Sardine Run in Chintsa and Safari in Addo Elephant Park
Day 1-7: Buccaneers on the Beach Chintsa, Sardine Run
Experience the incredible Sardine Run, one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. Join us on an unforgettable tour as millions of sardines migrate along South Africa's coastline, attracting an array of marine life, from dolphins to sharks and seabirds. This once-in-a-lifetime event offers a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the ocean. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your lodge in Chintsa, where you'll enjoy five exciting days at sea and one designated rest day. On your rest day, you can choose to relax and unwind at the lodge or take part in a selection of thrilling optional activities in the area.
Activities
Pisces Divers - Sardine Run Dive Operator Pisces Divers is a well-known and long-standing PADI Dive Centre based in Glencairn, on the False Bay coastline. During the winter months, Pisces Divers relocates to Chintsa to offer a superb Sardine Run experience. Experiencing the Sardine Run from Chintsa (Cintsa), Eastern Cape, is a unique and spectacular way to witness one of the ocean's most incredible natural phenomena. Located about 45 km northeast of East London, Chintsa (also spelled Cintsa) serves as a launch base for Sardine Run expeditions along a roughly 100 km stretch of coastline, extending from East London to the Kei River. The Sardine Run typically arrives here in late May to early June, offering access to the raw, early migration before it progresses further north. One of the main reasons to launch from Chintsa is that there are fewer boats operating here, giving visitors a quieter, more personal encounter compared with overcrowded spots like Port St Johns. It is also conveniently much closer to East London Airport, requiring less time on rural roads than for those travelling further north. Every year between May and July, billions of South African pilchards (Sardinops sagax) migrate northward along the coast.
This migration attracts a flock of predators - dolphins, Cape gannets, sharks, whales, and seabirds - all chasing 'bait balls' of sardines. Dolphins herd the sardines into tight 'bait balls', then Cape gannets dive from above, while sharks and whales join in to feed.
Water temperatures during the run in Chintsa usually range from 16-21 °C, with visibility around 5-15 m, depending on sea conditions. Please note that the Sardine Run is unpredictable. Some days deliver spectacular frenzies, while others may be quiet or lack visible 'bait balls'.
Visibility can also vary, sometimes dropping below 5 m, especially in cloudy or rough conditions.
Your typical daily experience would be:
07:00 - Breakfast followed by gearing up and a walk down to the beach
07:30-08:00 - Boat launch off the sandy shore
08:00-15:00 - Out at sea searching for signs such as diving birds and dolphin activity. If 'bait balls' form and conditions allow, guests enter the water by snorkel or scuba for an up-close encounter
15:00 - Return to shore, followed by a leisure afternoon and themed dinner at Buccaneers Lodge overlooking the lagoon
What makes the Chintsa experience special
Early-season action means shoals are often larger and less fragmented, giving a purer view of the migration before predators disperse them. Smaller group sizes and fewer competing boats mean quieter encounters and often exclusive access to bait ball sites. Comfortable Eastern Cape winter weather - cool but not harsh - and fewer crowds compared to more established tourist zones further north add to the appeal.
Overnight: Buccaneers on the Beach Chintsa. Buccaneers on the Beach Chintsa is situated in Chintsa West, Eastern Cape, near the Kwelera National Botanical Garden and the East London Coast Nature Reserve. The rooms feature a private bathroom, refrigerator, clothes rack, kettle, bed linen, and towels. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy meals. Additional amenities include a bar, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Day 8-10: Zuurberg Mountain Village, Addo Elephant Park
After a delicious breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and transfer to your luxurious mountaintop hotel. Over the next two days, you will embark on thrilling game drives through Addo Elephant National Park, where you'll have the chance to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Elephant encounters are often intimate and awe-inspiring - sometimes they walk right past the vehicle. Addo is malaria-free, making it ideal for visitors who prefer not to take anti-malaria medication. The park is also exceptionally eco-diverse and includes five of South Africa's seven biomes, with plans to expand to marine conservation. At the hotel, take the opportunity to unwind and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains while enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of the landscape.
Activities
Game Drives. While game drives are included in your itinerary, a game drive in Addo is not just about the Big Five - it's about the immersive bush atmosphere, the subtle signs of life in every thicket, and the chance to experience South Africa's wildlife in one of its most accessible and beautiful parks.
Other activities on offer are horse trails and walking trails into the park, as well as Elephant Back Safaris (extra cost).
One full-day game drive (includes lunch) and one half-day game drive (excludes lunch) into Addo Elephant.
Overnight:
Zuurberg Mountain Village. The Zuurberg Mountain Village is a historic 1861 country hotel bordering Addo Elephant National Park with 360° mountain views. After the devastating fire in 2008, Zuurberg was reconstructed and the main building totally renovated to a good 4-star level. Guests are accommodated in newly built East Cape Edwardian-style cottages, all of which boast high loft ceilings, two private verandahs, air conditioning, blackwood furnishings and flooring, a full bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, and much more. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, children's playground, walking trails, restaurant, and bar. Activities on offer include horse trails, walking trails, game drives into Addo Park, and Elephant Back Safaris.
Day 11: End of itinerary
After a delightful breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
