The Sardine-Run Expedition, dubbed by wildlife film producer Peter Lamberti as The Greatest Shoal on Earth, will be going straight past Mantis’ Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve in June.
And where better to watch the run than from this luxurious haven in South Africa’s Eastern Cape? One of few combined ocean and game reserve in Southern Africa, Oceana is a short drive from the quaint seaside town of Port Alfred and with a seven kilometre stretch of private soft sandy beach on one side and 850 hectares of unspoilt bush on the other, this really is the best of both worlds.
The annual sardine migration on South Africa’s rugged Wild Coast 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 The Greatest Shoal on Earth. A complete wildlife extravaganza, what makes this a spectacular show is not only the gigantic waves of silver sardines but the number of predators that congregate en masse just off the east coast of South Africa in anticipation of the year’s greatest feast.
The waters of the Wild Coast teem with sharks, dolphins, Cape Gannets, cormorants, seals and on occasion, Orcas, albatross and penguins that have followed the sardines thousands of kilometres from the southern ocean.
Watch this phenomenon on the beach while enjoying a delicious picnic prepared by Oceana’s talented chefs or if you feel like staying indoors you’ll have the perfect view from the Lodge’s comfortable lounge.
The seven private Suites and the three bedroom Villa at Oceana provide spectacular bush and sea views, surrounded by bushbuck, birds and other wildlife, including Rhino and Buffalo.
Each Suite opens onto ocean views, capturing spectacular sunrises, sunsets and game viewing opportunities.
Fine dining, lavishness and spa indulgences ensure endless pampering, making Oceana unlike any other.
For bookings contact Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve Reservations directly by telephone 083 616 0605 or by email reservations@oceanreserve.com