PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
28 July 2023
Uncover ocean adventure on the KZN South Coast as the Sardine Run action continues!
The sunny winter weather continues to attract visitors to the KZN South Coast, but it’s not just the Blue Flag Beaches, nature reserves, and hinterland adventures that are getting attention – the world’s greatest biomass migration is still putting on a fantastic ocean display! The Sardine Run, which is an annual winter phenomenon, got underway in June, and there are only a few weeks left to check out this globally renowned event.
“This year has been another great one for the Sardine Run on the KZN South Coast with tourists afforded close-up viewings of the migrating shoals and hungry marine life in hot pursuit!” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “There are so many ways to experience the Sardine Run, whether it’s from the sandy shoreline of our Blue Flag Beaches, from whale watching decks, from boats, microlights, or in the water, our tourism establishments are on hand to make this a memorable excursion.”
The pilot shoal made its appearance on the KZN South Coast early in June this year, with Sardine Run activity attracting eager anglers, divers, and spectators throughout the winter weeks. Wayne Harrison, Acting Head of Operations at KZN Sharks Board, said seine netters had been busy the past few days.
“Netting took place on Wednesday [26 July] at Kelso Station where 30 baskets were netted at R400 each,” said Harrison. “Netting took place in Scottburgh yesterday [27 July] with 30 baskets netted at Mamba Alley on Thursday morning, two more nets taken at Pumula, and another one at Hibberdene. So far, we’ve had 12 nettings in July, totalling 52 successful nettings this season, with just over 700 baskets taken.”
One of the seine netters, Demetre Stamatis, said the localised flooding earlier in the season had impacted the netting somewhat, but the same thing happened in 2022 and there was suddenly a ‘flash of run’ thereafter. While it’s impossible to predict the sardine activity, he said hopefully: “Today could be a different outcome!”.
How to experience the Sardine Run
Visitors are welcome to look out for the Sardine Run action from any of the 58 beaches found on the KZN South Coast, home to the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province! This time of year is also great for spotting migrating humpback whales, with any of this ocean activity seen from the many whale-viewing sites in the area.
There are several tourism operators ready to take visitors on a close-up experience of the Sardine Run. Charter boats will head out to the action where visitors can take in the spectacle from the boat, or even enjoy some snorkelling among the sardines, dolphins, and game fish.
Scuba divers and free divers can head to two of the best dive sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks – both Marine Protected Areas. Protea Banks is ideal for shark sightings while Aliwal Shoal is ideal for all levels of diving experience with a series of caves, crevasses, and ridges home to a huge variety of marine life.
There’s also the option of an aerial view of the KZN South Coast with a flip in a microlight, helicopter, or light aircraft. World of Wings in Umkomaas offers microlight flips for views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and the lower South Coast; while the Margate-based Uvongo Airtrack Aviation offers scenic helicopter and aeroplane flights for a great view of the coastline.
Don’t miss out on the Sardine Run action
Keep updated on all the Sardine Run action by visiting South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #sardinerun2023 #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #seakznsouthcoast
SCTIE has also put together a 3-day Sardine Run Tour Package that includes diving, fishing, surfing, ocean safaris, helicopter or microlight flips, as well as hinterland experiences. To find out more about this and other KZN South Coast sites and events, visit the website, check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases.
/ENDS
All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct image credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.
High resolution images are available upon request.
(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
**Please note images below are from previous Sardine Runs on the KZN South Coast.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
