Experience the world’s greatest marine spectacle, the Sardine Run, followed by an iconic Big Five safari.
Experience the world’s greatest marine spectacle, the Sardine Run, followed by an iconic Big Five safari.
This 10-night small-group journey marries the frenzy of Sardine Run action — gannets, dolphins, sharks and whales in tight choreography — with an unforgettable Big Five safari. This itinerary is designed for swimmers, snorkellers, and divers alike, offering a unique blend of marine and wildlife exploration.
A seat on this Small Group Journey includes a Wild Impact Oceans Without Borders (OWB) programme donation.
As with all natural wildlife expeditions, nature will always take centre stage and will ultimately determine your day-to-day plans.
5 nights Wild Coast | 5 nights &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
18 June | GweGwe Beach Lodge
Meet-and-assist on arrival at OR Tambo International to King Shaka Airport, followed by a road transfer to Virginia Airport, and a charter to GweGwe Beach Lodge. Your expedition begins along the immaculate, untouched shores of the Wild Coast. It is here, each year during the southern hemisphere winter months, the height of the whale migration season, that billions of sardines gather in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean’s Pondoland Coastline.
Tomorrow, your sardine tracking exploits begin.
19 to 22 June | GweGwe Beach Lodge
As with all natural wildlife expeditions, nature will always take centre stage and will ultimately determine your day-to-day plans. Therefore, it is imperative to be flexible and be ready to take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves. There is ample time to do creative exploration, allowing you to truly appreciate the many jewels on offer in the area. Below is an example of how your marine adventure may unfold, all activities are weather dependent.
Launch into the morning aboard a boat in search of the sardine shoals. Watch whales breach, dolphins dance and sharks slice through the waves, whether from the boat or immersed in the water. Your afternoon is yours to savour. As evening falls, gather for a shark presentation with your marine team.
Another day of ocean adventure begins—this time, with a deeper purpose. From a boat, witness sardine activity and encounter sharks that follow the shoal. Participate actively in ongoing shark research by catching and tagging sharks, contributing to understanding the behaviour of these apex predators.
The bait balls are moving and so are you. For a different perspective, take to the skies on an optional pre-booked helicopter flight. Glide past a vulture colony, soar over Magwa Falls, Waterfall Bluff and Mlambomkulu Falls, and land for a seafood braai on a beach few footprints ever reach.
It’s your final morning for the shoals (photography gear available). Before the sun gets too high, go for an optional Msikaba paddle and Cape vulture colony visit, followed by lunch in a nearby Mpondo village. End your Wild Coast journey with a moonlit beach dinner and a heart full of salt-air stories.
23 to 28 June | &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Head to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve for one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences. With its magnificent position between the African wilderness and the balmy depths of the Indian Ocean, Phinda offers a range of thrilling land and water adventures.
Step aboard a private charter to Phinda. Settle into a beautifully appointed Suite at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge. With the sand forest as your sanctuary, choose to ease into the rhythm of the wild with a relaxed nature walk or venture out on an afternoon game drive. A private safari vehicle is yours throughout your stay.
From forest to reef, today is yours to explore. Begin the day with game drives or guided nature walks. If you can’t get enough of the sea, head to the coast for a dive excursion to Sodwana Bay (~1 hour drive) to experience coral reefs peppered with over 1 000 fish species (for certified, experienced divers only).
Spend early mornings and late afternoons on game drives across seven distinct habitats; track rarities like black rhino or pangolin and grow your life list from 400+ bird species. Between drives, opt for guided nature walks or e-biking through the rare and ancient sand forest. Evening drives may extend after dark to spotlight nocturnal predators.
28 June | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
Fly from Phinda airstrip to OR Tambo International for onward connections, carrying treasured memories from the savanna and sea.
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
Be hosted and guided with a personal touch by some of the best marine and wildlife experts in the business.
Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of underwater documentaries chasing the famous Sardine Run.
Explore the varied landscapes of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’.
The marine diversity of Sodwana Bay offers breathtaking swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities.
5 nights GweGwe Beach Lodge | 5 nights Phinda Forest Lodge
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