Penguin paradise in Africa
Since childhood we know that birds fly in the sky. They inhabit certain territories: some of them prefer tropical areas, while others, on the contrary, prefer cold climates. But penguins change our understanding of the animal world. Besides that these birds cannot fly, they inhabit totally opposite places – from cold Antarctic regions to hot Africa.
In the southwest coast of Africa, there is a beach well known for its colony of about three thousand penguins. The African penguins have brought world fame to Boulders Beach, which is extremely popular among tourists. A visit to this unique place is a wonderful opportunity to see the penguins not in the zoo and not on the ice of Antarctica.
The beach is a 40-minute drive from Cape Town. You should drive the M5 in the direction to Cape Point. The beach is located next to Simon’s Town, where you should follow the signposts “Boulders.” When you see the signpost “Please look under your vehicles for penguins,” be sure you are at Boulders Beach. Where else can you see that!
Visiting the beach of penguins is not fee, an entrance ticket costs about $4. But the sight is worth it: funny penguins scurry back and forth on the wide snow-white shore; they shuffle on the sand with their unique rather awkward gait. Birds are not afraid of people and willingly pose for photographers. However, it is not easy to make a good photo. Special bridges are equipped for tourists to protect the birds from particularly pesky visitors.
If you want to watch these lovely creatures in the wild, without fences and bridges, you should go from the central beach aside – to the public beach. The African penguins often come here and delight vacationers with their habits. Birds are very curious; they pay no regard for vacationers and their laughter. Penguins can approach people a meter close and eye them just the way those do.
The bravest travellers can even swim together with the African penguins. But be careful – water on the coast is very cold. This is the main reason why these birds settled on the shores of South Africa.
