July 2026

A couple of penguins, other animals, and a beautiful rainbow

Some of you might remember that we visited Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town last year, which is home to a large colony of African Penguins (read here). However, this is not the only area near Cape Town where these beautiful birds can be found.

After our visit to Kogelberg Nature Reserve (read here and here), we had to drive past Betty’s Bay on our way back home. Even though it was very windy and cold, we decided to make a quick stop at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay to see another large colony of African Penguins.

A cold and windy morning at Betty’s Bay

According to CapeNature’s website, the Stony Point land-based penguin colony, is the third-largest breeding colony of African Penguins in the world.

For some reason, there were very few penguins when we visited Stony Point Nature Reserve. This might be because there was a large influx of sardines (part of the African Penguin diet) and that most of the penguins were out hunting for an easy morning snack.

But whatever the case, even if there are only a few penguins, it’s still a beautiful area. So, we decided to follow the short boardwalk that winds through the penguins’ breeding area up to a viewpoint over the ocean.

On the boardwalk at Stony Point Nature Reserve

Close to the boardwalk, we saw a few penguins on the rocks. I’m not a zoologist but wondered if many of the penguins might have found shelter from the strong wind and approaching cold front. Even though these are conditions that other types of penguins are supposed to be used to, it’s possible that the penguins here on the South African coastline actually prefer sun and warmer weather – you know, just like me.

Penguins on the rocks

African Penguins

Boardwalk

In the absence of the large penguin colony, it was nice to see what other wildlife we could spot. There were quite a few Egyptian Geese – I always laugh when I look at them, because to me they look more like ducks than geese. But hey, what’s in a name (and I did mention earlier that I’m not a zoologist).

Egyptian Geese

The breaking waves and whitecaps on the sea were a good indication of how strong the wind was. Every now and then a light rain shower came down, and we hurried to the end of the boardwalk so we could turn back again. It was definitely not a day to be walking around outside – let alone so close to the raging sea.

Whitecaps on the sea due to a strong wind

It was quite entertaining to see how the few penguins we spot waddled fairly quickly to find shelter under the boardwalk to escape the strong wind.

“Oh, here comes the wind, let’s run!”

“How you’re doin up there Lady?”

At the end of the boardwalk, we were rewarded for braving the wind – a beautiful rainbow stretched across the ocean. We also spotted lovely arum lilies next to the boardwalk that, despite the strong wind, held their heads up to show off their beauty. After a few quick photos, we decided it was time to head back to our vehicle.

Colourful rainbow over the ocean

Arum lilies

On the way back, we saw more penguins and also a few that were inside artificial nesting boxes (probably the best place to be in this kind of weather).

“Do we go this way or that way to get out of the wind?”

“Well, I’m going nowhere”

Spot the odd one out

Stony Point Nature Reserve is known for three species of cormorants which breed on the outer rocks. The Rock Hyrax (more commonly known as the Dassie here in South Africa) can also be seen on the surrounding rocks. We were lucky to see both cormorants and the Dassie on our way back.

If you zoom in, you’ll see the cormorants on the farthest rocks

Rock Hyrax (‘Dassie’)

Almost at the end of the boardwalk, a few more penguins made their appearance. It was as if they wanted to say that they appreciated our visit on this stormy winter day.

Penguins huddled together for warmth

“Where’s our friend?”

“I’m frozen”

“Nope, not going in there today”

On a previous visit, we saw a lot of penguins on the small beach of Stony Point Nature Reserve, so maybe today just wasn’t our lucky day. Still, it’s a beautiful place with scenic views over the sea.

Small beach at Stony Point Nature Reserve

“Please come again”