South Africa Sardine Run
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival on the Wild Coast
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Arrival at Durban Airport and transfer to your coastal lodge on the Wild Coast
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Meet your marine guides and fellow travelers over a welcome briefing
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Time to relax and enjoy ocean views or explore the shoreline
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Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 2 First Sardine Run Excursion
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Early morning launch to sea as conditions allow
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Snorkeling or freediving alongside sardine shoals and active predators
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Witness dolphins herding bait balls while seabirds dive from above
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Return to the lodge for lunch and rest
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Afternoon marine talk on the Sardine Run ecosystem
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Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 3 Peak Sardine Run Action
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Morning ocean excursion targeting bait balls and predator activity
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Possible encounters with sharks whales seals and dolphins
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Photography and observation from both boat and water level
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Afternoon at leisure with optional beach walks or massage
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Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 4 Ocean Exploration and Coastal Life
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Another early sea departure depending on conditions
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Focus on different marine behavior and migration patterns
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Return by midday with time to relax or explore nearby villages
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Learn about local culture and conservation efforts along the Wild Coast
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Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 5 Final Sardine Run Experience
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Final ocean outing offering last chances for unforgettable encounters
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Celebrate the journey with a farewell lunch overlooking the sea
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Afternoon free for packing and reflection
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Farewell dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 6 Departure
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Breakfast at the lodge
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Transfer back to Durban Airport
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End of Sardine Run experience
Highlights
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The Great Sardine Migration - Witness billions of sardines moving along South Africa’s coastline in one of the largest marine migrations on Earth, transforming the ocean into a living silver river of life and motion.
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Predator Frenzy - Experience extraordinary encounters as dolphins, sharks, whales, seals, and seabirds converge in coordinated feeding events where speed, instinct, and survival collide beneath and above the waves.
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Wild Coast Adventure - Explore the rugged beauty of South Africa’s Wild Coast, guided by expert marine professionals, spending long days at sea and peaceful nights by the ocean in one of the world’s most dramatic natural settings.
Includes / Excludes
What’s Included
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All accommodation in coastal lodges or guesthouses on a shared basis
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Daily breakfasts
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All ground transfers including airport transfers from Durban
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Daily boat launches and Sardine Run ocean excursions weather permitting
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Use of snorkeling equipment including wetsuits masks and fins
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Conservation and community contributions along the Wild Coast
What’s Not Included
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International flights to and from South Africa
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Single supplement
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Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified
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Tips for guides skippers and lodge staff
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Personal travel insurance which is mandatory
