Trip Status

Posted on Thursday July 10, 2014

After riding an ostrich in Oudshoorn there is one other flightless bird of Africa that you can get the camera out for, the African Penguin also known as Jackass Penguin and for a more scientific name-calling the Spheniscus demersus.

African Penguin

These little birds, usually about 60cm in height and weighing in at less than 4KG’s are found along the South African coastline. They are social beings, choosing to live in colonies.  Stony Point colony is easily accessible; with no need for a boat to get you there, and you will likely see more penguin feet than human feet when compared to well-known Boulders beach colony in Cape Town.

Stony Point is situated in Bettys Bay; this small coastal town is located along the scenic Clarens Drive (R44) between Cape Town and Hermanus. Once at the penguin colony, a small entrance fee of R10 gives you access to the specially constructed boardwalk that will ensure bird and nature lovers close up viewing of these penguins going about their daily routine.  From here you can venture close to their nesting sites and out to the rocky peninsula where they rest and preen their feathers. Other feathered friends that can been seen in abundance is the Cape Cormorant, they are regulars at Stony Point and all four of the South African Cormorant species have been recorded breeding here.
For eager birding and nature enthusiasts the best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon, when the penguins return from their daily fishing excursions.

A visit this little gem in the Overberg is well worth it, as it is super child- friendly, great for birders and really light on the pocket. Nearby attractions include:

  • Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
  • Trinket shopping and lunch at the Kleinmond Harbour
  • Boat Based Whale Watching in Hermanus
  • Shark cage diving & viewing in Gansbaai

Bettys Bay Overberg Penguins

A pinch of history

Stony Point was established in the late 1800’s, when a couple of rogue youngster ‘spread their wings’ and left Dyer Island colony for ‘greener pastures. ‘At this time there were some other interesting things going in the vicinity with relics and wrecks still visible today. Less than 300m away from the colony was the Old whaling station, thank goodness the whaling was put to an end in the early 1900’s, just in the nick of time as the Southern Right Whale population had by that stage dwindled to near extinction, the remains of the old buildings can still be seen today. As you head toward the entrance of the penguin colony you will see the remains of the shipwrecked Balena, this is just alongside the slipway which is used by small fishing boats today.

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