The annual sardine run brings the Kwazulu Natal South Coast into a frenzy of excitement each year as the tiny silvery fish migrate northwards. This phenomenon has been named "the Greatest Shoal On Earth" due to the sheer volumes of the small fish, which can be seen from space. The sardine run occurs every year between the months of May and July. Shoals as big as 15 km long, 3 km wide, and up to 30 m in depth can be seen covering an approximate distance of a 1000 km.
This awesome marine spectacle brings with it a huge variety of predatory fish and birds which pursue them with hopes of an easy meal. It has been previously estimated that about 20,000 common dolphins follow the sardines up the coast each year, accompanied by a variety of sharks, whales and seabirds. Sharks and dolphins often work in synchronised harmony forcing the sardines in to tight groups or "bait balls" so they can easily be caught.
This annual spectacular event attracts scuba divers from all across the globe to view the phenomenon, and also makes for excellent photographic opportunities. The beaches of KwaZulu Natal fill up in almost the same way as they do over the festive season, with fishermen collecting the sardines for bait, children scooping them out with whatever they can find, and folks who just stop by to catch a glimpse of it all.
For the latest information on the Sardine Run check Earth-Touch.com for their Tweets at http://twitter.com/whalesharkdiver.
We warmly welcome you to our exciting, funky and comfortable 'Holiday Home' in the heart of Aliwal Shoal Shark Diving Territory - the renown village of Umkomaas.
Vicky's holiday accommodation is situated a mere 100m from a beautiful child and pet friendly beach, not to mention that it's a excellent fishing spot and also about 50m away from the beautiful golf course.
Welcome to Ocean Park Guest House. Luxury accommodation in Umkomaas ("River of Whales"), a coastal town in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This colonial style house was built in 1890 and recently refurbished to its current glory...
Sea facing, with six en suite bedrooms, five are sea facing and one with a sea view, all of which are designed for maximum comfort, and include silent running fridges, fans, hairdryer, TV, video, etc. Safe parking. All airconditioned end January 2007
Buddy's Place consists of 7 bedrooms, ideal for large groups. Each room offers coffee and tea facilities and communal bathrooms. After a fun-filled dive on the Aliwal Shoal, you can enjoy a relaxing sun downer in the swimming pool.
The House on the Beach has a distinct Cape Cod feel when you enter. The wooden ceilings and floors have been white washed, the kitchen is all cream and white. There is a ball and claw stand alone bath for the ladies to relax.
Highrocks is an easy drive down the south coast from Durban of approximately 40 minutes. As you enter the property you see the vast ocean before you, the lounge is double volume and the 80 year old eaves are exposed. From there you walk onto the deck and
"Barefoot Luxury" best describes Umkomazi Rocks Beach House. Kick off those shoes, put your feet up and escape the noise of the world, here the ocean rules all your senses, the sounds and smells of the surf breaking below you, the amazing sunrises ...
Hathorn's Beach Cottage is a rustic family beach cottage situated on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal overlooking the world-famous diving site, Aliwal Shoal.
Carisford Lodge is a luxury self-catering resort in Clansthal situated within short walking distance from a private beach, ideal for fishing surfing and snorkeling.
