Five reasons why you should experience KZN’s annual Sardine Run

'The Great Shoal on Earth'. Photo: canva

As the weather gets a little cooler along the east coast of South Africa, ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth’ makes its way towards KwaZulu-Natal waters and it is a sight to behold! Here are five reasons why you NEED to experience KZN’s Sardine Run this year…

1. Incredible to witness

Huge shoals of Sardines. Photo: canva

The Sardine Run is not something you will see everyday! Picture millions, if not BILLIONS, of silvery sardines swimming just a stone’s throw away from the shores of KZN’s south coast beaches. The sheer scale and intensity of the shoal makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget.

ALSO READ: Five fantastic reasons to go camping on the KZN South Coast

2. They’re delicious!

Sardines are delicious and super healthy for your heart, bones and immune system. Photo: canva

If you haven’t eaten a sardine fresh out of the ocean before, you’re certainly in for a treat. The little fish are netted right on the beaches and then sold as soon as possible to anyone and everyone.

Fry them, roast them, steam them or braai them – they’re delicious in any preparation. Some Durbanites like to coat them in a little chilli powder, salt and lemon juice before frying to crispy perfection. Yum!

ALSO READ: Three camping spots on KZN’s Dolphin Coast you NEED to check out

3. Unforgettable wildlife interactions

Dolphins, sharks and birds all try to get their share of the Sardine Run. Photo: canva

The Sardine Run offers viewers the chance to witness amazing interactions between marine predators and the massive sardine shoals. You might see dolphins herding the sardines, sharks leaping out of the water or tons of birds diving from the sky to snatch their share of the feast.

ALSO READ: Five things to do on the stunning KZN South Coast

4. Witness whales gathering

Whales visit the coastline of KwaZulu Natal every year and can be spotted from as early as mid-May to the end of November. Photo: canva

The Sardine Run also happens to coincide with the migration of whales along the South African coast. You might have a chance to see gatherings of humpback whales, Bryde’s whales or even orcas.

5. Shark cage diving opportunities

Shark cage diving isn’t for the faint-hearted. Photo: canva

For the brave-of-heart and complete adrenaline-junkies, the Sardine Run might be the perfect opportunity to do some shark cage diving. The Run attracts various shark species, including the iconic Great White Shark and diving with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

We recommend only doing so with safe, professional dive companies, though! Check here for more information.

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.