The Sardine run "The blue SerengeTi" - Come with us to South Africa and witness the unforgettable wildlife - Big Animals Expeditions
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BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
The Sardine run
“The blue SerengeTi”
Come with us to South Africa and witness the unforgettable wildlife
spectacle that is the Sardine Run, the greatest show on earth.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
The adventure of the Sardine run,
“
the greatest show on earth, aka the blue Serengeti.
The greatest show on Earth. The stage ”
Like all first days, day one of the Sardine
Stormy seas kept us grounded for two
days, but the Wild Coast is full of stunning
sights and dramatic waterfalls that gave us
plenty to admire on land. But the morning
of the fourth day, it was as if the ocean had
is the sub-tropical seas of South Africa’s Run adventure was full of anticipation and
shed all its anger and was finally ready to let
Wild Coast. The plot highlights the clas- expectations. The Rib launched around
us in. We geared up and hopped into the Rib,
sic struggle for balance between those 7am, cutting through choppy waves in
reinvigorated by our skipper Walter’s vivid
at the top of the food chain, and those search of seabirds clustering above the
tales of Sardine Runs passed. Walter Bernardis
at the bottom. The major players are ocean, a telltale sign of schooling baitfish
is a shark expert and dive guide who has
sharks, dolphins, whales, game fish, and below. We did manage to locate some
spent countless hours on and in the water
seabirds. But the real stars of the show small aggregations of hovering birds and
guiding people in search of sardines.
are the sardines. These little baitfish their prey, but the visibility was less than
Less than an hour into the day, the show
gather in huge numbers each year in ideal and there weren’t enough fish in
began. In the distance, Walter spotted a
May, June, and July as they migrate from the water to create much excitement.
growing frenzy of seabirds that began dive-
temperate seas to the warmer waters Conditions worsened throughout the
bombing the surface of the water as we
surrounding the rugged coastline of day and by the time we returned through
picked up the pace to reach them as quickly
southern KwaZulu Natal Province along the battering ram of whitecaps, we felt as
as possible. By the time we were assembled
the eastern edge of South Africa. This if we’d been physically beaten by the sea.
and ready to get into the water, there was a
grandiose level of swimming biomass After walking down to the water the next
frenzy of wings and beaks falling through
draws in much bigger creatures of the morning, it was obvious that the ocean
the sky for a chance to grab a nutritious, oily
air and the sea looking to gorge them- was in no mood for our company.
meal of sardine.
selves on this monumental aquatic
expression of Nature’s bounty.
Come with us to South Africa and
witness the unforgettable wildlife
spectacle that is the Sardine Run.
The seas here are often tough and
unpredictable, with unforgiving waves
that dare you to get into the water. Of
nine potential days to capture the action
underwater, there will undoubtedly be
at least a few where the conditions are
too difficult to launch.
Here is a teaser of what you might
experience on the Wild Coast.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific G ove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
To match the grandeur of the Sardine Run
experience, our lodging is the best on the
Wild Coast. mbotyi River Lodge is located
between East London and d urban and has a
view of the water that is beyond perfection.
The Lodge partners with African Water Sports,
the operation that we use, and will ensure that
all your needs, aquatic and otherwise, are met.
on da ys when we can’t launch the Rib, there
are many wonderful excursions to partake in
such as getting a ride in a micro Light, hiking
through the biggest coastal indigenous forest
in South Africa, or visiting one of the several
gorgeous waterfalls in the area. no matter
how you choose to fill our time, this part of
the world will surprise and amaze you.
“ a gigantic brydes whale was swimming full throttle directly
at the bait ball in an effort to scoop up as many fish
as possible in its cavernous mouth.
We back-rolled into the water that
was practically boiling with fish, and
dropped in right next to a ball of fish, so
”
whale was swimming full throttle directly
at the bait ball in an effort to scoop up as
many fish as possible in it cavernous
big and dense it completely blocked out mouth. With just enough time to dart a
the sun. This writhing, churning sphere few meters to the left, the whale’s mouth
of marine life was being attacked from burst through the bait ball, engulfing what Sardine populations are cyclical and are
every angle. Below and around the ball, seemed like millions of sardines right in influenced by many factors including but not
dolphins aggressively herded the sardines, front of our amazed faces and missing us limited to weather, water temperature, food
constantly picking off the unlucky ones by a couple body lengths. availability, and fishing pressure. Some years
that made up the shrinking perimeter. Onc e the sardines dispersed and the the sardine numbers are sparse, and other
Petrels grabbed the fish off the surface predators had eaten their fill, we climbed back years they arrive in the millions. The only pre-
as they tried to escape upwards, and into the Rib, exhausted, satisfied, and in dictable thing about an adventure is unpre-
gannets dived straight down through total awe of the amazing performance dictability, but this it what can make the
the bait ball. Black tip and dusky sharks Nature had just graced us with. The Sardine Run the trip of a lifetime. If reading
shot right through the center of the adventure could have ended right there this makes your heart skip a beat or two while
sardine ball, creating a momentary void and it would have been enough, but we still imagining an epic story of predator against
of fish as they gulped down these tasty had five more days of this wildlife prey, then come join BigAnimals Expeditions
morsels. The action was constant, spectacular left to go. It is important to for the Sardine Run, and become a moving,
overwhelming, and seemed to be keep in mind that we are always subject to breathing, and often breathless part of the
occurring at hyper-speed. Nature’s will and there is no guarantee greatest show on Earth.
