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”
Wet and Dusty Roads 
I’m sure it was cold, Corna, but you can overlook that in such a lovely location. Those penguins just need a scarf or two xx
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A penguin with a scarf – that would be quite a sight 😂. You’re right Jo, we enjoyed the beautiful views despite the cold!
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No walk in Nature is ever a waste and that is a very beautiful setting. Wind off the ocean can be bitingly cold! Fair blows the cobwebs away! Those penguins are precious and I love the goose too, poor lonely soul. Maybe he thinks he’s a penguin, since he doesn’t have a mirror. We don’t have dassies but I love any furry creature and those lilies are gorgeous. Lovely photos despite your being frozen!
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Absolutely Carolyn, any day in Nature is a good day! At least it seemed like the penguins welcomed the goose among them, so I don’t think he’s too unhappy with the situation (or maybe he just came looking for shelter from the wind). I think the most dassies I’ve ever seen were on top of Table Mountain … they like sitting in the sun, so maybe they think if they’re on top of Table Mountain, they’re really close to the sun 😁. I’m happy to hear you like the photos, it means it was worth getting so cold!
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I love penguins and there are enough here to keep me happy! I imagine this might be a quieter place to see them than Boulders Beach, even if there are fewer?
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I think we were spoiled with the huge number of penguins we saw at Boulders Beach, but there’s nothing wrong with the scenery at Stony Point 😉. You’re right, Sarah, it’s probably quieter at Stony Point when it comes to visitors (and especially so on a cold winter’s day)! I’m happy to read that you enjoyed the few penguins we did see here.
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