The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5 km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The reef plays host to many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. Aliwal Shoal was named after the sinking of the 3 Masted vessel "Aliwal", Captained by James Anderson in 1849. There are two wrecks near the reef that are prime sites for divers. The Norwegian bulk carrier called the "Produce" which sank in 1974 and the Nebo which sank in 1884. Aliwal Shoal has some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers.

African Watersports was one of the first scuba diving companies to see the potential, and to establish itself at this premium dive site. African Watersports concerns itself with the exploration and preservation of Aliwal Shoal and has found some of the top dive sites there. Offering dives that no other operator offers, they will give you a dive experience you will never forget. Whether you want to see the pretty small fish or want to hunt for the Giant Brindle Bass, see "Tiger Sharks" up close and personal with no cages or do wreck diving; you name it! African Watersports delivers.

African Watersports offers:
- Shark Diving on Aliwal Shoal with different shark species during different times of the year.
- Diving with Tiger sharks and Raggies.
- Sardine Run Diving with their base camp in Mbotyi from beginning of June to end July

The annual great Sardine Run is a natural phenomenon which usually occurs between the months of May and July, when massive schools of sardines spawn in the cool waters around the Cape and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline; an incredible spectacle which before only the locals used to get drawn into. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of common dolphins along the coast hunting the sardines and there are whales everywhere. Sardines group together when they are threatened to form what is called a bait ball. This instinctual behavior is a defense mechanism, as lone individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups. Once the bait ball is formed, the sharks and dolphins swim through and through and other fish and birds take advantage of the opportunity until not one sardine is left. This, for obvious reasons, is the ideal time to get into the waters and behold Mother Nature at work.

Of the several accommodation options available for Sardine Runners, Mbotyi River Lodge is by far the most luxurious and the best situated just south of the Waterfall Bluff, an area of steep cliffs in Eastern Cape, near Cathedral Rock. There are many waterfalls in the area which run directly into the Indian Ocean and this is where the sardines mass before running up the coast. Being surrounded by the spectacular Mbotyi hills and the magnificent Magwa Tea Plantation with close proximity to Fraser Falls and Magwa Falls, Mbotyi offers spectacular vistas over this wild and undeveloped part of Africa. In combination with a wonderful cuisine and warm South African hospitality, Mbotyi makes for an unforgettable experience and fantastic holiday destination. Mbotyi River Lodge is also the base for the Sardine Run scuba diving expeditions.

2011 Sardine Run expedition dates are listed below:
01  June - 07 June | 7 day package        
07  June - 13 June | 7 day package        
13  June - 19 June | 7 day package           
19  June - 25 July | 7 day package           
25 July - 05 July | 11 day package
05 July - 11 July | 7 day package           
11 July - 17 July | 7 day package
17 July - 23 July | 7 day package

These trips are available for divers and non-divers and since almost anyone can snorkel the Sardine Run this could be a great family holiday destination.

Contact us now to customize your scuba dive trip for this amazing expedition.