Overview
#Boulders Beach Penguin Colony A colony of approx. 3000 African (Jackass) Penguins reside just outside Simon's Town at Boulders. Even though it is a residential area the thriving colony was born when two wild breeding pairs started breeding there in 1982. The success of the colony is partly due to the reduction of commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay. This increased the supply of pilchards and anchovy, which is part of the penguins' diet. Boulders form part of the Table Mountain National Park, which incorporates Table Mountain and the Peninsula mountain chain from Signal Hill to Cape Point.
In recent years the authorities have instituted some measures to protect the birds against negative human impact without impeding visitors' ability to get close to these amazing creatures. Tourists can access the beach, and view the wild penguins, by means of raised wooden boardwalks, which allow the penguins to wander around unhindered.
Although wild, the penguins are used to humans being close to them, as it has always been like this since the inception of the colony. Obviously one is not allowed to touch or feed the birds, this adds to a truly unique experience of untamed penguins in very close proximity to humans.
Tours that visit Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
popular
Scheduled tours
13 Day Highlights of South Africa Southbound
On this tour you learn more about Johannesburg, stay at two private game reserves and experience open vehicle game drives, do game viewing in five different regions, interact with ostriches and elephants, engage in whale and dolphin watching on an ocean safari and travel to beautiful Cape Town and Cape Point. An excellent tour for first time visitors to South Africa.
from R31,145
popular
Scheduled tours
16Day Highlights of South Africa Southbound
On this tour you journey through the most popular areas of South Africa, following the most-travelled, tried and tested route for first time visitors to the country. The tour provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people.
from R20,910
City & day tours
CapePeninsula Full Day Tour
This tour covers the Cape Peninsula.Travel down the West Coast of the Peninsula and return on the opposite side. It includes Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive (if open), Cape Point, the Boulders Penguins and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
from R800
City & day tours
Cape Peninsula Morning Tour
This tour covers the Cape Peninsula. Travel down the west coast of the Peninsula and return on the opposite side. It includes Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive (if open), Cape Point, the Boulders Penguins and ends in Cape Town.
from R580
Things to see
Game or nature reserve
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
##Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is the southern section of the Cape Peninsula, and includes three promontories at its southern most point called Cape Point, Cape Maclear and the Cape of Good Hope. The Reserve encompasses 7 750 hectares of rich and varied flora and fauna.
4 tours visit here
Attraction
Cape Peninsula
##Cape Peninsula Cape Town is situated on the Cape Peninsula. In 1580, Sir Francis Drake described the Cape Peninsula as "The most stately thing and the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth". A visit to Cape Town should always include a day tour of the Cape Peninsula.
2 tours visit here
Town
Simon's Town
##Simon's Town Simon's Town, 40 km from Cape Town, is home to the headquarters of the South African Navy. It features a medium sized harbour and at times some warships. The town has a collection of small museums, a couple of shops, some very nice restaurants and various accommodation options.
Gallery
