Most spectacular natural event in South Africa here soon

·3 Mar 2025

The annual Sardine Run, a spectacular event that attracts many predators, including sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds, will hit the KwaZulu-Natal coastline in two months.

The annual Sardine Run happens between May and July, when billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa.

The winter run is a reproductive migration. When they reach KwaZulu-Natal waters, the sardines spawn, and their eggs and larvae drift down the coast to nursery areas on the Agulhas Bank.

Scientists speculate that the sardines which migrate have evolved to undertake the journey and continue to do so because it increases their chance of reproductive success.

Numerous reports state that the annual Sardine Run is the biggest biomass migration on earth in terms of numbers.

The tremendous amount of sardines causes a feeding frenzy along the coastline, with sharks, dolphins, whales, seabirds, and humans enjoying the abundant resource.

The size of the Sardine Run changes from year to year and is determined by large-scale oceanographic processes.

Ryan Daly, marine scientist at Oceanographic Research Institute, said they’re hoping for another good Sardine Run this year.

“We have had relatively good runs over the past few years, and I expect this coming year to be the same,” he said.

“The timing and size of the run can be influenced by so many factors, from sea temperature to sardine stock size and more.”

He said the size of the Sardine Run is challenging to predict, but they will monitor the situation closely and update visitors on its progress.

Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said the annual Sardine Run generates an influx of visitors.

“Our Blue Flag beaches and subtropical climate mean that, even in winter, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a great holiday destination,” he said.

Sibiya provided a few reasons why the annual Sardine Run provides visitors with a unique experience.

It’s a world-famous phenomenon—the Sardine Run is known as ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth’. It’s been the feature of many internationally filmed wildlife documentaries and is unlike any other migration across the planet.

Excellent marine encounters – While the sardines are impressive, the sheer volume of marine life accompanying them makes this a unique event.

Unique photography opportunities – The Sardine Run provides excellent opportunities to photograph scenes of marine life in action.

See the ‘Blue Economy’ in action – The Sardine Run is an important economic driver for the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. This includes large number of fishermen from the region.

“Visiting the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast for the Sardine Run supports local communities and eco-tourism initiatives,” Sibiya said.

He added that visitors can take dedicated Sardine Run tours or charter boats to get a close-up view of the action.

Viewing decks, including the Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck and Ramsgate Whale Deck, allow visitors to experience the annual Sardine Run from the beaches.

They can also use the Impithi Beach Kiosk and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck to watch the event from the coastline.