Is the Sardine Run 2022 on your bucket list, but not sure which package or area is suited for you?
Well you have come to the right place, because in this article we highlight our TOP packages and destinations.
For those that are not familiar with this phenomenon, the Sardine Run occurs when billions of sardine’s spawns in the cool waters of the Agulhas bank in South Africa.
This result in the fish to split into thousands of smaller shoals as they move northward along the east coast of South Africa.
As a result, this immense amount of fish attracts the oceans TOP apex’s predators who work together to round up and get in on this feeding frenzy.
For more info on this event, have a look our our detailed Sardine Run Article.
Sardine Run 2022 locations and packages
The sardines can be seen in most areas throughout the South African coast line during the annual migration, however most Sardine Run tours takes place in the below 3 locations.
- East London.
- Coffee Bay & Mpame.
- Port St Johns.
In short, these are the best areas in South Africa to see and experience the Sardine Run event.
East London
(May to July)
View 2 operators
Mpame
(June & July)
View 1 operator
Port St Johns
Billions of sardine’s spawns in the cool waters of the Agulhas bank and start making their way Northward along the East Coast of South Africa.
Now that we have covered where the Sardine Run takes place, let’s have a look at some of the operators and packages in each of these locations.
East London
East London is a city on the Indian Ocean, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Airport, medical facilities and shops are close to all operators in the area. East London is the most easily accessible of all 3 locations.
As a result, all major airports in South Africa has direct flights to East London and therefore making travelling super easy and convenient.
Agulhas House at Wave Crest
- Wave Crest, East London
- 2 hour transfer
With East London airport only 2 hours away from the Hotel, it makes for a great and convenient package to fly in and out to.
The lodge is rural and therefore cell phone signal is intermittent but the lodge has WiFi.
The rustic nature of the lodge and its location add to the feeling of connection to nature and the sea, therefore making it an ideal place to experience the Sardine run.
You will be based away from the main hubs for the Sardine Run (Port St John’s), therefore you will be the only boat in the area following the Sardines.
Key Highlights:
- Close to airport.
- Family & kid friendly.
- Luxury accommodation.
- Pre Dives on Aliwal Shoal can be arranged.
- All meals included.
- FREE Nitrox
Pisces Divers in Cinsta
- Buccaneers, East London
- 1 hour transfer
This option is only an hour drive from East London airport, making it the closest fly in option.
Buccaneers, your accommodation is situated in a beautiful hill top with a lovely sea view.
What also makes this option great is the fact that they also have direct access to East London harbour, which allows a safe launch in almost any sea conditions.
Most other Sardine Run options either launch from the beach directly or a river/estuary etc.
Key Highlights:
- Very close to East London airport.
- Stunning Sea Views.
- Easy Launching through harbor.
- All meals included.
Mpame
Mpame is near Coffee Bay, which is a town on the Wild Coast of South Africa.
It is located about 250 kilometres south of the city of Durban and around 2 hours from Mthatha, which is the closest airport.
ScubaCO in Mpame
- Bulls Inn Lodge, Mpame
- 2.5 hour transfer
This Sardine Run option is by far the most secluded and a 4×4 or high clearance car is required to get to the lodge.
The lodge is nestled on a secluded beach between the valleys of the Transkei.
Not only will you be able to experience the largest underwater migration during this time, but also the raw & unspoiled beauty of the Wild Coast.
With endless & untouched beaches, stunning green cliffs that provides a view like nowhere else in South Africa.
Above all, there is nothing for miles. Only the open ocean with whales breaching every minute.
Key Highlights:
- Self drive option available (transfers can be arranged)
- Secluded.
- Great for families.
- Family run lodge.
- All meals included.
Port St. Johns
Port St. Johns is a town of about 6,500 people on the Wild Coast of South Africa.
It is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, 220 kilometres northeast of East London and 70 kilometres east of Mthatha.
Let’s summarize…
To sum up, there are PLENTY of different Sardine Run 2022 options to choose from, however this is only our top packages and locations.
If you are still unsure which option will be suited, get in touch with one of our Sardine Run experts and let’s customize the perfect trip!
- We can assist with flights and transfers.
- We can customize and add Aliwal Shoal, Sodwana Bay and even Safaris!
