The Sardine Run in KZN's south coast is a must-see phenomenon.
Image: Supplied
Locals are absolutely thrilled as the much-anticipated annual Sardine Run officially makes its presence felt.
The arrival of these silver shoals brings a welcome warmth to the chilly winter air, celebrated through various traditional culinary preparations from grilling to frying. For anyone rooted in the KZN heritage, this seasonal phenomenon is a monumental highlight of the year.
Even with the highly affordable prices of the fresh catch found at bustling roadside stalls and vibrant weekend markets, these fish are a staple in households across the region.
Of course, it gets shipped to Johannesburg and Cape Town. But Durbanites get the first bite, so to speak.
The KZN South Coast comes alive with activity during the annual Sardine Run in winter.
Image: File
Beyond it being a culinary delight, it’s also a major tourist attraction on the South Coast.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, the chief executive officer of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise, confirmed that the region is fully prepared to host tourists throughout the winter season.
“The Sardine Run is one of the greatest natural attractions in the world and an important tourism highlight for the KZN South Coast. With early sightings already reported and whale activity increasing, we encourage visitors to book their holidays early and experience everything our beautiful coastline has to offer.
“From our Blue Flag Beaches to adventure activities, hospitality establishments and cultural experiences, the KZN South Coast remains a must-visit destination this winter.”
Shelly Beach and Margate: The primary hubs for boat charters and scuba operators provide an immersive way to experience this spectacular natural event. For those venturing out to sea for a front-row view, these ocean safaris often encounter massive "bait balls", where dolphins, whales and sharks -including bronze whalers and blacktips - frenetically feast on the trapped silver shoals.
Umkomaas: Visitors can choose from several immersive experiences, including beach-based viewing or specialised scuba diving and snorkelling adventures, such as the Aliwal Shoal Shark Dives. Alternatively, for those who prefer staying on land, the local beaches of Umkomaas and Scottburgh often provide a front-row seat as large dolphin pods drive the sardines toward the shore.
Port Edward: The Port Edward Lighthouse offers an ideal perspective for witnessing the migration, allowing visitors to observe diving gannets and massive pods of dolphins as they drive shoals toward the shore. Glenmore Beach and Trafalgar Beach offer great vantage points, too.
Ramsgate: If you are looking for the best spots to view surface boils, swirling dolphin pods, and diving gannets, consider these recommended locations: Ramsgate Whale Deck, Ramsgate Big Tree Beach, and the Ramsgate Rocky Points and Tidal Pools.
Uvongo: The vantage points in this area are the Uvongo Fishing Pier and the high-lying areas along Lily Crona Boulevard. These locations provide expansive, panoramic views of the sea, making it simple to identify the plunging gannets, jumping dolphins and turbulent waters that indicate the presence of passing shoals.
♦ A cautionary reminder: please pay close attention to beach signage regarding swimming. Throughout the Sardine Run, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board temporarily withdraws shark nets from beaches spanning the South and North Coasts.