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THE
SARDINE RUN EXPEDITION - 7 DAYS
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A
WILD COAST WILDLIFE FEAST
The
Sardine-Run Expedition is a unique expedition exploring
the annual sardine migration on South Africa's rugged
Wild Coast. Sardine fever hits the Wild Coast sometime
in June/July each year. The "run" or migration
of sardines begins off the cool waters south of the
African continent where they form into hundreds of large
swirling shoals. The sardines then run north east into
the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and mass into what
wild-life film producer Peter Lamberti has dubbed "The
Greatest Shoal on Earth".
What makes this such a spectacular show is not simply
the gigantic waves of silvery sardines but the legions
of predators that congregate en masse just off the east
coast of South Africa in anticipation of the year's
greatest feast. As a result the waters of the Wild Coast
boil with sharks, dolphins, Cape Gannets, cormorants,
seals, and even, on occasion, Orcas, albatross and penguins
that have followed the Sardines thousands of kilometres
from the southern ocean. The Sardine Run also coincides
with the annual migration of Humpback Whales that move
north for the season into warmer water to mate and calve.
The spectacular breaches of these leviathan's are a
daily phenomenon and it just adds to an already dazzling
wildlife extravaganza.
SCUBA
DIVE
For
the advanced scuba diver, this is indeed the greatest
dive show on earth. The ultimate highlight is the "bait
ball". This is when the sharks or dolphins or both
corral a shoal of sardines into a tight ball, then dive
into it in a frenzied attack to come away with mouthfuls
of unfortunate sardines. However, this is often logistically
difficult for the divers and boats to approach as the
sardines are very elusive. Luckily the predators are
not as bashful. Bronze Whaler Sharks, Common & Bottlenose
Dolphins and dive-bombing Cape Gannets are literally
everywhere all the time, so any dive is pure adrenaline.
SNORKEL
For
the non-diver the show is just as rewarding. Most of
the action is seen from the boat and there are plenty
opportunities to snorkel with dolphins, whales and,
for the brave, sharks while being bombarded on all sides
by Cape Gannets.
PHOTO
& VIDEO
For
the underwater photographer/videographer the "action"
opportunities are amazing. To be in the middle of this
incredible scene where predator and prey fight for their
existence, is the ultimate dive. The fact that IMAX,
National Geographic, Discovery Channel and dozens of
other world renown TV stations, magazines and photographers
flock to these waters is testament to the giant status
of the sardine run.
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The
Sardine Run
Itinerary
-
DAY TIME ACTIVITY
-
Day 1 - Arrive at Durban International
Airport - met by sardinerun.net Team
member and transferred to our dive location
in the Eastern Cape
-
Days 2 - 9 - 06h45 Full breakfast (packed
breakfast supplied for occasional 06h30
launches)
07h00 Microlight launches and begins
recon
08h00 Sardinerun.net Teams launch
11h00 Light lunch and refreshments available
onboard throughout the day
14h30 Approximate time back in harbour
- dependent on action and weather conditions
16h00 Afternoon optional activity -
horse riding, sundown cocktails, trail-hikes
19h00 3 course dinner, next day activity
planning and good times - Sardinerun
style
- Day
10 - 08h00 Transfer back to Durban International
Airport for short internal flight to
Johannesburg.
- AFTERNOON
ACTIVITIES INCL.
- Visit
to a Zulu Sangoma
- Let
the local Sangoma (witchdoctor) predict
the run of the Sardines for you.
-
Microlight flights
-
See the world from a new perspective
as you take a flip in the microlight.
-
Sundowners
-
Join your fellow divers for a relaxing
sundowner and some of the most beautiful
views that Mboyti can offer.
- Add-on
to your experience
-
We can arrange pre and post itineraries
as an add-on to your Sardine Run Experience.
From a safari in Africa, to tours in
Cape Town, shark cage diving in Gansbay
to fantastic accommodation along the
Garden Route of South Africa.
Accommodation
MBOTYI
RIVER LODGE
Introduction
Situated
at the mouth of the Mbotyi River and tidal
estuary is Mbotyi River Lodge. Nestled between
the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and
the warm Indian Ocean, it is the perfect venue
for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil
holiday or for the adventurer wanting to explore
the many beautiful and wild treasures this
coast has to offer. The 48 upmarket rooms
in the lodge consist of en-suite double and
twin bedrooms in either of 36 wooden cabins
or 12 thatch bungalows.
Mbotyi
is situated 26 kilometres from Lusikisiki
and the road is easily accessible by motor
car. There is a small portion of gravel road,
which is in good condition. A short distance
from the turn-off lies the Magwa Tea Plantation
and it feels as if the beauty of the valleys
and hills of this magnificent tea plantation
transports one back into history.
After a very short drive, the landscape changes
dramatically with deep gorges filled with
lush vegetation, waterfalls and then comes
the descent through the Mqaba Forest which
is teeming with fauna and flora that is waiting
to be discovered. Mbotyi River Lodge is at
the end of the road and the beginning of a
new and wonderful adventure.
THIS
IS A MALARIA FREE AREA.
Mbotyi
River Lodge has beautiful sea and lagoon facing
rooms each with their own unique view and
ambiance. Whether you prefer the rustic thatch
or the log cabins, the rooms are comfortable,
upmarket and cosy with en- suite bathroom.
The 12 "upgraded" log cabin rooms
have additional air-conditioning, television
and bar fridge.
Accommodation
All
the rooms have either a balcony or patio where
guests can sit and hear the rumble of the
ocean or the cry of the fish eagles while
admiring the view of the forest, sea or lagoon.
