Travel wilder.
Witness the Sardine Run along South Africa’s remote Wild Coast, a dramatic natural event where vast shoals of sardines attract a frenzy of predators, super pods of dolphins and migrating humpback whales each winter.
The South African Wild Coast is a place of striking natural beauty, where untamed landscapes meet the rhythm of the ocean. Rolling green hills stretch out to the horizon, dotted with colourful Xhosa huts and crisscrossed by narrow footpaths. Rivers meander through deep valleys before spilling into the sea, and long stretches of unspoiled beach remain empty except for the occasional herd of cows wandering along the sand, a uniquely Wild Coast sight! Cliffs and headlands rise dramatically above the surf, while the sound of waves and bird calls fill the air. It’s a landscape both peaceful and powerful, untouched by mass tourism and rich in rural charm.
‘Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life!’
During the Sardine Run, the ocean comes alive with an extraordinary variety of marine life and seabirds. Vast pods of common dolphins lead the charge, herding sardine shoals into tight bait balls, often joined by the more coastal bottlenose dolphins. Bryde’s whales and migrating humpback whales add to the spectacle, surfacing dramatically amid the chaos. Below the surface, dusky sharks, spinner sharks, and bronze whalers circle the action, capitalizing on the feeding frenzy. Among the predators, the sleek eastern little tuna dart through the shoals, while the occasional loggerhead turtle glides by, undisturbed by the frenzy.
Above the water, the sky fills with seabirds diving and circling in a constant hunt. Cape gannets plunge like missiles into the ocean, joined by flocks of Cape cormorants, sooty shearwaters, swift terns, and the bold subantarctic skua. The more graceful Indian yellow-nosed albatross, white-chinned petrels, and kelp gulls add to the aerial display. Together, this cast of predators and opportunists creates one of the most dynamic and thrilling marine wildlife spectacles on Earth.
MDUMBI – THE BEST OF THE WILD COAST
Mdumbi is an ideal base for the Sardine Run, thanks to its proximity to the Agulhas Current, which brings consistently clear water; even when rivers flow or swells stir up sediment. The nearby continental shelf helps flush in clean, blue water quickly. With few operators in the area, wildlife remains largely undisturbed, making Mdumbi our favourite location for an authentic, low-impact Sardine Run experience.
AUTHENTIC RURAL ACCOMMODATION:
We will be based at the Mdumbi Backpackers, set on scenic hills above the estuary and sea. Each morning starts with a short walk to the boat launch, easy, beautiful, and right at the heart of the action. Accommodation is in traditional Xhosa-style round houses known as rondavels — iconic African huts that reflect the local culture and way of life. Built with natural materials and a thatched or tin roof, rondavels have been used for generations by the Xhosa people for their practical design and ability to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. These rooms do not have en-suite bathrooms; instead, shared showers and toilets are located in a nearby central facility, just a short walk away. Electricity is available in each room, and while Wi-Fi can be accessed from most rondavels, it is always available in the central dining and reception area. Staying here offers a deeper connection to the land and the culture, in a setting that balances comfort with authenticity.
Small Groups, New Friends
This OCEAN TRAVEL trip accepts a maximum of 6 travellers. As the days at sea are dynamic and focused on the myriad marine encounters, there will be no in water freediving training as expected on other Ocean Travel Trips. Hanli & Peter are your guides, offering in water support and on land hosting, as always! You will meet likeminded adventurous travellers you will get to know during shared mealtimes, activities and downtime.
Positive Local Impact
At Mdumbi, the Sardine Run is more than a natural spectacle, it’s a key source of income for the rural community. Each season, over 125 locals earn through guiding, seafood sales, crafts, and services like transport and laundry, often supporting households of four to six people. Mdumbi Backpackers hires local staff year-round and backs small business ventures, while tourism also helps fund a preschool and health clinic. A visit here supports both the experience and the community.
Sardine Run Expert Guides
Alongside the years of experience Hanli & Peter brings to this trip, our boat operator is the much acclaimed Animal Ocean team. Animal Ocean brings over 16 years of hands-on Sardine Run experience, offering expert-guided trips that prioritise safety, timing, and wildlife encounters. With deep knowledge of ocean conditions and animal behaviour, the team consistently puts guests in the right place at the right time. Their work has supported major productions like Blue Planet II and Our Planet, earning a reputation for professionalism and reliability. Their long-standing presence in the region reflects a commitment to ethical tourism and a passion for ocean conservation.
A Typical Day on the Sardine Run
Six days on the Sardine Run boat equates to over a month of any other destination or expedition! By 7:30 AM, we’re launching straight from the sand into the rolling surf of Mdumbi Beach, the start of a day chasing the pulse of the ocean…
From the moment we clear the breakers, the search begins: eyes on the horizon for diving gannets, darting dolphins, or the telltale movement of seabirds hovering above hidden bait balls. This is where the real adventure unfolds. Guided by the seasoned Animal Ocean crew, spotter pilots, and local intel, we track the action in real time — navigating shifting conditions and marine behaviour to bring you face-to-face with the Sardine Run’s most electrifying moments.
Depending on the nature of the encounter, we’ll dive in, snorkelling fast-moving pods or freediving among swirling predators. Whether you’re in the water or choosing to watch from the boat, you’ll witness nature’s wildest show up close. Expect to spend 6–8 hours at sea, shaped by the rhythm of the ocean and wildlife activity. The conditions can be unpredictable: long journeys, rough water, and thrilling, high-energy scenes are all part of the experience. A solid level of ocean confidence is highly encouraged.
After the day’s explorations, we return by early-to-mid afternoon. There’s time to unwind, journal, or join for an easy yoga or breath-work session every certain days, before gathering for a nourishing early dinner. Evenings are reserved for quiet reflection, shared stories, and the glow of starlight. Each day begins with a peaceful breakfast by candlelight, coffee, fresh fruit, muesli, and omelettes served … and unfolds into something entirely wild!
Every day on the Sardine Run is a powerful blend of wild nature and mindful retreat, a chance to connect deeply with the ocean, and with yourself.
2026 DEPARTURES
22 – 29 July 2026
Limited Availability
PRICE PER PERSON
Starting from USD 3400 per person
6 days, 7 nights (Including all activities, accommodation, meals, drinks, and local transport. Excludes some specialised equipment and travel to East London or Mthatha.)
WHAT TO EXPECT… Is Sardine Run for you?
Experiencing the Sardine Run means spending full days (up to 8 hours) out on the ocean, exposed to the elements, sun, wind, and sea. This trip is for the adventurous ocean lover with previous experience.
Mdumbi is a remote village with no shops or amenities, so you will need to bring everything you’ll need for the duration of your stay. June falls in the mild South African winter, with daytime temperatures between 14–21°C and cooler evenings, warm layers for after dark are a good idea!
Ocean temperatures range from 16–22°C. We strongly recommend a 5mm wetsuit with an integrated hood. Long-blade freediving fins are ideal, as the action moves fast and strong finning is often required. We supply weight belts and weights, and additional gear is available for rent on request. Conditions can change quickly, and those prone to seasickness should bring appropriate medication. Essential items include high-SPF sunscreen, a windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, and a buff for sun and wind protection.
Images: © Steven Benjamin / Animal Ocean