CAPE TOWN TIPS – PENGUINS AND SECRET BEACHES
My friend recently returned to Cape Town for a visit after having lived here for 16 years. She commented that 16 years was not enough to explore Cape Town and surrounds. Spot on, she is so right!
Some people plan their holidays to South Africa with only 3 or 4 days in Cape Town thinking that that is enough. No! Cape Town is a destination on it’s own and there is so much beauty to explore, so many wonderful restaurants, food markets, so many fun activities, so many beautiful beaches and even some wonderful wine farms right here in the Mother City’s suburbs. Two or three weeks in Cape Town will fly by and most people never want to leave again!
Boulders beach tips
Most tourists flock to the main entrance of Boulders beach, which leads to a large board walk with panoramic views overlooking hundreds of penguins. Many of them don’t realize there is a second entrance where you can actually walk onto one of the beaches WITH the penguins and even swim with them in the shallow clear water. How wonderful is that?
On the beach are many large boulders, hence the name. It is worthwhile climbing the boulders and bring a picnic and drinks and settle in one of the coves on the white sand and watch the penguins do their cute wiggles. With low tide you can walk quite a bit, with high tide you may have to wade through a bit of shallow water to get away from the crowds.
Next to the main parking lot, on your way to the first entrance gate, you will find a gate (opposite of the icecream shop) that leads you to the most lovely little beach, called Water’s Edge.
DID YOU KNOW? THE AMAZING AWARD WINNING DOCUMENT ‘MY OCTOPUS TEACHER’, WAS FILMED IN THESE SAME WATER’S?
Entrance to Water’s Edge beach is free! It is not the beach to watch the penguins, though I have seen some there in the past too. Amazing other treasures can be found in the rock pools (pics below are at Water’s Edge beach, but all around the beaches in the Cape!):
In and around Simon’s Town, there are even more quieter beaches, such as the gorgeous little beach at Miller’s Point, or Smitswinkel Baai are some of our favourites. Another magnificent hike down to the beach is Diaz beach in the Cape Point Nature reserve, right by the main parking lot, often overlooked. There are 19 beaches in the South Peninsula to choose from!
Another way to explore these beautiful waters is by renting a kayak or book a guided kayak tour. Between May and October you can see the Whales in these water’s. Whale viewing tours and kayak rentals also operate from the same historical Navy village, Simon’s Town. Whale viewing tours can also be booked within walking distance from Hout Bay Beach Cottage – all year round – for more information: HOUT BAY
Photo credit kayak: @megfisher__
How can you help the South African Penguins?
The South African penguins are endangered. Here are a few links to websites who have great suggestions on what YOU can do to help the penguins.
- Support conservation organisations. Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations like SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa. These groups are on the frontlines of penguin conservation, and your support can help fuel their efforts. AND…ADOPT A PENGUIN VIA THOSE ORGANISATIONS!!
- Visit the Aquarium at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and view the penguins, educate yourself and donate: SAVE PENGUINS TIPS AQUARIUM
- Visit BOULDERS BEACH, educate your children, spread awareness (obviously keeping the distant and do not interfere with their daily activities)
- Support and donate THE DYER ISLAND BIRD CONSERVATION TRUST
- Create awareness and share these Donation links
- Get a myschool card and donate through shopping! The Dyer Island Conservation Trust is part of one of the biggest fundraising families in the country, the My School/ My Village /My Planet, programme that forms part of the Woolworths Group. This program allows shoppers the wonderful opportunity to support the Dyer Island Conservation Trust through, SHOPPING. APPLY NOW
- Check out these tips how to help save the African Penguin and take action! EXTINCTION REBELLION
#penguins #beachesincapetown