predation : june to july
SOUTH AFRICA: THE GREAT SARDINE RUN
Bait ball action as dolphins, sea birds, whales and sharks feast on spawning bait fish off South Africa’s Wild Coast.
IN BRIEF
Every June and July, one of the ocean’s greatest wildlife spectacles unfolds along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Enormous shoals of sardines move through coastal waters, attracting an extraordinary concentration of marine predators, including dolphins, sharks, whales, and seabirds. Known as the Sardine Run, this seasonal phenomenon transforms the coastline into one of the most exciting marine wildlife destinations on Earth.
Our expedition takes you into the heart of the action. Working alongside experienced local guides and spotters, we’ll follow the movement of predators in search of feeding activity and the ultimate encounter: a bait ball. These tightly packed schools of sardines attract spectacular feeding frenzies, with dolphins, sharks, and diving seabirds attacking from every direction. When conditions permit, we’ll enter the water to experience it firsthand.
But the Sardine Run is about far more than bait balls. From migrating humpback whales to hunting dolphins and unexpected encounters with other marine wildlife, every day brings something different. This is a true ocean safari, where nature dictates the itinerary and no two days are ever the same.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival in Mdumbi Beach. Participants arrive independently to Mthatha airport and we will organize shared shuttles from there to our base near Mbumbi Beach, set along one of the most spectacular stretches of South Africa’s Wild Coast. With secluded white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal scenery at your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for the week ahead. Meet your expedition team for an introduction and safety briefing before enjoying dinner together.
DAYS 2-7: On water. Each morning begins with the latest reports on sardine movements and marine wildlife activity. We’ll launch our boats and head offshore, following the action wherever it takes us. The waters of the Wild Coast host an incredible diversity of marine life, including common and bottlenose dolphins, sharks, Cape gannets, game fish, humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and, of course, enormous schools of sardines.
Our days are shaped entirely by the wildlife. Some encounters are best experienced from the boat, while others offer opportunities to enter the water on snorkel or scuba. We’ll aim to maximize our time in the water whenever conditions and animal behaviour allow, whether that means following hunting dolphins, observing sharks, or witnessing the incredible spectacle of a feeding bait ball.
After a full day at sea, return to shore to unwind, explore the coastline, or join an optional local excursion. Evenings bring everyone together over freshly prepared meals featuring local flavours, including traditional Xhosa-style bread, vetkoek, fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, and vegetarian options. Depending on availability, local oysters, lobster, and freshly caught fish may also feature on the menu.
DAY 8: Departure. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. For those joining the land extension safari to Botswana’s Okavango Delta (available to session 2 participants only), we will continue to Maun today and then into the bush on a charter from there.
ON WATER, ON LAND
Our expeditions operate from a remote, secluded stretch of South Africa’s Wild Coast, far from the busier Sardine Run destinations. We’re the only expedition team operating in this particular area, giving us access to a remarkable coastline with little other boat traffic.
Our home for the week is a community-run lodge, with comfortable traditional rondavels and houses, some featuring shared bathrooms. It’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone comes together over home-cooked meals, fresh local ingredients, and seafood sourced directly from the surrounding communities.
We explore the coastline aboard sturdy RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), designed to handle the challenging conditions of the Wild Coast. Our itinerary includes six days dedicated to ocean exploration, with additional flexibility built in to account for changing weather and wildlife activity. When conditions prevent us from launching, there’s plenty to discover on land, from spectacular waterfall hikes and secluded beaches to visits with local Xhosa communities.
The Wild Coast is more than just a backdrop for the Sardine Run. This is the former Transkei, a region deeply connected to South Africa’s history and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Xhosa traditions remain an important part of everyday life here, and we believe experiencing this coastline means connecting with the people who call it home. One of our favourite traditions is purchasing freshly harvested oysters from local women who collect them along the rocky shoreline at low tide, then sharing them around the dinner table. It’s these simple, authentic moments, alongside the extraordinary marine encounters, that make this expedition so memorable.
2027 DATES
Click on the session you want to join to sign up.
COSTS
CORE PROGRAM COSTS
Main Program: $4750
INCLUDED
7 nights of shared accommodation at our community-run lodge
6 days of ocean safari exploring the Sardine Run (weather dependent)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including a traditional South African braai (BBQ) during the week
Shared accommodation (twin rooms)
Airport transfer from Mthatha on arrival/departure day only.
Professional expedition guide and trip leader
Experienced local boat crew
Dive weights and weight belts
Photography lessons and all images our guides take for personal use
EXCLUDED
Flights
International and domestic flights
Airport transfers for any airport beyond Mthatha
Additional meals outside the scheduled program and alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for guides, crew, and lodge staff
Diving, travel, and medical insurance
Single-room supplements, accommodation upgrades, or additional nights
Optional activities such as guided hikes, cultural excursions, or scenic flights (subject to availability)
Dive equipment rental (must be arranged and booked in advance if needed)
BOTSWANA OKAVANGO DELTA SAFARI EXTENSION
July 11–17, 2027 | 7 Days / 6 Nights
After the Sardine Run, we’re heading north to Botswana for six nights in the Okavango Delta. After connecting to Maun from Mthatha, we’ll fly by charter aircraft into the Delta, then spend the week exploring two very different wildlife areas on a private mobile safari. With our camp moving between locations, we’ll be able to spend more time in the field and explore areas well beyond the main lodge circuits.
We’ll spend three days in Moremi Game Reserve, a mix of floodplains, lagoons, and woodland that supports some of Botswana’s best wildlife viewing. From there, we’ll move into the Mababe area for two days, where open grasslands and seasonal wetlands attract large herds of buffalo and elephants, along with lions, leopards, wild dogs, and other predators. July falls during the dry season, when wildlife increasingly gathers around permanent water sources.
This is a proper bush experience, with experienced local guides, game drives focused on wildlife encounters and photography, and nights spent in a mobile tented camp. Small group, flexible days, and plenty of time to follow whatever we find.
