Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 30 January 2024

Facts about the African penguin

Megan Warrington Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Megan Warrington

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari Collection

The African penguin's genus name Spheniscus refers to its wedge-shaped body, whilst the species name (demersus) is Latin for sinks or plunges. Otherwise referred to as the Jackass Penguin because its calls sound similar to a donkey, the correct name is 'African Penguin'.

 

  • The African penguin is endemic to the coastal areas of Southern Africa and is the only species of penguin that breeds in Africa.
  • It is classified as endangered and is listed under Appendix II of CITES due to the advent of industrial fishing in the Cape region.
  • They mainly eat fish (anchovies, pilchards, sardines, mackerel, and herrings) but they have been known to also eat squid and crustaceans.
  • They have been recorded diving to a depth of 130 m, but normally hunt at around 30 m. 
  • They stay within 20 km of the colony when foraging, and only hunt during daylight.
  • The average dive lasts just over 2 min.
  • They can reach a top speed of 20 km/h when hunting but normally cruise at around 7 km/h.
  • The average African penguin is 60 cm in body length and weighs between 2 kg and 3 kg.
  • They reach sexual maturity at 4-years-old and lay one or two eggs at a time. The incubation period is around 40 days.
  • In the wild, their life span is around 10 years.

The best place to view African Penguins from the mainland is Boulders Beach, Cape Town.

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Megan Warrington

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Megan is an Africa Concierge Expert responsible for compiling travel programs for people in search of their dream safari in Africa.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"What we appreciated was the effort in doing all the best to satisfy our requests! So everything was as expected.. the tented camp (everything was like at home),the game drive( we asked a private tour), the position of the camp ( very important for us, we sa..."

Silvia Del Giovane, Italy12 Nov 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything. Fra..."

Boaz Leung, United States21 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I have been more than impressed with this entire experience every time. I will continue to use them year after year."

April Harrington, United States18 Dec 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Was just awesome, would recommend anytime...saw all big 5, all small 5, live kill by lions...was just divine"

Priyum Koonjul, Canada21 Nov 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We have just returned from a trip to 3 different safari camps in Botswana, a short trip to Victoria Falls and a gorilla trek in Rwanda that was booked with Susan from Discover Africa. We couldn't be happier with the direction and support she gave us to trul..."

Robyn Dell, Canada02 Oct 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Adelle at Discover Africa helped to plan our first safari and everything went so smoothly from our internal flights to the game reserve and the booking at the lodge. Couldn’t fault them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future :)"

Amy MacDonald, United Kingdom01 Sep 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.