In an attempt to evade their pursuers, the fish form ‘bait balls’ that wildlife photographers and film crews have captured in dramatic footage and images.

Sardine shoals also sometimes come ashore, sparking a land-based frenzy as people rush into the shallow water to gather this seasonal bounty in whatever receptacle they can find.

At places like Margate and Shelly Beach in southern KwaZulu-Natal, tour operators can take your clients out to get closer to the shoals.

Those who are shore-bound should use their binoculars to watch for the telltale signs of diving birds and churned-up water, indicating a shoal in the vicinity.

Advise your clients that during the sardine run, the shark nets that protect some of the bathing beaches in KwaZulu-Natal are temporarily lifted to minimise harm to marine life. When this happens, ‘discretionary bathing’ (own risk) signs are put up.