| Sardine Run |
| Port St Johns |
| TBA |
| R6600.00 |
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| this is a 3 day, 4 night package which includes breakfast and dinner |
| Please note all prices are subject to change according to airfare/airport tax/operator/currency/seasonal fluctuations without prior notice. |
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The Sardine Run occurs between late May and July along the East coast of South Africa when millions of sardines migrate up the East coast of South Africa from the Cape. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline in what is one of the largest marine events in the world. This has been dubbed "The Greatest Shoal On Earth" by the Kwazulu-Natal Tourist Board.
Initially the sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank through spring and early summer. Most of the fish stay in the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean and end up along the West coast of Africa.
It is thought that the run on the East coast, 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 coast line and goes further East out into the Indian Ocean.
In terms of biomass, researchers estimate the sardine run could rival East Africa's great wildebeest 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 defense mechanism as individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups. These bait balls can be 10-20 metres in diameter and extend to a depth of 10 meters. The bait balls are short lived and seldom last longer than 10 minutes.
It is thought that dolphins (estimated as being up to 18,000 in number, mostly the common dolphin but also the bottlenose dolphin) are largely responsible for rounding up the sardines into bait balls. Once the sardines are rounded up, sharks (primarily the bronze whaler, but also dusky shark, blacktip shark, spinner shark and zambezi shark), game fish (like shad or elf, king mackerel, various kingfish species, garrick, geelbek and eastern little tuna) and birds (like the Cape gannet, cormorants, 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.
As the sardines move North, their behaviour based on the water temperature is less predictable but can sometimes reach as far as Durban before heading out to sea to continue their annual migration. |
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| HOW TO ENJOY THE SARDINE RUN |
The Sardine Run is prolific around Port St Johns in the Transkei and our operator set up base in the area to offer the best of the activity.
They offer a boat-based adventure for all nature lovers, including photographers, bird watchers, dolphin and whale enthusiasts, snorkellers and scuba divers. This is an unforgettable experience suitable for most members of the family. Because of the manner of the boat launching and beaching as well as possible uncomfortable sea conditions it is advisable that those of limited mobility, frailty or with back problems limited themselves to land based viewing.
From our land base at Port St John, we cruise the ocean each day in search of sardine activity normally located from sightings of large flocks of sea birds or huge schools of common and bottlenose dolphins. We also communicate with the Sharks Board, other boat operators and microlight pilots.
Once the Sardines are located and we have established the bait ball is not moving too fast, snorkellers and divers are invited to enter the water to view the activity first hand, while those that prefer to stay dry can witness this amazing phenomenon from the boat, which is just as spectacular. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime.
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| ACCOMMODATION |
"Beautifully situated on the banks of the Umzimvubu River, just five kilometres from the town of Port St Johns, and set in the grounds of a tropical fruit orchard, The Jetty lodge is the ideal holiday retreat for jaded city slickers and nature-lovers alike. Relax around the sparkling pool and braai area under century old peacan nut trees." The Lodge offers:
Swimming Pool
Bar Area
Pool table & games room
DSTV
Babysitting
Fans in room
Safe in room/reception
Tea/Coffee facilities in room
Safe open off-street parking
Laundry Service
Ironing service
Self-Braai area
Credit cards accepted
Hikes
Mountain bikes or trails
Fishing
Bird Watching
Wheelchair friendly |
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| WHAT IS INCLUDED |
Three full days boat based viewing of Sardine Run
Four nights Accommodation on a Full Board basis (inc. All meals)
Picnic lunch and refreshments on boat trips
Qualified skipper and guide to conduct trip and inform passengers
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| WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING ON THE BOAT |
Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Waterproof Jacket
Change of clothes & towel
Water resistant holdall for the boat
Binoculars
Camera and video equipment |
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| DATES |
Please let us know which dates you would like to join us for the Sardine Run 2010 so we may ensure we have availability.
A 50% will be required before by 10 May 2010 to guarantee your spot on this trip of a lifetime!
Don't delay!
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