Experience the world’s greatest marine spectacle, the Sardine Run, followed by an iconic Big Five safari on this Oceans Without Borders (OWB) Impact Journey
Africa’s Greatest Marine Migration Expedition
The Wild Coast | &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
JOIN A GROUP OF MAX 14 GUESTS ON THIS LIMITED EDITION SET DEPARTURE
SNORKEL ALONGSIDE A PROTECTED MARINE RESERVE, TEEMING WITH SEA LIFE
FOLLOW THE SARDINE RUN, AND SWIM WITH SHARKS, WHALES, DOLPHINS, & SEALS
EXPERIENCE A BIG FIVE SAFARI ON AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
ENJOY CLOSE-UP SIGHTINGS OF THE ELUSIVE CHEETAH AND RARE BLACK RHINO
Dr Camilla Floros
OWB Marine Programme Manager and Principal Scientist
Growing up, Camilla spent a significant amount of time in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, where she was exposed to beautiful and diverse coral reefs, but also saw firsthand the impact of the increasing pressure of human use on these fragile and valuable ecosystems. These experiences shaped Camilla’s passion for the ocean and sparked her ambition to become a marine biologist and promote coral reef restoration.
Dr Ryan Daly
Marine Scientist
Ryan grew up in a bustling metropolis of South Africa before moving to the coast with his family. At a young age, he had an innate attraction to wild places, and the ocean was a magnet for his daily exploits. Fast forward to today, Ryan now spends his time with a dedicated group of researchers scouring the waters within Africa’s first transboundary marine protected area, between South Africa and Mozambique, in search of tiger sharks and other marine life.
Your journey at a glance
From the Wild Coast to &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve, explore the ultimate marine and Big Five safari expedition.
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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 to journey from the cold Atlantic waters into 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 frenzy as these predators drive the sardines into tight balls of silver, interspersed with diving gannets that swim up to 20 m (65 ft) deep in search of a quick meal. Indulge in the fast-paced adrenalin fix of spending hours at sea, swimming and snorkelling amongst the sardines plus 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.
&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.
*As with all natural wildlife expeditions, nature will always take centre stage and will ultimately determine your day-to-day plans. Proceeds of this itinerary go toward the Oceans Without Borders fund, encouraging a positive change across our marine footprint.
5 nights Wild Coast | 3 nights &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
What we love about it
EXPERT MARINE & WILDLIFE GUIDES
Hosted and guided by some of the best marine and wildlife experts in the business, expect a personalised
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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.
SPECTACULAR SARDINE SIGHTS
Swim and snorkel straight into the world of underwater documentaries as you venture to sea in search
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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.
ICONIC BIG FIVE WILDLIFE
Explore the varied landscapes of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’.
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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.
MAGNIFICENT SODWANA BAY
The marine diversity of Sodwana Bay offers exceptional swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities,
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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.
A taste of what to expect
Day 1
Arrival | Wild Coast
21 June 2025 | GweGwe Beach Lodge
- Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by an &BEYOND representative and assisted for your onward arrangements to Virginia Airport. Upon arrival at Virginia Airport, you will board your flight to GweGwe Beach Lodge.
- Tucked between lush forest, rolling hills and the ocean, GweGwe Beach Lodge offers laidback luxury paired with locally inspired design, where luxury and adventure take centre stage. It is here you will stay for the next five nights.
- Take the evening to settle in and unpack. A pre-dinner Sardine Run presentation hosted by your expert marine guides will set the scene for the adventure that awaits.
Day 2 to 5
Wild Coast
22 – 26 June 2025 | 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
- With the hum of the spotter plane as your wake-up call (typically around 05h30) as it heads out in search of the sardine shoal, after breakfast a boat will be waiting for you below the lodge to begin your ocean adventure.
- Spend the morning chasing the vast shoals of sardines and the countless whales, dolphins, sharks, predatory fish and sea birds that feast on the migrating masses.
- These dramatic scenes can either be witnessed from the boat, or from beneath the surface while swimming or snorkelling.
- Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure relaxing on your own private beach, before gathering for an enlightening educational shark presentation before dinner.
Day 3 | Sardine-run safari including shark research
- Another day of ocean adventure awaits, once again guided by the spotter plane.
- After breakfast, head out on the ocean this time not only to be close to the sardine action, but also to get up close and personal with the sharks that follow the shoal.
- You’ll have the incredible opportunity to play an integral role in the incredible research taking place and get actively involved in the shark research programme as well as catching and tagging sharks to study the behaviour of these apex predators.
Day 4 | Pondoland
- After breakfast, jump onto a bicycle for a short cycle to the mouth of the Msikaba River, where kayaks will be waiting.
- From here, a scenic paddle up the Msikaba Estuary will provide you with a first-hand experience of the incredible biodiversity and endemism that occurs in the area.
- A steep, short climb out of the gorge leads to a colony of highly endangered Cape vultures.
