Mass appearance of sardines off South African coast expected in July 2026

Mass appearance of sardines off South African coast expected in July 2026

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the South Africa Sardine Run Elite Expedition in July 2026. This exclusive marine event, led by renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum, promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Accommodation and Activities

Ntaba River Lodge, the accommodation for the trip, offers luxurious comfort and a blend of Wild Coast hospitality. With various options including single rooms, family cottages, a honeymoon cottage, and Madiba Executive Suites, you're guaranteed a comfortable stay.

The trip offers flexible duration options with choices between 7-day and 14-day expeditions. Both options provide exclusive insights from Amos Nachoum, whose work has been recognised by National Geographic, the World Press Photo, and the United Nations Environmental Program, among others.

Detailed Itinerary

The 7-day itinerary includes:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Durban.
2. Day 2: Travel to the Wild Coast.
3. Days 3-6: Participate in daily zodiac excursions to track the sardine shoals. This involves snorkeling or diving to observe the interactions between predators and the sardine shoals.
4. Day 7: Return to Durban.

Key Highlights

Witness the "Greatest Shoal on Earth" as massive sardine shoals attract predators like sharks, dolphins, and gannets. Receive guidance from Amos Nachoum, enhancing your wildlife photography skills. Enjoy personalised attention with only six guests per expedition, ensuring an intimate experience.

Logistic Details

The expedition takes place in the KwaZulu Natal Province, known for its dramatic coastline and diverse marine life. Daily boat excursions allow participants to snorkel or dive among the sardines and predators, offering unparalleled up-close experiences.

Why Join This Expedition?

• Expert Leadership: Amos Nachoum, a renowned wildlife photographer, provides expert guidance and insights.
• Unique Setting: Explore South Africa's Wild Coast, a breathtaking backdrop for this marine adventure.
• Small Group Size: Only six guests per expedition, ensuring a personal and immersive experience.

Activities and Experiences

• Daily Zodiac Excursions: Track the sardine shoals guided by the movements of birds and dolphins.
• Snorkeling or Diving: Get immersed in the intense predator-prey interactions.
• African Safari: The expedition includes a land-based open vehicle African safari, offering a comprehensive experience of South African wildlife.

Terms and Conditions

All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until reservation is confirmed. The deposit for the 7-day trip is $2,100 and for the 14-day trip is $3,500. Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. The balance is due by March 9, 2026.

The trip includes a photography workshop with Amos Nachoum, 12 nights at N'taba River Lodge, round trip transfer Durban - Wildcoast - Durban, dedicated spotter plane, meals, drying room for wet gear, limited to 6 adventurous photographers, 10 days of diving activity, all taxes, cylinder and weight belt, and 8 hours at sea (weather permitting).

Exclusions include international domestic flights, items of personal nature, rental diving gear, overnight in Durban, communication, drinks, laundry, gratuities. Weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuations may cause dates and pricing to change without prior notice.

The trip leader is Erik Lukas, an internationally acclaimed wildlife and underwater photographer and explorer. The 7-day trip spans from June 30 to July 7, 2026, and July 6 to July 13, 2026. The 14-day trip is from June 30 to July 13, 2025.

Travelers can fly into King Shaka International Airport, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the city center, with direct flights available from major South African cities and some international destinations.

Join us for this elite expedition and witness one of the world's most spectacular marine events. Book your spot today!

1. Embark on a luxurious stay at Ntaba River Lodge, your accommodation for the South Africa Sardine Run Elite Expedition.
2. Choose between 7-day and 14-day trips, each offering insights from renowned wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum.
3. Participate in daily zodiac excursions to track the sardine shoals, observing predators like sharks, dolphins, and gannets.
4. Dive or snorkel among the sardines and predators for unparalleled up-close experiences.
5. Enhance your wildlife photography skills with guidance from Amos Nachoum, a renowned photographer recognized by National Geographic, World Press Photo, and United Nations Environmental Program.
6. Explore South Africa's Wild Coast, a breathtaking backdrop for this marine adventure, with only six guests per expedition ensuring a personal and immersive experience.
7. The expedition takes place in the KwaZulu Natal Province, known for its dramatic coastline and diverse marine life.
8. Join an elite expedition with expert leadership, a unique setting, and a small group size for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the world of sports travel and underwater photography, fly into King Shaka International Airport, and book your spot today.

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