South Africa: Wild Coast | Phinda Private Game Reserve | Sodwana Bay
South Africa: Wild Coast | Phinda Private Game Reserve | Sodwana Bay
Tessa grew up on a farm in the savannas and escarpment forests of South Africa, an environment that instilled in her a passion for ecology from a young age. After a year in Tasmania as a Rotary Scholar, she began her undergraduate studies via correspondence with the University of South Africa (UNISA) while travelling and working in scuba diving.
In 2003 Tessa returned to South Africa to complete her BSc in Botany and Zoology at the University of Cape Town (UCT), followed by a BSc Hons in Zoology, a field course in the Kruger National Park with the Organisation for Tropical Studies (OTS) and an MSc in Conservation Biology from the same university. Her study subjects ranged from the impact of elephants on savanna vegetation and bat community ecology to the effects of dynamite fishing on coral reefs in Tanzania.
A bucket list adventure for any diver, this expedition combines the swirling sardine bait balls and agile apex predators of South Africa’s famed annual Sardine Run, ending in a Big Five safari on this extraordinary 10-day itinerary, and is privately guided by experts, along with a group of other divers. Your adventure takes you to the spectacular Wild Coast where you have the opportunity to dive amongst the billions of fish that make up the Sardine Run, the greatest shoal on earth, followed and harassed by predatory game fish, sharks, whales and giant pods of dolphin.
This limited-edition trip explores how marine systems along the coastline are connected, why aggregations such as the Sardine Run are important and how the extraordinary marine conservation work done by Oceans Without Borders, a collaboration between &BEYOND and Africa Foundation has been making a difference since 2016.
Experience the frenzy as these predators drive the sardines into tight balls of silver, interspersed with diving gannets that swim up to 20 meters deep in search of a quick meal. This intense spectacle, which happens in the southern hemisphere winter months of May, June and July, draws marine species from across the oceans to feast on this massive aggregation of sardines. Indulge in the fast-paced adrenalin fix of spending long hours at sea and diving amongst some of the ocean’s apex predators as you learn about the connectivity of the oceans and the threats that face this unforgiving yet increasingly vulnerable marine environment.
Move on to the warm waters of Sodwana Bay, near &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, to gain an understanding of how the protected coral gardens and thriving fish species of this protected marine areas are intertwined with and dependent on the health of the sardine shoals and accompanying predators that appear further south along the coastline in such multitudes. In between exploring the beauty of the ocean, indulge in a safari to one of the continent’s finest game viewing reserves, home to Africa’s Big Five. A variety of incredible options are available, including twice-daily game drives with expert guides in search of the Big Five and other rare encounters.
6 nights Wild Coast | 1 night Umhlanga Rocks | 3 nights Phinda Private Game Reserve
*Proceeds of this itinerary go toward the Oceans Without Borders fund, encouraging a positive change across our marine footprint.
Hosted by marine biologist, Oceans Without Borders Programme Manager and Principal Scientist, Dr. Tessa Hempson
and privately guided by a skilled &Beyond guide Matthew van Wieringen. Additionally dive with some of the most experienced skippers and dive masters on the Wild Coast, Digger Brown, Daniella Flufer and Walter Bernardis.
Dive 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, killer whales, 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 diverse landscapes of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve 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.
An Oceans Without Borders initiative, all proceeds go toward leaving our oceans a better place.
On this trip, gain an understanding of how marine systems along the coastline are connected, discover the essential niche occupied by the sea’s apex predators and find out why aggregations such as the Sardine Run are important and what are the threats that they face.
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake you stay to any of our destinations
Shark specialist and scuba diving guide Walter Bernardis from African Watersports talks about the Oceans Without Borders Marine Migration Expedition, which allows guests to experience the magnificent spectacle as the sardines form into tight shoals known as bait balls, prompting thrilling feeding frenzies. A highlight that deserves to be on any diver’s bucket list, find out what it’s like to experience this underwater migration.
– Dr Tessa Hempson, Oceans Without Borders’ Programme Manager & Principal Scientist
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