This phenomenon is a truly amazing experience whether you are capturing the action on camera from above or below the water. A huge variety of predators in their thousands follow the sardine migration up the coast constantly harassing and splintering pockets from the main shoals and feeding on these at their own leisure The action is fast and furious, as these pockets are herded to the surface closing off one avenue of escape for the sardines by hundreds of bronze whaler sharks , Zambezi’s , dusky sharks and occasionally the rarer and more pelagic species like oceanic white tips, mako, thresher and tiger. Common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in their thousands do the same and can often be seen working in conjunction with sharks to contain the pockets in which all can benefit.
Once the pockets known as Bait balls are on or near the surface oceanic birds like Cape Gannets, Skuas, Petrels and Albatross take advantage of the huge buffet. Cape Gannets have the ability to plummet 30 – 40 meters from the air into the frenzy and amazingly reach depths of 8 – 10m were they swim around in an animated fashion, snapping and swallowing any sardine within reach. This time of year also happens to be the migrational period of the humpback whales traveling North, close to the East African coastline from their Antarctic feeding grounds to their breeding grounds off of Mozambique. Spectacular breaches and playful frolicking can be seen on most days through out the winter period. A number of other whale species make an appearance as well, including Southern Right, Brydes and Minke whales. Definatly an experience not to be missed!