Culinary
The
focus of the Mbotyi River Lodge cuisine is
on taste and quality. Yes, the emphasis is
on simple dishes that delight the palate and
enhance your day and stay.
Breakfast comprises nourishing English style
fare or, if you prefer, something less filling.
Lunches are a tasty interlude of salads, pastas
and paté. Dinners feature a wide variety
of dishes to suit every palate, from seafood
to steaks, from casseroles to wonderful chicken
selections and hors de'oeuvres and desserts
to bring you back again and again.
The
variety of cuisine is also reflected in the
different themes: there are buffets and braais
and for the more adventuresome - a picnic!
The long bar and games room, situated adjacent
to the dining room, enjoy awesome views of
the Mbotyi beach and river mouth. Wicked shooters,
tasty G & T's, bitterly cold beers and
mineral waters are but a few of the favourites
served.
History
The
literal translation of Mbotyi is Place of
Beans. This is because the rich climate and
fertile soils are conducive to the production
of excellent beans. The history of Mbotyi
River Lodge is equally fertile. A landscape
in which time has stood still and which is
breathtaking in its beauty is punctuated by
romantic figures and strange occurrences.
By piecing together some anecdotes from the
past with a little factual information, it
is hoped that the history of Mbotyi River
Lodge will be brought alive.
Dates
& Rates
»
June 11 - June 20 - 2009
» June 20 - June 29 - 2009
» June 29 - July 8 - 2009
10
Day Marine Experience
Price – US$ 3,895 per person sharing
(Price
applicable for 2009 season)
Single
Supplement surcharge of US$ 500 for accommodations
Duration
– 10 days (8 days on the water, 2 days
transfers and general touring)
For
recreational scuba divers, a 10 day Sardine
Run expedition will offer the best possibility
of success. This time period will allow for
bad weather scenarios and variable degrees
of marine activity
____________________________________
Please
note: This is a Marine Safari and due to the
nature of marine animals we cannot guarantee
all sightings.
Clients
wanting to bring their mobile phones along
are advised to purchase a VODACOM sim card
and not an MTN sim card as there is no MTN
reception at Mbotyi.
Contact
us for details on exact dates and prices.
>>
BOOK
NOW! |
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MAFIA
ISLAND DIVE, TANZANIA |
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The
dive sites are accessed from a traditional Dhow which
make for a novel experience and adds to the entire atmosphere.
The accommodation and food is superb, and all this on
a quint-essential tropical island in the warm Indian Ocean,
surrounded by palm trees and cool sea breezes.
Sounds too good to be true, but it was and we had to keep
reminding ourselves that this was not a dream!
And even better...Mafia Island is not too bad on the wallet
either.
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CAPE
TOWN SCUBA DIVING |
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Cape
Town diving provides
some of the most spectacular dive destinations in South
Africa. Most notable of Cape Town's diving
highlights are a Cage Dive with Great
White Sharks, a dive on Cape Town's wrecks, scuba
diving with seals on one of many Cape Town's seal
colonies, a dive in a Kelp forest with Seven
Gill Cow Sharks or even a dive in the shark exhibit
Cape Town's famous Two Oceans Aquarium.
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SEVEN-GILL
COW SHARK SCUBA DIVE - CAPE TOWN |
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This
is perhaps one of Cape Town's best scuba dive for both
it's sharks and the beauty of the Kelp forest. Pyramid
Rock is situated near the Cape of Good Hope on the False
Bay side of Cape Town.
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GREAT
WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING, CAPE TOWN |
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Since
the Great White Shark occupies such a large portion of
a diver and non-divers psyche alike, and since its the
most infamous, controversial and misunderstood marine
predator as well as becoming one South Africa's most popular
wildlife draw-card for the world's visitors, it is only
fitting that we dedicate an entire set of pages to this
most supreme of creatures - Carcharodon carcharias the
Great White Shark.
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CAGE DIVING WITH MAKO & BLUE SHARKS,
Cape Town |
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For those visiting Cape Town and have a penchant for adventure, a passion for sharks and a quest to do something few others have the chance to - why not try cage diving with Mako and Blue sharks, in the oceans south of Cape Town.
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SARDINE
RUN, EASTERN CAPE |
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This
expedition is created to allow participants to follow
and observe this phenomenal natural wonder. For the underwater
photographer/videographer the “action” opportunities
are amazing.
To be in the middle of this incredible scene where predator
and prey fight for their existence, is the ultimate dive.
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ROCKTAIL
BAY, KWAZULU NATAL |
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Rocktail
offers perhaps the most private beach experience in South
Africa, with nearly 40 kilometres of unspoilt, pristine
coastline where it is possible to walk for hours without
meeting another soul. We offer boating excursions out
to sea around low tide to enjoy SCUBA (and snorkelling)
on the pristine coral reefs offshore.
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FLAMINGO
BAY, MOZAMBIQUE |
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The
Dive Resort is located on Mozambique’s Manta Coast.
The dive centre is nestled among palm trees on the shores
of the warm Indian Ocean. Apart from the friendly Mozambique
people and breathtaking scenery, the region is fast becoming
world famous for its spectacular diving.
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MEDJUMBE
PRIVATE ISLAND,
MOZAMBIQUE |
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Located
on a remote private island - one of the many islands making
up the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique -
Medjumbe Island is the ultimate in intimate island accommodation,
the ideal Mozambique island getaway for those who wish
to experience exclusivity and privacy in a remote tropical
location.
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SEYCHELLES
ISLANDS, LA DIGUE |
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The
enchanting island of La Digue is situated a short distance
from Praslin, but is unreachable by plane, instead a short
boat ride from Praslin to La Digue is required, lasting
only 20 minutes or so.
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