7 days
- Best For
- Marine photography and action
- Go If
- You are an experienced diver or photographer looking for the ultimate marine spectacle.
Why it's worth your time
An annual natural phenomenon where billions of sardines migrate up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, triggering a massive feeding frenzy of dolphins, sharks, whales, and gannets.
What we love
The chaos of the 'bait ball' where predators from all sides converge on the sardines.
What to know
It is highly unpredictable; the run may not happen in the same location or intensity every year.
More wildlife experience in KwaZulu-Natal
KZN Turtle Tours
Night tours to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching on the iSimangaliso coast, in season.
St Lucia Estuary Hippo & Croc Cruise
A boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary through one of the highest densities of hippos and crocs in the country.
St Lucia Hippo & Croc Cruise
Boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary — hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife at the gateway to iSimangaliso.
Wild Dog in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi holds one of South Africa's key wild dog populations — the rarest of the large predators to spot.
iSimangaliso Turtle Tour
Night walks to loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting on iSimangaliso's beaches, November to February.