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Simonstown Penguin Festival |
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Once upon a time there was a quaint maritime village, home to the South African Navy and historical in the context of South Africa. People went about their business and lived a quiet wholesome life close to nature. One day two creatures dressed in black and white arrived. They were amazed by the beauty of a beach, surrounded and protected by large boulders. It was safe and secure and a wonderful place to make a home. And so it was that 2 penguins chose to settle at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. These penguins were proud of their wise choice – their new home had beautiful accommodation with sea views or mountain views, comfy beds and welcoming hosts. Their daily vista was the great expanse of False Bay. The food was plentiful and some of the best restaurants in the Cape satisfied their every need - breakfast delis, superb fish, cozy cafes and fine dining for special occasions. With their basic needs taken care of, the penguins invited their friends and relatives to join them. Many of their friends lived on dangerous islands under constant threat from sharks and oil spills. In fact so dangerous were the conditions that the species remains endangered. And as their pals arrived, the penguins began to play. What wonderful things to do in Simon’s Town – superb fishing, boat rides to visit the seals, kayaking in the beautiful coves, scuba diving, mountain biking and magnificent hikes. Even the golfers were satisfied. The cultural amongst them visited the museums in town and frequented the art galleries – even seeing themselves on display. The penguin shoppers wandered the cobbled streets and quaint stores for curios, crafts and collectables. It was easy to enjoy the good life. And they had visitors - in spring every year creatures of a larger nature popped by – the southern right whales on their annual migration. News of the penguins and their home spread to all corners of the globe and visitors from all nations arrived to say hello. However despite the paradise they lived in, dangers persisted and they were occasionally admitted for rehabilitation at the SANCCOB facility. SANCCOB are known for caring for ill, injured and oiled sea birds especially penguins. With their help thousands of penguins have been returned to their homes. The community of Simon’s Town noticed the predicament of the penguins and the people helping the penguins and decided it was time to honour the kind work done by SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Hence the birth of the Simon’s Town Penguin Festival. The town got together and created a show for big and small, black and white to raise funds to support their town’s icon – the African Penguin. Every September the town adorns itself in “black and white” and visitors experience a whirlwind of sound, texture, culture, sport, fun and festivities in celebrating “equal rights” for penguins. Everyone is invited to join the penguin party. Let’s talk penguinese! |
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| Boulders Beach, Simonstown, Cape Town, South Africa |
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 | +27 21 786-1758 |
 | +27 21 786-1825 |
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