WHAT IS MPA DAY?
MPA Day helps us collectively appreciate the value of MPAs and how they benefit both us and the incredible marine biodiversity they are designed to protect.
It’s a day to share stories and information about why and how we need to conserve our oceans and keep building support for MPAs.
Celebrating MPA Day with Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot Activities
Aliwal Shoal MPA Beach Walk ±30km
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
A dedicated team of walkers will journey approximately 30km along the coastline from Happy Wanderers Beach in the south to the Illovo River in the north, tracing the full shoreline of the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area.
Along the way, they will engage with beachgoers about the importance of MPAs, record shoreline observations and wildlife sightings while sharing real-time stories and visuals from the coast.
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
Walkers will collect water and sand samples along the route and these will be analysed in partnership with SAAMBR and other marine research institutions to contribute to ongoing studies on, water quality and pollution, microplastics and other ocean health indicators
Boat-Based Observation & Dive
Citizen Science & Research Sampling
Boat-Based Observation & Dive
Led by Dr Ryan Daly from the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), a team of marine scientists, divers, and photographers will conduct a boat-based observation and a reef dive in the heart of the Aliwal Shoal MPA and the world famous Mission Blue Aliwal Hope Spot.
Their goal will be to capture the underwater beauty, biodiversity, and ecosystems of the Shoal, while documenting the reef health, species, and habitat features.
Youth Beach Clean-Up & Census
Youth Beach Clean-Up & Census
Boat-Based Observation & Dive
Local schools and youth groups will be invited to join a section of the coastal walk, participating in a beach clean-up, a biodiversity census and being given an introduction to the importance of MPA's as well as understanding their role as the future ocean guardians.
Surfski Paddle Adventure
Youth Beach Clean-Up & Census
Surfski Paddle Adventure
A team of experienced surfski paddlers will mirror the walkers’ path from offshore, just beyond the backline. While navigating the surf zone and deeper waters, they will note marine life sightings (e.g. dolphins, seabirds, turtles) and act as observers from the sea whilst enjoying and celebrating the opportunity to paddle within the MPA.
Live Digital Updates
Youth Beach Clean-Up & Census
Surfski Paddle Adventure
Throughout the day, Wild Alliance Africa will share live updates via Instagram stories, reels, and photo posts.
This will allow supporters across the globe to follow the journey, experience the beauty of the Aliwal Shoal and Mission Blue Aliwal Hope Spot.
Follow us on @wildallianceafrica for more updates!
Wild Alliance Africa MPA DAY WALK 2025
01 August 2025 - Happy Wanderers to Illovo River, KZN, South Africa
Greetings MPA Day Adventurers!
Some background and information about the Wild Alliance Africa MPA Day celebrations and the Aliwal Shoal MPA and Mission Blue Hope Spot Beach Walk.
We’re going to travel from South to North on Friday 01 August. We'll meet and walk from the Happy Wanderers Resort (which is the closest point to the southern boundary of the Aliwal Shoal MPA and Hope Spot, being the Mzimayi River) and travel north to the Illovo River which is the northern boundary of the MPA and Hope Spot) at Illovo Beach, KZN.
Departure will be at first light at approximately 06h30.
We may have to walk through the odd ankle deep river along the way (tide dependent), but we will definitely walk over the bridge of the Umkomaas River.
Tides for the day will be, high at 07h44 and low at 13h49.
We’ll have some ground support and ‘resupply’ points at very manageable intervals along the way. At these points we’ll have some water tanks to refill our reusable bottles and also grab an energy boosting snack.
The stops will be mandatory for all and will keep the group together and fresh. We are likely to be a small group so shouldn’t be a problem staying fairly close together. Everyone is however encouraged to stay with the group to ensure you're not left behind.
Temperature is generally quite fresh in the morning, but beach walking generates heat quickly, so the suggestion would be to layer up and dress appropriate for a 30km beach (lycra…lycra…lycra 😂)!
Your choice of footwear is a personal preference, but it is recommended that solid walking shoes that won’t take on too much sand would be best.
We’re also aiming to collect as much data and samples along the way as well, so I would suggest carrying only what you absolutely need (water bottle or 'hydration pack', cap or hat and cellphone).
The stops along the way will enable you to scoop or drop any clothing, fresh socks, hats, suncreams, etc. So, just be prepared and the support team can be the support you need.
For reference, below are some of the approximate distance breakdowns:
Happy Wanderers to Rocky Bay - ±2,5km
Happy Wanderers to Scotties- ±8,7km
Happy Wanderers to Scottburgh Main Beach -± 9,2km
Happy Wanderers to Clansthal - ±14,1km
Happy Wanderers to High Rocks - ±17,7km
Happy Wanderers to Umko parking - ±18,9km
Happy Wanderers to Umko River (South Bank) - ±19,5km
Happy Wanderers to Umko River. (North Bank) - ±19,8km
Happy Wanderers to Ngane River - ±22,6km
Happy Wanderers to Umgababa River - ±25,5km
Happy Wanderers to Umgababa pool - ±27,1km
Happy Wanderers to Mzimbazi River - ±28,8km
Happy Wanderers to Illovo River (South Bank) - ±30,5km
Once we finally arrive at Illovo Beach, we’ll have a quick collection from the bus and head back home to Scottburgh or drop off points along the way.
If you’re choosing not to go the full distance, but are keen on joining us for a specific section, you may need to arrange a lift from one of the stops to get you back home safely. Ideally these should be pre-arranged and made clear so that we don’t leave anyone stranded on the beach!
If anyone has got any thoughts, ideas, questions or concerns then send us a private message to try our best to answer.
Lastly, thanks again for your support of MPA Day and for choosing to celebrate it with Wild Alliance Africa and the Mission Blue Hope Spot.
Your contribution to our MPA research, health and celebration is awesome.
Cheers
Russ & the Wild Alliance Africa team
Join our MPA Day Celebration Walk
If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, why not to join our Wild Alliance Africa MPA Day celebrations and walk the length of the Aliwal Shoal MPA or even a section of this beautiful marine protected area.