The South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal is the place to be this winter. With a string of events being planned, including the famous Sardine Run, travellers will get to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
With sardine season set to start this month, why not plan a spontaneous road trip through Durban, down the South Coast, to watch fishermen drop their nets, or partake in the festivities yourself?
Kay Robertson of Ugu South Coast Tourism said Sardine Season brought with it many cool festivals that catered to all ages.
Music lovers can raise their voices,and applauses, at the Melville Sanctuary of Love Acoustic Music & Folk Festival and car fanatics can satisfy their car desires at the Scottburgh Classic Car Show.
“The South Coast is one of our biggest holiday seasons and the annual Sardine Run that takes place between May to August. Over the years the Sardine Run has grown in reputation, both locally and internationally, and we welcome fishermen and families from all over the world, who wish to find themselves in the midst of the frenzied action when the sardines decide to run.
“There are many other great events from major gamefish competitions, golf tournaments, lifestyle, music, art and cultural festivals, as well as classic cars and motor racing events that are hosted between the June and July period,” she said.
Here are just some of the best Sardine Season events that will take place this winter:
The South Coast Lions Show
When: June 29-July 1
Where:Port Shepstone Country Club
The Annual Sardine Run 3-Day Golf Tournament
When: June 14 – 16
Where:Scottburgh Golf Club, Selborne Park Golf Estate, Umkomaas Golf Club
Melville Sanctuary of Love Acoustic Music & Folk Festival
When: June 16
Where: Melville Sanctuary of Love
TO Strand Golf Tour
When: June 24 –30
Where: TO Strand, Port Edward
SupaDrift
When: June 29 – 30
Where: Dezzi South Coast Raceway
Maidens Ceremony
When: 30 June
Where: KwaNyuswa
Ugu Jazz & Arts Festival
When: 30 June
Where: Ugu Sport & Leisure Centre, Gamalakhe
Margate Mardi Gras
When: 27 June; July 4, July 11
Margate Kennel Club Open Show – Agility & Dog Jumping
When: June 24 and July 15
Where: Borough Sports Ground, Port Shepstone
Mercury Ski Boat Festival
When: July 4 – 7
Where: Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club
Umtamvuna Sardine Festival
When: July 6 to 8
Where: Mattison Square, Port Edward
1st Annual Umdoni Classic
When: July 6 – 8 July
Where: Umdoni Park Golf Club
Dezzi Invitational Challenge
When: July 7-8
Where: Dezzi South Coast Raceway
Scottburgh Classic Car Show
When: July 8
Where: Scottburgh High School
Gamefish Junior Nationals
When: July 16 – 20
Where: Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club
KZN Drag Racing
When: July 21
Where: Dezzi South Coast Raceway
Ramsgate Book & Art Festival
When: August 2-5 August
Where: Ramsgate