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the diving holiday specialists
SOUTH AFRICA
Sardine Run
The Sardine Run has come to be known as one of
the greatest marine events on earth. The run not
only consists of the vast shoals of silver sardines
but the numerous predators following in its path as
it moves up the east coast of Southern Africa.
The sardines travel from the Agulhas Banks off
the Southern Cape coast, on the cold south to
north current that develops close inshore during
June and July. This current not only transports the
sardines north, but their food source, plankton.
Following and feeding on the sardines are
numerous species of predators, including game
fish, sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and sea birds.
It is thought that over 20,000 Common dolphins
congregate, along with Bottlenose dolphin, Orcas
and Bryde’s whales. Copper Sharks travel from the
Namibian coast, accompanied by Black Tips and
Zambezis (Bull) sharks.
Seals, Gannets and Storm Petrels are in
abundance, following in the sardines’ wake to take
advantage of the bait balls formed at the surface.
Humpback and Southern Right Whales may be
seen breaching in the distance, in spectacular
leaps from the water. They do not feed on the
sardines but follow the same migratory route from
their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic to
mating grounds off the south east coast of Africa.
EXPEDITION LOGISTICS
The ten day itinerary is operated by one of the
leading dive operators in South Africa, tour dates
are set on what has historically been the best time
of year to encounter the run.
Divers are based in a coastal lodge, primarily
Myboti River lodge, on a secluded area of the
Transkei coast, where the dive boats are
launched. Divers are organised into small groups,
with their own boat and dive guide. Many of the
encounters will be whilst snorkelling, to maximise
the ability to move location quickly and tick as
many of the ‘marine life’ boxes as possible, before
moving onto the dives, making the most of local
water conditions. Locations are chosen through
live feedback from the microlight spotter craft,
which guests have the chance to fly in to see the
action from the air.
South Africa
The Transkei Wild Coast is an area of outstanding
natural beauty, full of rivers, canyons & waterfalls.
In the afternoons, a range of activities are
organised such as trail walks, visits to local
villages and horse riding - topped off with
cocktails at sun down. Meals are provided
The greatest Shoal on Earth!
throughout the trip.
TYPICAL ITINERARY*
The daily outline for days 2-9 is planned as follows - 8 days of activities:
Early starts Full breakfast or breakfast en-route, depending on local conditions
Early Microlight spotter launches and dive boats launch a little later
08.00 - 11.00 Water based activities
11.00 Light lunch. Snacks & drinks on board throughout the day
14.00 - 15.00 Return to harbour
15.30 onwards Afternoon activities
19.00 3 course dinner and day’s debrief
*Days 1 & 10 are your arrival and departure days with transfers to and from Durban Airport.
Itineraries are flexible and subject to change to make the most of local conditions.
2009 **2010
Sardine Run
10-Jun 19-Jun 28-Jun 10-Jun 18-Jun 27-Jun
9 nights 2899 2899 2899 2999 2999 2999
Price per person includes: Flights with Virgin*, 9 nights accomodation in high quality sea front lodge, FB days 2-9 inclusive, including soft drinks,
services of tour guide, all diving/water based activities, all land activities and 1 x microlight flight - refer to website for full list. Supplements: Single
Occupancy - £325. *Flights - please call for an accurate quote as these prices are a guideline. Virgin fares change daily; we may be able to offer
a more competitive price at time of booking. Departures: Dates shown is day before start of the tour.
**2010 dates are approximated within a couple of days - please refer to website for confirmed dates.
030612 ©Doug Perrine / SeaPics.com
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01353 659 999 81
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