Some penguins waddling up the beach. |
Also known as Jackass Penguins due to the loud donkey like
sound they make, read about the African Penguins found here in the Deep South
of Cape Town.
Situated on the edge of Simons Town is Boulders Beach, which
is home to almost 2000 endangered African Penguins. They can be seen waddling up and
down the beaches wearing their 'tuxedos', and entering the water to catch some food.
The TMNP part of the beach has 3 unspoiled beaches, 1
penguin viewing area and 3 walks which are in good condition for wheels. While
tourists are not able to go on the beach where the penguin colony live
sometimes a random penguin is found on the other beaches. I have often spotted
the flightless birds on the other beaches. Once I was picking up shells I
lifted my head and came face to face with a bird in a ‘tuxedo’, I let out a
scream!
Penguin chicks. |
Boulders beach offers excellent snorkelling conditions as
the beach is protected from wind due to the big boulders as well as having calm
waters. A great family beach to have a swim, catch some sunrays, pick up seashells
or have a picnic.
There is a conservation fee to get onto the wheelchair
friendly boardwalk at Foxy Beach which overlooks the penguin colony. Free
entrance for those that hold a Wild card.
Two penguin soul mates. |
Adults – R60
Children (under 12) – R30
Info about African Penguins
These African penguins are aquatic birds that mostly eat
small fish found swimming on the top layer of the sea. They live together in their
colony and breed for life with a soul mate. Those that roam the sea after penguins as a meal are sharks and the Cape fur seals. On land penguins have to
be on the look-out for mongoose, domestic cats, caracals and big birds who
steal their eggs and snatch up their chicks. If not caught by a predator
African penguins can live up to 27 years. Be warned though and watch out for bites from their razor sharp beaks. Ouch!
Head to the tourist attraction of Boulders Beach to check
out these comical birds.
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