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.
The Wild Coast: Your expedition begins along the immaculate, untouched shores of the Wild Coast. It is here, each year during the southern hemisphere winter months of May, June and July, that billions of sardines gather in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean’s Pondoland Coastline. This migration is widely regarded as the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ and the seething mass is accompanied by numerous predators as well as the largest concentration of large marine mammals on Earth. Experience the exhilarating energy of South Africa’s wild coastline during the annual Sardine Run, where you may witness predators driving sardines into dazzling formations, with diving gannets plunging up to 20 metres (65 feet) in pursuit of a quick meal. Spend hours at sea immersed in this fast-paced marine spectacle, swimming and snorkelling among sardines and potentially encountering some of the ocean’s apex predators. Along the way, gain insight into the interconnectedness of ocean ecosystems and the growing threats facing this awe-inspiring yet vulnerable marine environment.
&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve: Next, head to 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.
Home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species, the reserve is also particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino. Apart from twice-daily game drives, explore the beauty of the Indian Ocean coastline, within easy reach of Phinda. The marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay offers exceptional swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities, with over 1,200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations set in warm and clear tropical waters. With the aquamarine water as the perfect canvas, watch in awe as variety of rainbow-coloured fish dart in and around healthy coral reefs, creating a vivid visual masterpiece. Soak up the warm African sun and splash in the clear, temperate waters of the Indian Ocean. Relax with a good book, play fun filled beach games and take leisurely walks along the pristine shoreline, which blends effortlessly with the animated ocean, awash with the sound of the waves and the cries of various sea birds.
Endlessly captivating, Phinda is a place of extraordinary adventure, where myriad possibilities create breathtaking thrills around every bend. Beach and bush, wildlife and culture, the marvels of the wilderness and the wonders of the ocean depths – &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve has it all.
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
Hosted and guided by some of the best marine and wildlife experts in the business, expect a personalised
one-on-one experience tailored to your interests showcasing the hidden wonders of the underwater and land world and the fascinating creatures that call it home. You’ll gain unique insights and memories that will last a lifetime.
Swim and snorkel straight into the world of underwater documentaries as you venture to sea in search
of massive shoals of sardine and witness fascinating underwater behaviour from the sharks, dolphins, seals, and seabirds that follow them. Enjoy the sight of massive shoals of sardines chased and dispersed by blacktip and copper sharks and whales, while Cape gannets swoop down from the sky to dive to great depths in search of the fleeing sardines.
Explore the varied landscapes of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’.
Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
The marine diversity of Sodwana Bay offers exceptional swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities,
with over 1,200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations set in warm and clear tropical waters. Snorkel alongside Jesser Point, a protected marine reserve, and marvel at an endless abundance of diverse and colourful marine life. Jesser Point features a rock-strewn point at the south corner of the bay.
18 June | GweGwe Beach Lodge
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.
Day 2 | Sardine-run safari
Day 3 | Sardine-run safari including shark research
Day 4 | Pondoland
Optional experience: Pondoland by Air*
*At an additional cost and must be pre-booked well in advance
You will be collected from the lodge after breakfast and transferred to the vulture colony by helicopter. From here, embark on a full day’s aerial tour of Pondoland, visiting the spectacular Magwa Falls and the incredible scenery of Waterfall Bluff. The Mlambomkulu Falls, one of the many on the bluff, cascades over 60 m (196 ft) directly into the ocean below. Explore desolate beaches and enjoy a seafood barbeque for lunch.
Day 5 | Sardine-run safari
Optional Experience: Pondoland by bicycle and kayak
After breakfast, jump onto a bicycle for a short cycle to the mouth of the Msikaba River, where kayaks will be waiting.
23 June | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
24 June | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge | Sodwana Bay
25 – 27 June | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
28 June | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
5 nights GweGwe Beach Lodge | 5 nights Phinda Forest Lodge
You’re just 5 easy (and fun) steps away from creating your ideal Travel Dream Board.
Step 1: Start with where
Step 2: Clarify what kind of traveller you are
Step 3: Tick off those grand bucket list experiences that will fire your imagination
Step 4: Log in to create and add to your Dream Board
Step 5: Share & start dreaming