If you absolutely adore these lovely creatures, then Boulders Beach in Cape Town is where you have to be! Can you imagine that there was a point in time when there were only two breeding pairs remaining? The population of African penguins over a century ago was estimated to have been well over one million, but the sharp peak in human activity caused their numbers to dwindle. Now, this delightful beach with its ancient granite boulders is a part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, which means you get to enjoy its refreshing turquoise waters and the sight of these penguins, whose numbers have slowly risen to about three thousand.

Wade into the calm waters, surrounded by massive granite boulders and splash about. Try snorkeling before heading back to sink your feet in the soft sand. You might be raring to go find the penguins, so you can walk along the wooden boardwalks that wind through dense clusters of greenery and past Foxy Beach. Set your eyes on the penguins waddling about, sunning (just like you did at the beach) or grooming each other! You just might get a chance to see them up close (watch your nose, though, those beaks are sharp!). Remember to pack a scrumptious picnic so that you have the perfect end to the day - a full tummy, and plenty of pictures of the penguins who seem to have a knack for posing.