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South Africa: swimming with whales and sardine run
June 10 - 18, 2026
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June 10 - 18, 2026
  • from 9 days
  • Whales, freediving, snorkeling
  • Level of difficulty: easy
  • 3550 EUR
Highlights
The main purpose of this trip is to visit the Sardine Run, a unique natural phenomenon associated with the migration of three genera of fish of the herring family. Hundreds of millions of fish make the 1,000-kilometer journey along South Africa's east coast each year. Tens of thousands of predators come from all over the ocean to feast on the sardines. Whales, dolphins, sharks, tuna attack the pack that stretches for several kilometers from the depths, while gulls, bald eagles and cormorants attack from the air. Our goal is to see this feast of life and death with our own eyes on the surface and in the water - we will snorkel and freedive.

After a week in the Indian Ocean we can take a safari trip to Kruger Park or visit Cape Town.
  • Whales, thousands of dolphins, sharks, seals
    Whales and dolphins patrol the South African coast in search of sardines. The density of animals during the migration period is very high, and dolphins even gather in groups of up to thousand individuals. You can see humpback whales, bryde's whales, minke whales, and other species.

    Perhaps you have heard the story of Reiner Schimpf, a diver, who was accidentally "bitten" by a whale. It happened right here! Therefore, while in the water, you must not forget the safety rules - it is strictly forbidden to swim into the bait-ball.
  • Who are we going with?
    We will go to sea with the team of Steve Benjamin, a marine biologist, underwater photographer and long-time Team Trip partner. He has a long history of organizing swimming with marine mammals throughout South Africa and is involved in many conservation and scientific projects.
  • Wild Coast
    We will be based in the Wild Cost area on the southeast coast of South Africa. This is a remote region far away from big cities. It is known for its picturesque coastline of cliffs and green hills. Mass tourists do not get here, so there is only nature with a minimum of tourist infrastructure. We will live in traditional roundhouse Kos (Xhosa) - the people of the Bantu group. It will be not only interesting, but also very authentic.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in East London.
Meet and greet at East London Airport. Check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and get to know one another.
Day 2. Transfer to Mdumbi. Briefing
Transfer to Mdumbi (approximately 5 hours). Along the way, we’ll stop at a supermarket to make our final purchases before leaving civilization for the week. After check-in, a Team Trip guide will conduct a briefing and introduce you to the hotel’s facilities and Steve Benjamin’s team.

In the evening, equipment fitting before heading out to the ocean in the morning.
Days 3 - 8. Ocean excursions in search of cetaceans, sharks, sardines.
We will go out in the ocean all day every day to look for sardines, whales and dolphins. We usually have an early wake up. While the group eats breakfast, the guides conduct an aerial reconnaissance of the immediate area for cetaceans. Approximately we will spend time from 8:30 a.m. to 3 to 5 p.m. on the boat.

In the ocean we may encounter different species of animals from the smallest to huge humpback whales. You can swim with all of them and take underwater photos.
Day 9. Flight back home or continue tour to Kruger Park or Cape Town
Last day of the trip. Departure home.
If you want to continue your trip to Africa, just tell us!

Option to continue the trip in Kruger Park (see details below)
Price: 3550 EUR
June 10 - 18, 2026
  • Included:
    • Up to 6 days of ocean excursions (weather permitting; full sailing not guaranteed)
    • Accommodation and meals in Mdumbi in separate traditional houses (7 nights, double occupancy)
    • 1 night in a hotel in East London upon arrival (double occupancy)
    • All transfers as per the program
    • A Team Trip guide will accompany you throughout the entire journey — on land, in the water, and underwater
    • Guided by Steve Benjamin’s team of experts
  • Not included:
    • International airfare to South Africa and domestic airfare to East London
    • Medical insurance
    • Meals not specified in the itinerary
    • Snorkeling equipment rental (please inform the manager of your sizes in advance)
  • Additional info about the country
    • Air temperature: daytime +20 C, night-time +15 C
    • Water temperature: +17-20 C
    • South Africa - South African Rand (1 ZAR = 4.81 RUB)
    • Type of outlets: M (photo), voltage 220V
  • To-pack list
    • Passport, printed airline tickets
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat
    • Lightweight hiking boots (or sneakers)
    • Pants, sweatshirt, down jacket, gloves, warm socks and buff (evenings can be chilly)
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Flippers, mask, snorkel, wetsuit 5mm
    • Swimsuits, swimming trunks.
    • Seasickness pills.
June 18 - 21, 2026
  • 4 days
  • safari
  • easy
  • 1650 EUR
How does a safari go?
Kruger Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is home to an exceptionally high concentration of wildlife. Here, you can see the Big Five — elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard — as well as hippos and crocodiles. The park is also home to 17 species of antelope and more than 400 species of birds.
Most films about African wildlife are shot here. We hope to encounter — if not all, then at least most — of the inhabitants of the African savannah.

Our team has traveled extensively across national parks from Namibia to Kenya and knows the best ways to visit these places to capture stunning photographs and enjoy the thrill of tracking wildlife.

No local rangers or pre-established routes! All we have at our disposal are 4x4 jeeps, radios, and plenty of time to explore.

What sets Kruger Park apart is that, on one hand, it’s relatively easy to visit, yet on the other, the animals live in a truly natural environment.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting at Nelspruit Airport. Vehicle pickup and preparation for the safari, followed by transfer to the park.

In the eastern part of the former Transvaal Province, between the Limpopo and Crocodile Rivers, lies South Africa’s oldest national park — Kruger Park. According to TripAdvisor, Kruger Park is synonymous with safari. Stretching 340 km from north to south, the park’s climate even changes across its length. Keep your camera ready and bring a couple of spare batteries — you’ll have the chance to take some of the best photos of your life.

The WHO classifies Kruger as a malaria zone, although locals report that parts of the park are long malaria-free. We recommend consulting your doctor about taking antimalarial tablets. This prophylactic course should begin two weeks before travel.
Days 2-3
We’ll spend the entire time in Kruger, spotting and photographing wildlife. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so we’ll rise early to make the most of each day.

According to Kruger Park administration, the park is home to approximately 1,500 lions, 12,000 elephants, 2,500 buffalo, 1,000 leopards, and 5,000 rhinos (both white and black).

Please note that you may only leave your vehicle in specially designated areas.
Day 4
Last day of the trip. Return to Nelspruit and flight home.
We experienced a true safari and witnessed incredible landscapes. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us — we look forward to seeing you on your next trip!
Price: 1650 EUR
June 18 - 21, 2026
  • Included:
    • Accommodation as per the itinerary
    • All transfers as per the itinerary
    • Entrance fees to all parks, taxes, and other applicable fees
    • Guide assistance throughout the trip
  • Not included:
    • Airfare to Nelspruit
    • Meals not specified in the itinerary
    • Medical insurance
It's easy to book with us!
The process of booking becomes easy with Whale Watching Expedition
  • Contact us
    However you like: email info@whale-expeditions.com, using Facebook/Instagram or fill the application form below
  • We will call you back
    Or write a message. We will answer all your questions, explain all the details and discuss your personal wishes
  • Deposit payment
    When you are ready to book expedition, we would ask you to pay the deposit, usually it's 50% of the price. You can pay the rest later, the last payment day is 60 days before expedition start.
  • Done!
    You got your space on the trip, it's time to buy plane tickets! By the way, we can help you with tickets and visas if needed.
Your journey starts here!
Just give us some info and we'll contact you shortly.
Contacts
info@whale-expeditions.com