30 Mar 2015 | By Sun International
Don’t Miss the Sardine Run in Durban this Winter
What do you think of when you hear the words “mystery” and “sardines”? Any ideas? Hopefully, your answer isn’t something to do with a particularly odd sandwich. However, if your answer is the Sardine Run in Durban taking place from May through to July each year then you’re on the right track.
Described as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the Sardine Run in Durban is akin to the great wildebeest migration in East Africa. However, that’s where the comparisons end, to put it simply: there is nothing on earth like the Sardine Run.
Millions of small, jewel-like sardines escape the cool waters of the Cape to swim northward along the east coast of South Africa, creating a feeding frenzy of dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine life. The Sardine Run could be described as the world’s biggest all-you-can-eat sushi buffet.
Safety in numbers
Swimming along the coastline where their favourite meal – plankton – is abundant, the shoals can reach lengths of an eye-popping 30km while the average shoal is 15 kilometres long, 4 kilometres wide and a staggering 40 metres deep. Clearly visible from spotter planes and the surface, the Sardine Run in Durban is a fine example of the artistry of nature. However, if that isn’t close enough for you, there are also Sardine Run Durban dives taking you into the belly of the beast.
The sardines swim together in an attempt to minimise their chance of being a predator’s next snack. This makes for an incredible spectacle as the shoals seemingly dance is perfect unison in the ocean. Their extensive list of predators also makes for incredible viewing with dolphins, seabirds and sharks often spotted gorging themselves on their shimmering prey.
While many scientists have speculated as to the cause of the Durban’s Sardine Run, little is known about this awe-inspiring phenomenon. Some have suggested that the water temperature has to drop below 21 degrees Celsius in order for the Sardine Run to begin. In previous years, the sardines have skipped their migration, making every year that it does take place even more special than the last.
Follow the sardines
Although there are billions of sardines visiting Durban during this time, you don’t have to worry about where to stay in Durban during the Sardine Run:
- Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World offers visitors convenient accommodation near King Shaka Airport. With 4 restaurants and 2 bars on-site, Sibaya is the perfect place to wine and dine after an exciting day viewing the Sardine Run.
- For those looking to explore the coast, the Wild Coast Sun, set on the unspoiled beaches of the South Coast is the ideal pick. Set on 750 hectares of natural bush, the Wild Coast Sun is just as impressive as the Sardine Run.
Winter 2015 is just around the corner. Click here to find out more about your Sardine Run Durban vacation.