How to experience the Sardine Run?
Blooming aloes signal the start of the migration, which sees millions of silver fish swimming close to the shoreline, attracting predators from above and below while giving visitors the chance to enjoy the show from wherever they prefer.
The Sardine Run is a massive tourist attraction for the South Coast.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, the CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said that winter on the South Coast is incredible for the Sardine Run and other outdoor adventures.
The sards movement is monitored by the KZN Sharks Board, with regular updates shared on the SCTIE social media platforms.
There are numerous ways in which one can experience the Sardine Run:
1 From the ocean: The South Coast is renowned for its fishing hotspots. Charter boats take visitors out on day trip fishing expeditions in the heart of the action, where big game fish are out on a feeding frenzy.
2 In the ocean: With two world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks (Marine Protected Areas), divers come from all over the globe to experience the warm waters off the South Coast. Sightings are even better as the ocean explodes in marine activity. Visitors can book a tour to go scuba diving, free diving, snorkelling or even shark cage diving.
3 From the shore: Visitors can enjoy the spectacle quite safely from the shore itself. There are 58 golden beaches along the South Coast – including the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province.
4 From the decks: There are many viewing decks to sit and take in the Indian Ocean's beauty. Viewing sites include Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck, Ramsgate Whale Deck, Impithi Beach Kiosk and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck.
5 From the skies: People can book a trip in a microlight, helicopter or light aircraft for a bird's-eye view of the massive shoals and predator action below.
6 Through the lens: Attracting world-renowned documentary makers, for good reason – the Sardine Run presents photographers with the chance to capture award-winning shots of bait balls, breaching whales and diving gannets.
7 From local eateries: There are a variety of award-winning restaurants, seaside cafés and great bars from which visitors can dine, drink and take in the action.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- The Citizen
#BestofBallito: Simbithi Eco-Estate sets the standard for coastal estate living
Simbithi Eco-Estate, nestled between coastal forest and the shimmering ocean in Ballito, continues to set the benchmark for integrated estate living on the North Coast. Awarded Best Estate in Ballito for three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – Simbithi is recognised for its thoughtful balance of residential, recreational and ecological elements. The estate offers residents a well-considered lifestyle where coastal forest, open green space and carefully planned infrastructure come together in a secure, professionally managed environment. Simbithi is known not only for its prime location, but also for how it enables community living without compromising privacy or quality of life. At the heart of the estate is the Simbithi Country Club, home to a scenic 18-hole executive golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. Winding through indigenous landscape, the course is both accessible and enjoyable, appealing to seasoned golfers and casual players alike. The Country Club adds further value, offering dining at the Fig Tree Restaurant, events in three versatile venues and informal gathering spaces open to both residents and the public. Beyond golf, Simbithi fosters a vibrant, active community. Families benefit from nearby schools and medical facilities, while residents enjoy walking and cycling trails, community centres, playgrounds and tranquil natural dams. The estate's network of shared spaces is designed to encourage connection while allowing for peaceful retreat. Its proximity to Ballito's Blue Flag beaches, retail centres and key transport routes makes Simbithi an ideal choice for both permanent residents and holiday homeowners. The combination of national recognition, exceptional facilities and a strong sense of place continues to position Simbithi as one of KwaZulu-Natal's premier coastal estates. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The South African
24-07-2025
- The South African
KZN South Coast to host first Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
The KZN South Coast is set to launch its first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival at St Michael's Beach on Saturday, 26 July 2025. The festival honours the region's rich fishing heritage and supports the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's (DFFE) 'Fishing for Freedom' campaign. Visitors can expect an immersive experience celebrating South Africa's marine culinary culture, with a spotlight on regional seafood excellence. 'We are delighted to expand our tourism offerings with this exciting new festival that celebrates the flavours, natural wonder, and people of the KZN South Coast,' commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). 'This is a family-friendly event that will unlock the incredible potential of our seafood tourism, while introducing visitors to all the natural assets and outdoor adventure the KZN South Coast has to offer.' Sibiya added. Backed by the DFFE and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the seafood festival is one of two such events taking place in the country, the other being in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, later on this year. At its heart, the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival is about showcasing South Africa's vibrant marine food culture and elevating local seafood tourism. Festivalgoers can expect a packed program blending food, fun, and beach vibes: Seafood cooking demos Celebrity chef cookouts Local seafood market and artisanal stalls Restaurant tastings and showcases Junior cookout competition Family fun walk Live music and entertainment Beach sports and outdoor adventures Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025 Venue: St Michael's Beach, KZN South Coast Tickets: Adults: R100 Kids: R20 Seafood Brunch: R950 (Tickets available via TicketPro. A variety of food stalls will also be on-site.) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
14-07-2025
- The South African
Seychelles or South Coast? Places that look like paradise in KZN
Think you need to hop on an international flight to find paradise? Think again. KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast packs tropical punch without the passport. From palm-lined beaches to hidden coves and warm Indian Ocean currents, parts of this region look like they've been ripped straight from a Seychelles postcard. Here's where to find KZN's own slice of island-style bliss… Umzumbe on the South Coast. Image: canva This small village is a hidden gem that even locals like to keep to themselves. The beach is Blue Flag certified, meaning it's clean, safe, and swimmable. What makes Umzumbe stand out is how untouched it feels, no crowds, no concrete, just swaying palms, rock pools, and soft sand. Seychelles vibes? Definitely. Nestled near the Wild Coast border, KZN's Port Edward has a laid-back, barefoot-luxury feel. The beaches are wide, the surf is clean, and the water glows a glassy blue, especially at Silver Beach. With subtropical vegetation hugging the coastline and the Mkambati Nature Reserve just beyond, this is where you go when you want to feel off-the-grid but still have access to a decent espresso. Ramsgate beach. Image: canva This stretch is where the South Coast shows off. Margate brings the buzz with beachfront cafes and boardwalks, while Ramsgate dials it down with its lagoon, art galleries, and chill pace. The water here is warm year-round, the palm trees are real (not imported), and the sunsets can hold their own against any Indian Ocean island. Umtentweni sits just north of Port Shepstone and blends lush greenery with the glitter of the sea. Think forested dunes rolling down to the shoreline, monkeys in the trees, and golden hour lighting that could make any Instagram filter redundant. Quiet, scenic, and ridiculously photogenic. Oribi Gorge. Image: wikimedia commons If your idea of paradise includes more cliffs and canopies than waves and coconuts, the South Coast's Oribi Gorge delivers. Just inland from the coast, this dramatic canyon carves through the countryside like something out of a nature doc. There are waterfalls, zip lines, suspension bridges, and views that remind you that paradise isn't only found at the beach. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
