The scene is set on the KZN South Coast for the Greatest Shoal on Earth!

Get ready to witness one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles along the KZN South Coast. Known as the Greatest Shoal on Earth, the annual sardine run brings about a mesmerizing display of marine life. It’s a captivating phenomenon that attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far.

Let me tell you, it’s important not to miss this incredible event. When you see it with your own eyes, you’ll understand why people are so fascinated by the sardine run. Picture this: thousands of sardines moving in synchronized harmony, creating a shimmering silver wave in the water. It’s a sight to behold, and it’s bound to leave you in awe.

Choosing the right vantage point is crucial to fully appreciate the sardine run. You’ll want to find a spot where you can witness the action up close and personal. There are many options along the KZN South Coast, from beaches to viewing decks, where you can experience the magic of this natural phenomenon.

Understanding the behavior of the sardines is another key aspect to consider. These small fish travel in large shoals, using their sheer numbers as a defense mechanism against predators. It’s fascinating to see how predators such as dolphins, sharks, and birds work together to hunt down the sardines. The chase and feeding frenzy that follows is nothing short of impressive.

And if you like marine wildlife, then you’ll love the sardine run. It’s not just about the sardines; you’ll also have the chance to spot other marine creatures, including dolphins, whales, and seabirds. The KZN South Coast becomes a bustling hub of marine activity during this time, offering you a unique opportunity to witness nature’s spectacle.

So, with these factors in mind, make sure you plan your visit to the KZN South Coast during the sardine run. It’s an experience that will leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible diversity of marine life. Don’t miss out on the Greatest Shoal on Earth!

Guess what? The weather is getting colder, and something amazing is happening along the KZN South Coast. The aloes are blooming, and it can only mean one thing – the epic Sardine Run is on its way! People who love fishing, netting, diving, and watching are flocking to the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom to witness one of the most astonishing migrations in the world, known as the Greatest Shoal on Earth.

“I can’t believe how lucky we are on the KZN South Coast. Not only do we have amazing weather during winter, but we also get to witness something truly incredible – the annual Sardine Run. It’s one of the most remarkable natural phenomena, and we have front-row seats!” Phelisa Mangcu, the CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), shared with excitement. “Over the past few years, we’ve had some of the best Sardine Runs, with a lot of fish activity near the shore. And I’m confident that the upcoming 2023 Sardine Run will be just as fantastic for all our visitors and anglers.”

It’s truly a mesmerizing sight to see the sardines swimming in massive shoals and creating a spectacular display. The waters are teeming with life, as dolphins, sharks, and birds all join in the feeding frenzy. The energy and excitement in the air are contagious – it’s an experience like no other.

If you’re a nature lover or an avid angler, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Imagine casting your line and getting a bite from a hungry fish surrounded by the frenzy of the Sardine Run. It’s an adrenaline rush that will leave you craving more.

But it’s not just about the thrill of the chase. The Sardine Run also plays a vital role in the ecosystem. These small fish bring with them an abundance of nutrients, enriching the marine environment and providing a feast for many other species. It’s a delicate balance of nature, where the circle of life is on full display.

So, mark your calendars and start planning your visit to the KZN South Coast in 2023. The Sardine Run will leave you in awe and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or simply a spectator, this spectacle of nature is something you won’t want to miss. See you there!”

Every year, the Sardine Run is a highly anticipated event for the fishermen in our community. It’s a time when we get to bring in massive amounts of sardines and sell them directly to the public, as well as to fisheries and restaurants. As a local seine netter, I can’t stress enough how important this migration is for us anglers.

The Sardine Run has a significant impact on our livelihoods. Many of us, who hold netting licenses, depend on this event to supplement our income. And it’s not just us. Buyers also rely on the extra money that comes from the sardine catch because, during this time of year, fresh vegetables and fish are hard to come by. Plus, there are people who process the sardines for sale later in the year, making them an affordable and valuable resource.

How to Witness the Sardine Run

There are countless ways to witness the incredible phenomenon known as the Sardine Run, which takes place along the KZN South Coast. Whether you prefer being on the beach, in the ocean, or in the sky, there’s something for everyone.

Here on the KZN South Coast, we are proud to have 58 stunning beaches, boasting the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. And if that’s not enough, we also have the highest number of tidal pools, making this region an ocean lover’s paradise. You can relax on the golden shores and watch the Sardine Run unfold right in front of your eyes.

If you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can embark on a hike to one of our many whale-viewing sites. These sites offer breathtaking views of not only the Sardine Run but also migrating humpback whales. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

For a more up-close and personal encounter with the Sardine Run, there are several tourism operators ready to assist you. They offer exhilarating boat charters that will take you right into the heart of the action. From the boat, you can witness the spectacle firsthand or even go snorkeling alongside the sardines, dolphins, and game fish. It’s an unforgettable adventure!

When it comes to scuba diving and free diving, one of the most incredible experiences you can have is the #greatestshoalonearth. It’s like a dream come true for divers, and it’s definitely something to add to your bucket list. The Sardine Run is the main event here, and you can witness it firsthand at two world-famous dive sites: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Both of these sites are Marine Protected Areas, which means they are carefully preserved to maintain their natural beauty and biodiversity.

Protea Banks is known for its incredible shark sightings. If you’ve ever wanted to see these majestic creatures up close, this is the place to be. It’s like a shark lover’s paradise. On the other hand, Aliwal Shoal is perfect for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find something amazing to explore here. The site is filled with caves, crevasses, and ridges that are teeming with marine life. It’s an underwater spectacle like no other.

But it’s not just divers who are drawn to these sites. They also attract international film crews who want to capture the magic of the Sardine Run. Recently, Roland Mauz of African Dive Adventures teamed up with a film crew from the Discovery Channel. They are shooting a segment for their annual Shark Week, and they wanted to film the incredible marine life and the unique ocean experience of the Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks.

Hey there! Want to experience the KZN South Coast from a whole new perspective? Well, you’re in luck because you can get a bird’s-eye view of this beautiful region in some really exciting ways.

Imagine soaring through the air in a microlight, helicopter, or light aircraft and taking in the breathtaking scenery below. It’s an adventure like no other! You can do just that at World of Wings in Umkomaas, where they offer microlight flips that will give you incredible views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh, and the lower South Coast.

But that’s not all. If you’re more of a helicopter or airplane person, you can head over to Uvongo Airtrack Aviation in Margate. They offer scenic flights that will treat you to an amazing view of the coastline. Trust me, it’s a sight you don’t want to miss!

And hey, if you’re as excited about the Sardine Run as I am, you’ll definitely want to stay in the loop. Make sure to follow South Coast Tourism on our social media platforms @infosouthcoast. We’ll keep you posted on all the action!