One of my happy places living in Cape Town was hanging out with the African Penguins in Simonstown. I’d walk amongst the coves and climb over the boulders with my dog TJ. Often penguins would waddle out from swimming in the sea and head back to huddling with their families.
I can spend hours watching them and they sometimes wander off from their nests and waddle around the local streets too; which is quite a comical sight and always gives me the giggles. If you visit the area make sure you check under your car before you drive off, as the summer heat may tempt them to take cover in a shady spot.
The local Boulders Beach Sanctuary is worth a visit to the centre to help support the preservation of these endangered species. The beach is secluded and to swim in the cool False Bay waters you’ll need to pay a conservation fee. If you have a South African ID book make sure you have it as there is a different fee for international visitors vs. local residents.
It’s been fantastic to hang out with them again this week, and I had the opportunity to swim at Boulders Beach and a few came to swim near me.
Before I head back to the northern hemisphere I know I’ll be back again for another day at the beach, tucked away in one of the many secret coves along this impressive wild coastline.
Simonstown, Cape Town
