Cape Town - African Penguins - Boulders

 

African Penguin Simonstown on a nest

The penguins at Boulders, Simonstown are amazing and well worth visiting when in Cape Town.

The colony is spread across the beaches and many wander into the residential area of Simonstown.

So please do take care, especially at night - check under your car - there may be a penguin or two hiding underneath!! In the morning some of them can be seen wandering back down to the beach!

Seeing nature from such close quarters in an urban environment is very special, come rain or shine.

These birds, who are unable to fly, can swim at a speed of 7 km per hour. Watching them come ashore after fishing is the cutest spectacle in the late afternoon. Their natural enemies in the ocean are sharks, Cape fur seals and sometimes Orca's. They are so brave and they mate for life. 

The penguins swim back in groups and the splashes and uneven wobbles, as the tide pushes them in, is a comical and glorious sight.

 

African Penguin Boulders Simonstown, Cape Town

African Penguins Simonstown

There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board. Some nests are holes on the beach, surrounded by many other penguins. Nests are fiercely protected if another penguin dares to come to close.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed by their parents  - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The chicks are covered in down which is not waterproof  until about 60 days after hatching. 
You will be able to spot the juveniles due to their blue-grey plumage.
Both parents will go out to sea when the chicks are about 30 days old. 

Simonstown is well worth exploring for the quirky shops, museums and numerous restaurants. 
For water sport lovers there are various activities such as sea kayaking and water bikes.
During the summer months the beaches are very popular - get there early for a slice of the beach.

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There are currently about 2200 of these amazing birds in this protected area - the numbers have climbed from just 2 pairs in 1982 so it is a huge success for this endangered species.

Nesting takes place around February to August and the nests are on the ground or in some of the artificial structures put in place by the Parks Board.

During the annual moulting (around December) season, the birds are confined to land for about 21 days so they need to fatten up prior to this as they cannot swim when their coats lose their waterproofing. 

Listening to the babies crying for their feed in the evening is heart-rending but they do all get fed - they are just very vocal in their demands! 

This is an incredible experience and one that must not be missed when visiting Cape Town!

The view across the bay in Simonstown