Boulders Beach

Looking for a perfect day trip from Cape Town? Boulders Beach is just down the road from Simons Town on the False Bay coast, so not only is the water is a little warmer and the scenery stunning, but you'll find an interesting wildlife relationship in action: here it's the penguins who rule and the people who make way for their diminutive neighbours.

If you get to the beach early on a summer day you will be able to get yourself a spot on the beach where the public can picnic, build sandcastles and possibly even catch a wave with one of the Boulders' most famous residents because the beach belongs to the penguins.

You'll spend the day dodging the distinctive black and white African penguins strolling along the sand as well as the streets around the beach, almost like an old couple out for their constitutional. You also need to keep a wary eye out for birds that have chosen to rest in the shade of your car.

But for a truly memorable view of these endemic birds, take to the boardwalks that lead you over the dunes and vegetation and thread their way through the noisy, bustling colony of birds. Watch them come in from the sea and be raucously greeted by those they left behind, or simply preen and sun themselves. They used to be called jackass penguins, a name that will quickly become apparent as you get to know - and hear - these endearing creatures (but don't try to touch them, they can be grouchy).

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