Join
Mike Gerken
on the
South African
Sardine Run
&
Safari
Sardine Run - July 7-15, 2028
Safari - July 15-20, 2028
Sardine Run - South Africa, Wild Coast
Every winter millions of sardines migrate more than 1000 km north along the South African Coast creating a chaotic feeding frenzy of sharks, dolphins, sea lions, whales and sea birds. Witnessing this firsthand means experiencing one of nature's greatest spectacles. I have put together a trip with SEAL Expeditions who are considered a premier dive tour operator in South Africa. Their team has the experience, passion and knowledge to make sure that you have the most incredible experience. Enjoy 8 nights and 7 days of phenomenal marine-life action (scuba diving, snorkelling and surface viewing), while staying at the beautiful and ideally situated Mbotyi River Lodge. Your opportunities for up-close encounters with so many of the oceans big and small players in one place – are unparalleled anywhere – and if you are a photographer – this is your Nirvana, both below and above the waves. Please watch the video below to get a feel for what the sardine run is about. Scroll down for additional details.
SEAL Expeditions - Safari Run
Big Game Safari - Simbavati Waterside, Klaserie, South Africa
No trip to Africa is complete without experiencing a big game safari. After our marine adventures on the Sardine Run, we will relocate to Simbavati Waterside, located in South Africa's prestigious Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This incredible lodge boasts a wonderful staff, a welcoming atmosphere, spectacular meals, and unforgettable game drives. True to its name, the lodge features a massive, active waterhole that wraps around the northern side of the property and most of the guest units. After an exciting day in the bush, you can sit back on your deck and watch the wildlife arrive for a drink. We will spend four nights and five days exploring the reserve via open-vehicle game drives and guided walking tours. The video below should grab your attention.
Motivation
In 1999, I lived and worked in Mozambique, Africa which is to the immediate northeast of South Africa. I had heard tales of the sardine run from the locals and have desired to return to see this phenomenon first hand. The time has finally come.
I'm incredibly fortunate to partner with my dear friend Erica Combrink to bring this trip to life. We met in Mozambique years ago, and she has since channeled her 30 years of experience in the African hospitality and safari industry into crafting this perfect package for us. Her insider knowledge has been absolutely essential.
Scroll down for more details on this amazing two week package. Contact [email protected] with questions or let's schedule a voice chat. I'm here to help.
Dream Big,
-Mike Gerken
Sardine Run - Mbotyi Lodge
A warm welcome awaits at Mbotyi River Lodge, a family hotel and holiday resort on the stunning Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Pondoland’s best kept secret is situated at the mouth of the tidal Mbotyi River nestled between the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and the warm Indian Ocean. This unique Wild Coast hotel is the perfect place for a peaceful stay after a long day in pursuit of the sardines.
Package Price for Sardine Run -
$4295pp dbl occ or $4650 single occ.
What's Included:
•8 nights at the beautiful Mbotyi River Lodge.
•7 days at sea (weather permitting) & full land program each afternoon.
•Full board in the Lodge (excluding drinks) – including lunch and soft drinks on the boat.
•Our essential, dedicated microlight pilot to scan the oceans and report the action to our boats and divers.
•Cylinders, airfills & weight belt; Decision to SCUBA or snorkel will be made on board the boat at each opportunity. Most of the time you will enter the water with mask, fins and snorkel only.
•Return transfers from Durban, S Africa to Mbotyi Lodge excluding all international and regional flights.
•Photo tips and techniques from Mike as well as his professional travel and dive guide experience.
Getting There
Fly to Durban International Airport (DUR) South Africa via Dubai (DXB),
Johannesburg, SA (JNB) or Cape Town, SA (CPT). SEAL Expedition representative will pick us up and transfer us to Mybotyi Lodge; a 6 Hour one way journey. Yes, this is an adventure.
Need to Know
The sardine run is has a high-risk/high-reward experience. Patience
and fortitude is required to motor in high speed inflatable ribs across coastal waters in search of the bait balls and then dive with mask and fins into cold water to intercept them. SEAL flies their own ultra-light spotter planes to assist in locating the action. Even with this, the
bait can be elusive. In my lifetime, I have come to believe the best experiences come with the most effort. This is such an event.
•Dive accident insurance mandatory such as DAN; Travel Insurance strongly suggested.
•Water temperature is 58-60F/13-16C
•Most of the time you will be entering the water with mask, fins and snorkel only but, dive gear will be on the boat for occasions where is suitable. The bait balls often are on the move and divers need to be quick and nimble getting in and out of the rib (inflatable semi-rigid hull). Static bait balls may yield an opportunity to enter on Scuba.
•Travel Insurance strongly recommended
•US Citizens do not require a visa
•A higher level of physical fitness is required for this expedition. Please contact me to discuss if this trip is right for you.
Safari - Simbavati Waterside
Flanking a large dam in the southern Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Waterside was conceptualised, designed and built to be a natural extension of the pure utopian Klaserie wilderness from which it draws its inspiration. I have been reassured by my friend Erica that this facility is one of the best properties in South Africa and at a reasonable price.
Click Here for Simbavati Waterside Fact Sheet
Estimated All Inclusive Package Price
$6,950pp (subject to change based on global current events)
What's Included
• 5 days/4 nights accommodation
• Guide service by Shaun w/ Bush Geek Safaris- Shaun comes highly recommended by Erica.
• 8 guided game drives with Shaun (AM & PM into the night).
• Optional walking safari available.• Three meals perday as well as high tea and game drive snacks.
• Local beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.
• Conservation levy
• Domestic Flights Johannesburg (JMB) to Eastgate, Hoedspruit (HDS)
• Airport transfers to and from lodge
• Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg prior to flight to Eastgate; includes airport transfers
• Storage of diving equipment and extra bags at Johannesburg; this is
a well trusted storage facility. Lighten your load.
What's Not Included
• Curio Purchases
• Spa Treatments
• Imported Drinks
Getting There
-We will depart Myboti Lodge at a time to be determined on July 15 and arrive at Durban airport to catch our flight to Johannesburg.
-Once we arrive in Joburg we will overnight in a lodge suggested to me
by Erica.
-Excess luggage will be dropped off at a safe pre-determined storage facility.
-July 16 we will fly domestically to Eastgate and be transferred to Simbavati Waterside.
-July 20 we may have our last game drive in the AM and then continue back to Eastgate to catch out flight back to Joburg.
-Once in Joburg this is where we say farewell and you can catch your international flights onward.