Frenetic movement surrounded us what kind of experience you will have.
and it was then that we fully realized the
necessity of setting our cameras to
continuous shooting mode. Suddenly,
the entire massive ball of sardines
turned towards us and began furiously
swimming in our direction as if pulled
there by an invisible magnet. The
dolphins and sharks scattered. Then a
huge shadow appeared in the water
behind the sardines. It grew larger and
clearer and then in an instant we
realized what it was, a gigantic Brydes
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
Sardine Run
Wild Coast, South Africa
I) July 6 - 13
II) July 12 - 25, '2019
Sardine Run Experience: 12 years
DATES: I)7/6-13 II) 7/12 - 25, 2019
Duration: I)7nights, 5days, II)13nights,11days
Max Guests: 6
Pricing: I) $5,800 II) $8,900 per person
double occupancy
Deposit I)$1,900 II) $3,000
Accomodation : Mbotyi River
AMOS NACHOUM LESLEY ROCHAT Lodge–land base
Expedition Leader Expedition Leader Activities: Long hours at sea while
searching for the Run. It takes
Amos has over 30 years experience as a Lesley, fondly known as the Shark
stamina to find the Sardine ball.
wildlife adventure guide, and 18 years Warrior, is a conservationist, filmmaker ,
The action through the trip is
experience diving in Antarctica. photographer, environmental writer,
sternuous, encounters involve free-
Professional photography will be done keynotel speaker, campaigner, author
diving or SCUBA into the moving
with Amos Nachoum, who was the BBC and activist.
baitball. Underwater you will
Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2007 She is the Principal photographer for encounter raining birds, dolphins,
and 2008. AfriOceans, the non-profit organisation sharks, Brydes whale. We follow the
He will be coaching individuals on wide- she founded, and the founder of Shark Humpback whale migration as they
angle and ambient-light photography of big Warrior Adventures, a responsible breach and likely to dive with them.
animals. tourism initiative for which she is a
Amos’ explorations have been featured photography expedition leader and Temperature: Water: 68-72°F
on National Geo, BBC and the Discovery photography teacher. (19-21°C) Air: 60-78°F (16-24°C)
Channel. BigAnimals Expeditions recreates As a well-published environmental
the same adventures and photo Trip Price Includes:
and dive-travel photo-journalist, • 5 to 11 days search and diving
opportunities for you. photography remains her primary • Ten nights at Mboyti River lodge,
Amos uses his leadership and photo- communication tool in bringing both double occupancy
graphy skills to artfully capture the lives of the beauty as well as the plight of the • Leadership - Amos and Lesley
ocean Giants whose existence is under oceans to public attention. • All meals
threat, but whose hope of survival is linked Lesley is an inductee of the Women • All service taxes and port charges
to us communicating the truth. Divers Hall of Fame, a member of the throughout the program
BigAnimals Expeditions are designed to Ocean Artists Society, and recipient of
add value to your life experience, to many other awards. She aims to
generate attention for endangered species, reconnect people to Nature through
to aid in their preservation and to provoke extraodinary and transformational Trip Price Excludes:
public awareness and opinion. Wildlife experiences. • All airfare
• Overnight in Joberg or durban
• Round trip transfers to Durban =
$250
• Single occupancy & Deluxe upgrade
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival & departure taxes
• Baggage, cancellation, medical and
personal insurance (required)
• All items of a personal nature such as
beverages and telecommunication
• Customary gratuity
• Unused portion of the itinerary
• Costs incurred due to independent
travel arrangements
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
The Sardine run iTinerary > July 6 -13 & July 12 - 25, 2019 day 8 or day 13
I)July 13 or July 25
– After breakfast we pack up and upload
day 1 day I)3 - 7 or II) 3 - 11 the bus for the return drive to Durban.
