The countdown to one of nature's most extraordinary events is on.

In just a few weeks, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast will bristle with excitement as "The Greatest Shoal on Earth" makes its highly anticipated return.

This grand spectacle, known as the Sardine Run, draws countless tourists and marine enthusiasts eager to witness the astonishing migration of millions of sardines, or Southern African pilchards, along the coastlines of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from May to July.

During this time, these shimmering fish will swarm perilously close to the shoreline, creating a feast for an array of predators both above and below the waves.

From agile sharks and playful dolphins to majestic whales and swooping seabirds, the Sardine Run is a veritable smorgasbord for wildlife, and visitors are guaranteed a front-row seat to the show.

“Winter on the KZN South Coast, which enjoys a year-round subtropical climate, is incredible - for the Sardine Run and other outdoor adventures,” says Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).

He elaborates on just why the Sardine Run is pivotal to the local tourism landscape: “It is an absolute wonder to behold for all ages.”

whale watching

Reel in the fun: the ultimate Sardine Run guide for thrill-seekers on KZN's South Coast