The KZN South Coast continues to shine as a premier winter destination, with sunny days, Blue Flag Beaches, outdoor adventures and the world-famous Sardine Run attracting visitors from across South Africa and beyond.
The annual Sardine Run, widely regarded as the Greatest Shoal on Earth, arrived along the coastline in June and continues to provide spectacular viewing opportunities. Recent netting activity has been recorded along the coastline from Port Edward to Scottburgh, indicating that the migration remains active and offering visitors an excellent chance to witness this remarkable natural phenomenon.
“The Sardine Run is one of the most exciting times to visit the KZN South Coast, showcasing the incredible marine biodiversity that makes our destination so special,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “Visitors can enjoy a range of unforgettable experiences, from watching the action unfold along our beaches to joining guided ocean adventures. With the school holidays and peak winter travel period underway, we encourage visitors to secure their accommodation bookings early to avoid disappointment.”
Visitors can enjoy Sardine Run sightings from any of the KZN South Coast’s 58 beaches, which boast the highest concentration of Blue Flag Beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. The winter season also coincides with the annual humpback whale migration, creating even more opportunities to witness extraordinary marine activity along the coastline.
For those wanting a closer encounter, local tourism operators offer boat charters, snorkelling excursions and guided marine adventures that bring visitors right into the heart of the action. Divers and free divers can also explore the internationally acclaimed Marine Protected Areas of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, renowned for their rich marine life and world-class diving experiences.
For a different perspective, visitors can take to the skies with microlight, helicopter or scenic aircraft flights, offering breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and the marine spectacle below.
Beyond the ocean adventure, visitors can enjoy the region’s diverse attractions, including nature reserves, hiking trails, golf courses, family-friendly attractions, cultural experiences, and a variety of accommodation options suited to every budget.
With the Sardine Run still underway and winter conditions providing ideal viewing opportunities, now is the perfect time to book a getaway to the KZN South Coast and experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles before the season comes to an end.
Follow the hashtags #SardineRun #KZNSouthCoast #SardineSeason #GreatShoal #OceanAdventure #WinterOnTheCoast#ShoalSeason
Keep updated on all on South Coast activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series, The Ugu Maskandi Festival,South Coast Marathon.