July 6 or 12 I) July 8 - 12 II) July 14 - 24 We estimate again about 5 – 7 hours
– Arrive Durban and check into the Hilton drive. Therefore you need to make sure
– Every morning we will meet at the
hotel. Today is a day at your leisure that your flight out from Durban is at
beach boat launch. Approx. 07h30 to
16:00 or later.
08h30 depending on the light and
day 2 weather conditions each day.
You also have the personal option to
July 7 or 13 make your own flight arrangements
Commence on your 5 or 11 days
–There are two ways you can get south to directly with the air charter company for
adventure in search of sardines. The
the Wild Coast and to the Mbotyi River the flight from Mbotyi River Lodge to
aim is to locate schools of sardines. In
Lodge. Durban. This flight is only possible
good weather condition a micro light
weather permitting. Otherwise you are
will share view from the air with the
Type I - By flight. Your gear will be welcome on our planed and provided
skipper leading us to the action. The
transfered by road to the lodge. Flight bus transfer.
adventure is to view the feeding
time is approximately 75 minutes and activity of hundreds of Gannets
the landing is about 40 minutes from diving, dolphins, sharks and Brutus
the lodge. Please coordinate cost whale devouring the escaping
directly with the air company. sardines. We will likely witness
migrating humpback whales PAYMENT POLICY AND DEPOSIT
Type II - Road transfer. Our breaching during this same season.
representative will meet you at 10am at When we receive your deposit, we will
one key location at the Hilton hotel with We return in the early afternoon after send you a comprehensive and detailed
all your gear. The drive to Mbotyi river 6 hours at sea to your Trip Preparation Bulletin about the
lodge may take anywhere from 5 – 7 accommodations for a hot shower, experience and the destination.
hours. It is best we leave before midday and review your images. All trip costs are subject to change
and travel during daylight. Due to poor without prior notice until your
road conditions in Africa, we avoid Dinnertime is at 7pm in the large reservation is confirmed.
traveling after dark. Therefore we dinning room. We will follow up with A deposit of 33% of the total trip price is
request you arrive a day early. preparation for the following day required to secure space on the trip. Full
and a photography presentation payment is due no later than 90 days
Upon arrival either by road or by air, you and/or workshop coaching and before departure.
will be checked in to you rooms. This is a storytelling of the day’s action by the We reserve the right to sell any space
great time to prepare your gear for the fire over a glass of wine. that is not paid in full by 60 days before
next day’s action. After dinner we will go departure.
over the required preparation for the
first day at sea with our skipper and CANCELLATION POLICY
possibly the Micro Light Pilot will be -must be made in writing.
there too, for his reporting. -more than 90 days before trip: deposit
will be refunded less management fee
-90 days or less before trip: deposit will be
refunded if space is sold, less
unrecoverable costs of sales, and
We return in the early afternoon after 6 administration and replacement
hours at sea to your accommodations
promotiom
for a hot shower, and review your
-no refund is made for unused part of the
images.
itinerary, due to weather and sea pattern
of this event. There will be no refund for
Dinnertime is at 7pm in the large
any Fly or no Launch days.
dinning room. We will follow up with
-Please note: Bait-Balls are rare and we
preparation for the following day and a
cannot expect to dive on these every day.
photography presentation and/or
workshop coaching and storytelling of The following are subject to change, with no prior notice
the day’s action by the fire over a glass
Expedition Cost due to currency flunctuation
of wine.
Weather, water temperature, and animal behavior
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
BigAnimals Expeditions | THE SARDINE RUN I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
ApplicAtion Form
Expedition Sardine run | Expeditions dates: I) July 6 - 13 & II) July 12 - 25, 2019
Personal Information
First Name Last Name
Date of Birth Gender: Female Male
Address
City State Zip
Work Phone Home Phone
Email
Citizen of Passport # Place issued & da te
Trip price I)$5,800 II) $8,900 per person. deposit of 1/3 is required to secure space= I) $1,900 II) $3,000 non-
refundable. Final payment due 90 days before departure. $
Please make your check payment to BigAnimals Expeditions, 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. overseas
payment can be done via bank wire, instructions will be sent to you upon receipt of this application.
Promotional code
Travel insurance: Yes No Provider Policy #
Travel insurance is prerequisite and mandatory on BigAnimals adventures. We need to have your policy number..
Do you carry diving insurance? Yes No Provider Policy #
Diving Exper ience/years in diving
Where & When last 3 dive experiences? 1 2 3
How do you rate your diving Sk ills? Beginner Inter Advanced Expert
How do you rate your Photography and/or Video skills?
No interest Beginner Inter Advanced Expert
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos Nachoum Photography
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