Boulders - Table Mountain National Park

Overview

Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

No votes yet

• 0 comments
• share this site

• 

Nestled in a shelterd cove between Simon's Town and Cape Point, Boulders has become world famous for it's thriving colony of African Penguins and magnificent wind sheltered, safe beaches.

Althoug set in the midst of a residential area, it is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected natural environment.

From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3000 in recent years. This is partly due to the reduction in commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay, which has increased the supply of pilchards and anchovy, which for part of the penguins' diet.

Boulders forms part of the Table Mountain National Park (TMPNP), which incorporates Table Mountain and the Peninsula mountain chain from Signal Hill to Cape Point.

Bordered mainly by indigenous bush above the high-water mark on one side, and the clear waters of False Bay on the other, the area comprises a number of small sheltered bays, partially enclosed by granite boulders. The most popular recreational spot is Boulders Beach, but the penguins are best viewed from Foxy Beach, where newly-constructed boardwalks take visitors to within a few metres of the birds.

The area is managed in terms of the National Parks Act 57 of 1976 and visitors are kindly requested to respect the sensitivity of the nesting and moulting birds. Equally important for the existence of this protected natural area in the midst of an urban environment, is the maintenance of respect for the rights and privacy of the residents in the area.

Main attractions
- Elevated boardwalks provide excellent opportunities for viewing penguins and whales
- Panoramic views of False Bay and Noah's Ark
- Forest walks and rest points
- Sheltered sandy beaches ideal for picnics and sunbathing
- Safe, clear bays for bathing (water temperatures are those of the Indian Ocean although False Bay is actually part of the Atlantic Ocean)
- Information service provided by volunteers and staff

Cape Town Green Map
updated 03/2012 by Cape Town Green Map