Small Group Safari or Tailor-Made

Ocean Safari and the Great Sardine Run

A spectacular safari to witness and even dive alongside the great sardine run where you may spot dolphins, sharks and much more.

Duration 7 days
Price From $2,029
When July
Destination South Africa
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A 7 day safari diving and swimming with some incredible marine life - from £1,450 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

Safari Overview

During your unique adventure you’ll take to the water in search of shoals of tightly packed sardines funnelled into swirling “bait balls”. As a band of cold water forces the sardines up the east coast of South Africa hungry predators await; humpback whales, numerous species of shark and dolphin, Cape fur seals, African jackass penguins and even sail fish can be found in this area at this time. Sometimes referred to as “The Serengeti of the Sea” this is an opportunity to witness the biggest migration of any fish species.

What makes this trip extraordinary

  • Experience the natural phenomena of the Great Sardine Run.
  • Explore the waters for a wide range of marine life.
  • Look out for thousands of seals and Cape Gannets joining in the run.
  • Swim with sharks and other marine life as it concentrates on dining on fine sardines.

Dive in to experience this completely unique marine activity while looking out for numerous whale species.

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Day by day

Day 1

Arrive - Port St John’s Wild Coast

On your arrival at King Shaka International Airport, Durban you will be met by a representative and transferred to Port St. John’s. Settle into your accommodation, Intaba River Lodge, nestled between towering cliffs on the banks of the Umzimvubu River and enjoy a relaxing dinner before your first sardine boat run tomorrow.

Days 2-6

Port St John’s Wild Coast

For the next five days of the trip, weather depending, you'll head out on a sardine boat run; common dolphins are plentiful and will accompany the boat for most of the day. Getting in the water to dive or snorkel with a large pod of dolphins is an incredible and moving experience. They won’t be the only wildlife you encounter; other hungry predators join the feeding frenzy, including several species of shark; dusky sharks, bull sharks, black tip sharks, ragged tooth sharks and, most commonly, copper sharks - you can dive with them too if you wish You’ll be hunting for “bait balls” and as the dense mass of sardines rise to the surface Cape Gannets will swoop down in their thousands joined by seals and sometimes penguins. On the boat you’ll enjoy a packed lunch and tanks, weight and air is provided. After a busy day at sea you’ll return to the comfortable Intaba River Lodge for dinner.

Day 7

Port St John’s Wild Coast - Depart

After breakfast you’ll depart the lodge and head back to the airport in time for your ongoing flight; either home or onto your next destination.

Trip Details

Trip Information

This is a set departure safari, but can also be tailored to your specifications or joined with a traditional wildlife safari elsewhere in Africa.

Your Next Steps

Talk to one of our specialists for further details on our small group safaris in South Africa.
Request a detailed itinerary