LULA IN THE CAPE PENINSULA

If, like us, you visit in summer, you’ll get to witness an annual ‘feathering’ process, or moulting process, which equips each penguin with the essentials to survive in both the marine environment & on land. For around 35 days, these penguins eat as much as possible to build up sufficient fat reserves to prepare to be land-bound for around 21 days before they’re able to return to the ocean to replenish lost reserves.

As an endangered species, San Parks has done tremendous work to protect these special waddling birds. In 1910, it was estimated that there were approximately 1.5million African Penguins, and horrifyingly, in 1982, only TWO breeding pairs remained! Thanks to the incredible conservation efforts, the Boulders colony now sits at over 3000 birds in recent years. However, it is estimated that by 2026 (which is only five years away) that the African penguin may well be extinct in the wild. Their population decline has been attributed to a loss of nesting spaces & a decrease in food due to overfishing & pollution.

By visiting Boulder’s Beach (and any San Parks locations) & paying a small conservation fee, you help to spark a lifelong commitment to saving their future & enjoy an afternoon with some unexpected African creatures.

LULA IN THE CAPE PENINSULA

Although Grant & I often wonder how our adventures would be if we were based further up country, we do love & appreciate that there are wonders right in our back garden. Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town is extra special. The granite boulders (for which the beach is named) protect it from the wind & large waves, so the shallow waters are warm(ish), the sand is extra white & soft, & swimming with the local inhabitants is something wondrous.

The African penguin used to be known as the Jackass penguin, because of their distinctive bray. Whilst there are colonies around around Southern Namibia, all around the coast to Port Elizabeth, there is no where quite like Boulders Beach to hang out with these dapper chaps. 

If, like us, you visit in summer, you’ll get to witness an annual ‘feathering’ process, or moulting process, which equips each penguin with the essentials to survive in both the marine environment & on land. For around 35 days, these penguins eat as much as possible to build up sufficient fat reserves to prepare to be land-bound for around 21 days before they’re able to return to the ocean to replenish lost reserves.

As an endangered species, San Parks has done tremendous work to protect these special waddling birds. In 1910, it was estimated that there were approximately 1.5million African Penguins, and horrifyingly, in 1982, only TWO breeding pairs remained! Thanks to the incredible conservation efforts, the Boulders colony now sits at over 3000 birds in recent years. However, it is estimated that by 2026 (which is only five years away) that the African penguin may well be extinct in the wild. Their population decline has been attributed to a loss of nesting spaces & a decrease in food due to overfishing & pollution.

By visiting Boulder’s Beach (and any San Parks locations) & paying a small conservation fee, you help to spark a lifelong commitment to saving their future & enjoy an afternoon with some unexpected African creatures.

Hout Bay to Boulders Beach, Simons Town

Head west on Hout Bay Rd/M63 toward Riverside Terrace
At the roundabout, continue straight onto Main Rd/M6
Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Ou Kaapse Weg/M6
Continue straight to stay on Ou Kaapse Weg/M6
Turn right onto Main Rd/Simon’s Town Rd/M4
Continue on Bellevue Rd. Drive to Secluse Ave in Boulders

Boulders Beach to Deep South Eatery, Glencairn

Head southwest on Secluse Ave toward Grant Ave
Turn left onto Grant Ave
Turn right onto Bellevue Rd
Turn right onto Mcfarlane Rd/M4
Turn left onto Glen Rd (Deep South Eatery will be on your right)

• Although Boulders Beach is the perfect place to wade through the shallow waters with African Penguins, the best viewing is up the wheelchair-friendly boardwalks to Foxy Beach. Although you can’t feel the sand between your toes here, there are more penguins to observe.Don’t get too close. Penguins have razor-sharp beaks.
• A long time ago, the penguins used to wander into the car park & visit the houses close by, but they’ve cordoned off areas & created clever, artificial nesting boxes (each numbered, by the way, which is sweet) to provide a safe breeding environment.
• Watch your sunglasses & other personal items while sunbathing. Penguins can be sneaky 🙂
• Watch out for sleepy penguins under your car when you leave too!
• Check out BarStaurant in Glencairn for a family-styled coastal eatery with a delicious menu. Especially awesome for the kids.
• Drive back over Chapmans Peak for sunset & views that will take your breath away.

Hout Bay to Boulders Beach, Simons Town

Head west on Hout Bay Rd/M63 toward Riverside Terrace
At the roundabout, continue straight onto Main Rd/M6
Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Ou Kaapse Weg/M6
Continue straight to stay on Ou Kaapse Weg/M6
Turn right onto Main Rd/Simon’s Town Rd/M4
Continue on Bellevue Rd. Drive to Secluse Ave in Boulders

Boulders Beach to Deep South Eatery, Glencairn

Head southwest on Secluse Ave toward Grant Ave
Turn left onto Grant Ave
Turn right onto Bellevue Rd
Turn right onto Mcfarlane Rd/M4
Turn left onto Glen Rd (Deep South Eatery will be on your right)