- Each day these majestic birds take off from their perches, catching the morning thermals, and head off to feed hundreds of kilometres away.
- An authentic Mpondo lunch will be enjoyed in the Ndengane Village before making your way back to the lodge for a moonlit dinner on the beach.
Optional experience: Pondoland by Air
*At an additional cost
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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
- Today is your final day to experience the sardine shoals.
- After breakfast, head out on a boat once again guided the spotter plane.
- With all the necessary photography equipment provided, today is also the perfect time to take some incredible shots of you in the action. The perfect memento.
- After lunch, enjoying the pristine ocean from the shoreline, playing back the magical memories of the past few days.
- A highlights slideshow will make the perfect appetiser for your final dinner.
Day 6
&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
26 June 2025 | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
- After spending five days exploring the colder currents of the Wild Coast, it’s time to head to the bush to &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve where you will be staying at &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge for the next three nights.
- This morning after breakfast you will transfer to Virginia Airport in time for your private charter flight to Phinda.
- Set in a rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge’s suites offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. The dense canopy provides privacy while floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in, with the wonderful opportunity to view wildlife roaming outside your glass “bubble”, fluttering birds nesting in the foliage and the gentle rustle of forest sounds.
- Enjoy a captivating afternoon game drive and track a magnificent variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah and black rhino. The sand forest is also home to the shy suni and the rare red duiker, two tiny antelope that are seldom encountered elsewhere.
Day 7
&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
27 June 2025 | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge | Sodwana Bay
- After a hearty breakfast, head to Sodwana Bay to indulge in an opportunity to compare the balmy waters and abundant coral life of Sodwana Bay, with the massive shoals and fast-paced marine predators of the Sardine Run. This is a gentler kind of diving that allows you to experience unforgettable marine diversity, with over 1 200 species of fish and decorative coral formations.
- The tropical waters of Sodwana Bay are home to an abundance of marine life, boasting more than 80% of all the world’s marine classes. For avid divers, this is your best chance to explore this protected marine sanctuary. Swim past lemony yellow butterflyfish, powder blue triggerfish and citron-spotted whale sharks.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch on the beach catered especially for you by &BEYOND.
- After lunch, you can enjoy some relaxation on the beach or enjoy another memorable dive or snorkel. Discover an extraordinary selection of fish that trickle down along the west coast of Africa and expect close encounters with ragged-tooth shark, dolphins, turtles and rays. A vast array of marine species inhabits these aquamarine waters and kaleidoscopic fish dart in and around healthy coral reefs.
Day 8
&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
28 June 2025 | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
- Enjoy an early-morning game drive across Phinda’s seven distinct habitats, looking for some of the rarer species such black rhino or pangolin, or some of the 436 bird species on the reserve.
- A magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland, and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans, the reserve is home to 1 000 hectares (2 471 acres) of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest.
- There is a variety of experiences for you to enjoy on the reserve between game drives, including a nature walk where you can experience a deeper connection with the African bush.
- Later on, get back in the game vehicle for your final captivating safari. Stay out late in the afternoon (continuing after nightfall), with expert rangers and trackers and enter the world of Africa’s nocturnal predators on a thrilling night drive.
Day 9
Departure | &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
29 June 2025 | &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge
- Savour your last morning at &BEYOND Phinda Forest Lodge enjoy your last game drive and delicious breakfast, before bidding farewell.
- Keep a look out for wildlife sightings as you are transferred to Phinda airstrip for your return flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in time for your onward arrangements.
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
What's included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals, drinks and laundry as specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled flights / Private charters as specified in the itinerary
- Private / Scheduled transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Private / Scheduled marine sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Private / Scheduled wildlife game viewing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Sardine run spotter plane, boats, snorkelling and free-diving gear
- Sardine run specialist to accompany all sardine excursions as well as available for presentations etc.
- Marine specialists, Dr Camilla Floros and Dr Ryan Daly to accompany all sardine excursions
- National parks, concession and landing fees where applicable
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Domestic / international departure tax, fuel and safety levies from airports and airstrips unless otherwise stipulated
What's not included
- Meals, drinks and laundry not specified in the itinerary or as outlined in the includes
- Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes
- Gratuities and any items of a personal nature
- Sightseeing and excursions not specified in the itinerary
- Boat transfer in from Port Edward to GweGwe
- Sightseeing Helicopter excursions from GweGwe to various locations in Pondoland
- Flights and transfers not specified in the itinerary
- South Africa Game Reserve entrance fees:
- National parks and concession fees not specified in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required)
Conditions
- All activities are weather dependent
- Flight quotes are subject to change, and we reserve the right to re-quote
- The operator may reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability
- Validity periods are as specified above - should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote
- The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, ROE, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in the countries featured in this quote
- andBeyond Trading Terms apply
Stay here on this journey
5 nights GweGwe Beach Lodge | 3 nights Phinda Forest Lodge
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