We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions | |
![]() | 072 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | now@capetownmagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
Visit them in Boulders and Stony Point Nature Reserve + both coastal drives there are gorgeous
The African penguin is endemic to the coastal waters of South Africa, and there are only two mainland breeding colonies for these endangered flightless birds: Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, and Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay.
At Boulders, the penguins coexist with humans in a residential area and take no heed of the boundaries imposed by the South African National Parks fenced-off area where visitors can view the birds from a boardwalk. They swim near the beach, waddle nonchalantly over towels and picnic blankets, and bask on the rocks.
Stony Point, on the other hand, is adjacent to the small and far less populated settlement of Betty’s Bay in the Overberg region and part of the Kogelberg Biosphere. There is no friendly beach, and the penguins are fenced off. One similarity is the warning signs at both locations to check under your car before driving off, in case one of them has decided to take shelter there.
It’s a windswept stretch of craggy coastline, and be warned: the penguins have, shall we say, a strong and distinctive odour. Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to it.
You can view the penguins from a wooden boardwalk. At first, you’ll look around and wonder if all the official staff went home and you don’t have to pay your R25 (adult) or R15 (child) for the privilege. It turns out there is a decent stretch of elevated pathway from which you can spectate for free; the payment kiosk is a bit farther along.
For this entry-level experience, you see a large crowd of penguins standing around on the rocks not doing much else other than watching the waves crash around their feet. At this juncture, the Bank Cormorants, another species endangered to the brink of extinction which makes its home here, are more entertaining as they feed and flap in the surf.
Here, and inside the Stony Point Nature Reserve itself, visitors are urged to remain on the boardwalk and to not feed, touch or disturb the penguins. While most of them keep their own social distance, there are others that are nesting just under your feet.
The warning is not only for your own safety - penguins have a nasty bite - but because you just shouldn’t bother the birds. Even glancing in the direction of the ones that are moulting and having a seriously bad feather day seems invasive.
Inside the reserve, the boardwalk extends around the outcrop of the point, where you’ll see lots more penguins sunning themselves. As you round the corner, the birdlife changes to only the cormorants and gulls wheeling and cawing, and you’ll feel the bracing sea air on your face as massive waves send their spray into the air. A couple of benches allow you to sit a while, and informative plaques educate and inform about the residents of the reserve.
There’s something about being beside the seaside that demands you eat an ice cream, so get one at the shop between the car parks, to enjoy - preferably upwind from the penguins…
By Bianca Coleman
---
See the African penguins colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town
If you loved that experience, why not take more day trips on these scenic routes?
Want more adventure? Get off the beaten track with unusual excursions.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
5 ways to transform your hair (with ...
Give your locks some love or change them completely
Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?
Taste beer, gin and more made from mead (until June)
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Local craft beer tasting even ...
Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners
8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...
Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
A 2-storey artistic experience with ...
Limited edition Bearbricks, couture from Off-White + more at Rare Gallery
Girls night out at this Sunset Beach ...
Sip on gin cocktails and free tequila this girls night at Fancy Franks
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza
Jiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...
Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure
Kids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...
BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!
3+ ways to get your breath back and ...
Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails