Category: News

South Africa’s Top National Parks, as Rated by Safari Travellers

Travel marketplace SafariBookings.com released its list of the 50 best safari parks in Africa based on an in-depth analysis of over 2,300 reviews. The reviews are based on trips taken between 2022 and 2024. South Africa had a very strong showing, with 10 parks in the top 50, meaning that 20% of the destinations mentioned were South African parks!

Among the experts are writers who contribute regularly to Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt Guides, and Footprint Travel Guides. Let’s explore the national parks that stand out as top safari destinations in South Africa.

South Africa Dominates Top 50 List of Africa’s Parks

Game drive in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Photo credit: Tena Tena
Game drive in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia | Photo credit: Tena Tena

South Africa has many parks in the top 50 because of the number of protected areas in the country and the large number of visitors they receive.

The number of parks in the country, compared to other destinations in Africa, creates a high level of competition, and this means that the wildlife-viewing experience is generally of a high standard.

South African travel writer for Lonely Planet, James Bainbridge, says South Africa’s main drawcard is the accessibility of its wildlife-viewing opportunities.

“Not only are the Big Five here, in environments from Kruger’s bushveld to Pilanesberg’s extinct volcano crater, but you can see them from a hired car on tarred roads. Many of South Africa’s well-organised national parks also offer one-off guided drives (and walks) – great ways to pick up tracking tips.”

He adds, “With good roads generally leading to the parks’ gates (and sometimes beyond), it’s easy to see wildlife areas by car or on a guided day trip, without having to join a long safari or procure a 4WD. South Africa also has a greater variety of landscapes than most African countries. You can see wildlife with backdrops of Kalahari sands, Drakensberg peaks, Indian Ocean lagoons, riverine forests, baobab-studded plains, and Namakwa’s spring wildflowers.

“These diverse environments offer a broad menu of activities, from shark-cage diving to tasting grapes in the Cape Winelands, allowing you to mix safaris with other experiences.”

Below are the 10 safari parks in South Africa that feature in the Top 50, as well as the places they hold:

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (2)

Lion spotted on a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa | Photo credit: Inyati Game Lodge
Lion spotted on a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa | Photo credit: Inyati Game Lodge

Made up of about 20 small but contiguous private reserves, the Sabi Sand area is arguably the most exclusive Big Five game-viewing location in Africa.

Kruger National Park (12)

Elephants in the Greater Kruger, Image credit, Jabulani
Elephants in the Greater Kruger. | Image credit: Jabulani

Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most visited wildlife destinations, attracting more than one million visitors annually.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (23)

Leopard at Kings Camp in Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Leopard at Kings Camp in Timbavati Private Game Reserve. | Photo Credit: Season In Africa.

Sharing its eastern border with the central Kruger Park, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is studded with quality camps and lodges offering all-inclusive guided wildlife-viewing packages.

Balule Private Nature Reserve (24)

Lion on Bulule Private Nature Reserve | Photo: Tomo Safari Lodge

One of the largest rivers in the Kruger National Park, the Olifants River, flows through the Balule Reserve, and its waters and riverine forests attract high densities of mammals, reptiles, and birdlife.

Madikwe Game Reserve (25)

A view of the watering hole | Photo: Last Word Madikwe.

Situated in the North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its family-friendly holiday location in a malaria-free zone with excellent Big Five viewing.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (26)

Wilderness walk activity | Photo credits: !Xaus Lodge
Wilderness walk activity | Photo credits: !Xaus Lodge

The Kgalagadi extends across three of Southern Africa’s most popular countries: Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, making it the perfect base from which to explore the natural wonders of these iconic African destinations.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (28)

Two lions on the prowl | Photo: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Sabi Sabi, a private reserve in the Greater Kruger region, is well-known for striking the right balance between outstanding wildlife experiences and responsible tourism practices.

Addo Elephant National Park (32)

Family on a game drive in greater Addo | Photo: Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge

Addo Elephant Park offers a full experience to see the Big Seven, which extends the Big Five of the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino to include the southern right whales and great white shark.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (40)

Guided Game Walk in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park | Photo: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

As the oldest proclaimed game reserve, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is celebrated for its rich wildlife experiences and conservation programmes.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve (42)

Elephant outside safari lodge | Photo: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Pilanesberg Game Reserve, like Madikwe, is situated in the transitional zone between the moist eastern bushveld and the semi-arid Kalahari biome that extends into neighbouring Botswana.

Want to explore the incredible national parks dotted across East and Southern Africa? Let our expert travel advisors find the right experience for you.

Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways Improve Connectivity to Kenya

Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have entered into a codeshare partnership, enhancing connectivity between the UK and East Africa. The codeshare allows Virgin Atlantic customers to book flights directly on Kenya Airways’ route between London Heathrow and Nairobi. This agreement between the SkyTeam alliance members simplifies travel to Kenya for international visitors, including those from the UK, who can now enter with online authorisation instead of a traditional visa.

Kenya is one of East Africa’s prime safari destinations. It’s popular with North American and UK travellers who travel to the continent to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration between Tanzania and Kenya. The US led as the top source market, with 209,360 visitors in 2022.

The UK is its third largest international source market, with 131,526 tourists visiting the top safari destination in 2022. This only exceeded Uganda, which had 151,121 visitors. Kenya Airways passengers can connect via Heathrow to Virgin’s services to Caribbean destinations such as Barbados and The Bahamas. Virgin Atlantic is the sole UK carrier offering codesharing on the Heathrow to Nairobi route.

Kenya’s most obvious drawcard is the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse East Africa. Yet, this all-round safari season destination has many natural and cultural drawcards to experience:

Top Things to Experience and Explore in Kenya

  • Experience the rich Maasai culture.
  • Kenya has over 60 national parks, including the famous Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
  • Go from bushwhacking to beach bliss with Kenya’s rustic beaches, including Diani Beach.
  • Discover Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes, home to eight lakes such as Lake Naivasha and the flamingo-populated Lake Nakuru.
  • Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, offers superb natural scenery and a challenging adventure for climbers.

Are you considering a safari trip to Kenya? Use the Discover Africa’s Safari Cost Calculator, and then get in touch to let our safari experts help you plan your next bucket list adventure.

Cape Agulhas Development Enhances Africa’s Southernmost Experience

South Africa’s Department of Tourism marked the near completion of the Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park this week as part of its R94 million investment into 25 tourism upgrade projects across the country.

Enhanced Visitor Experiences at Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas, a must-do attraction for most visitors to Cape Town, holds the unique title of the continent’s southernmost point. This distinction sets it apart from the spectacularly rugged Cape Point, which is often confused as the southern tip of Africa. The attraction, described as a geographical marvel, drew over 26,500 visitors in 2023, about 31% lower than in 2019, when visitor numbers peaked at 38,271.

The Cape Agulhas project, a two-phase project, saw its first phase completed in 2018. But Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who made a progress visit to the park on Tuesday, says this is not just an infrastructural upgrade. De Lille stated that the enhancements are designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage tourists to extend their stay in the region.

Key Points of the Cape Agulhas Phase 2 Upgrade

  • Infrastructure Enhancements: These include a new restaurant, an interpretation centre with vendor stalls, a lecture theatre, and revamped reception areas.
  • Community Benefits: Employment of 77 individuals, including youth and women, and engagement with local subcontractors.
  • Progress: 73% is complete, with full completion expected by June.
Cape-Agulhas-Minister-Patricia-De-Lille-1024x576
South African Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille and delegates during a progress visit to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct.

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct Project forms part of the department’s ongoing maintenance projects, with 22 of these near complete and three are still under construction. De Lille also outlined a number of community-based tourism infrastructure projects underway in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape.

These projects have an investment value of R676.44 Million and have “so far created 605 jobs”. Plans for a new Kruger gate in the northern region to increase tourism to South Africa’s flagship park are continuing after logistical and community input delays. Kruger saw over 1.6 million visitors between March 2023 and mid-March 2024, with recovery to 2019 pre-pandemic tourist numbers only expected in 2025.

Augrabies National Park in the Northern Cape is the only park out of SANParks’ 19 national parks that exceeded its 2019 visitor numbers last year. De Lille remains convinced that investing in enhancing South Africa’s tourism experiences will create the conditions needed for further investment by the private sector.

“Investment in infrastructure by government shows the private sector that we are serious about growing our tourism offering,” said De Lille. “As a top tourist destination, we remain committed to constantly diversifying and growing our tourism offering so that we remain an attractive destination that keeps visitors coming back.”

How to Have an Unforgettable Visit to the Southernmost Tip of Africa

Located in the Southern Overberg of the Western Cape, the Cape Agulhas National Park stretches between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai. Cape Agulhas and its surrounding attractions offer a compelling itinerary addition to a safari experience in South Africa. They combine scenic beauty, maritime history, and vibrant local culture.

Start your day trip early or plan an overnight stay in the area: The drive to Cape Agulhas takes about three hours, offering stunning landscape and coastal views.

Farm stall stops: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local farm stalls, like Peregrine or Houw Hoek Farm Stall. These spots offer fresh, locally sourced produce and baked goods in a cosy setting.

Small Towns to Visit En Route to Cape Agulhas

Grabouw

In the heart of the Elgin Valley, Grabouw is known for its abundant fruit orchards. The area is also gaining a reputation for its cool-climate wines from vineyards like Charles Fox MCC Vineyard.

Explore the Elgin Railway Market

Set in an old apple warehouse, the railway market is a bustling hub of artisanal vendors, food stalls, and live music. It’s an excellent spot to experience local crafts, cuisine, and culture.

Bredasdorp

This small town offers an optional visit to The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum for maritime history enthusiasts.

The Struisbaai Harbor

This is a wonderful spot to watch local fishermen bring in their catch and take snaps of the colourful boats. You might glimpse Parrie, the resident stingray known to frequent the harbour waters.

Top Things to Do at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

Climb the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse for panoramic views of where two oceans meet. The lighthouse also houses a small museum worth exploring.

Southernmost Tip of Africa

A short drive or walk from the lighthouse, visit the geographical southern tip of Africa. Snapping a photo at the famous sign is a must, marking where the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge.

Fynbos Explorations

Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom on guided nature walks in the area.

Shipwreck Trail

View the wreck of the Meisho Maru No 38 that ran aground in 1982, among other ships that succumbed to the treacherous waters off the coast.

Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa and where two oceans meet, is a must-visit destination when exploring the Western Cape. These upgrades further make this area an even brighter jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown.

How To Stay Safe While on Safari in Africa

The thrill of seeing the Big Five is often the prime reason for going on a safari. Seeing these wild animals in their natural environment is awe-inspiring and creates unforgettable memories. Despite safari lodges, operators, and guides undergoing the necessary training and implementing safety precautions, these animals remain unpredictable. It’s essential to know how to stay safe while on safari in Africa for your own well-being.

Guiding Training and Safety Measures

Very little industry data exists on fatalities related to wildlife safari experiences, as incidents involving the deaths of tourists are rare. Industry experts estimate that on average less than two deaths are reported a year, despite millions of travellers booking safaris annually.

Safari safety across the industry isn’t regulated by one specific organisation. Instead, standards are set by various bodies and associations across the continent, including adherence to sustainable and safe tourism practices and industry certification for guides. These measures contribute to high safety levels in safari operations across Africa.

Two lions walking on grass in front of safari vehicle
Game Drive and Lions | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Here’s a guide to the most popular safaris, an estimated thrill level, and suggested safety tips to ensure you remain safe and secure during your experience:

Big Five Safari Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: encounters with lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos can all be unpredictable during a Big Five safari. Always remain within the vehicle, follow your guide’s instructions, and keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid attracting attention. When spotting elephants, maintain a safe distance, especially from mothers with calves. Males are susceptible to a condition known as Musth, which makes them more energetic and irritable. It’s crucial to have an experienced guide who can read the environment and the animal’s behaviour.

Night Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: The cover of darkness adds an element of unpredictability. Staying inside the safari vehicle, using only the guide’s spotlight, and keeping quiet enhances safety during these thrilling excursions.
A leopard is seen walking during a nighttime safari
Spotting a leopard on a night game drive | Photo credit: Supplied

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Gorilla trekking in countries like Rwanda and Uganda is a unique experience. A qualified guide will brief you on respectful behaviour, such as not making direct eye contact and keeping a safe distance to prevent the transmission of diseases to this vulnerable species.

Cheetah Encounters

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: Cheetahs are generally less aggressive towards humans, but maintaining a quiet and still presence helps prevent startling them and ensures a peaceful observation.

Walking Safaris

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Walking in the bush brings you closer to nature but requires strict adherence to the guide’s directions. Always walk in single file, stay quiet, and don’t stray from the group.

Birdwatching

  • Thrill Level: Low
  • Safety Measures: Birdwatching safaris are generally safe, but being aware of your surroundings is essential, especially in areas where larger wildlife roams.

Hippo and Crocodile River Tours

  • Thrill Level: Moderate to High
  • Safety Measures: When in boats or on riverbanks, it’s vital to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and follow all safety instructions, as hippos and crocodiles can be extremely dangerous.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya | Photo credit: Supplied

Rhino Tracking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Rhino sightings are a rare privilege due to their endangered status. Keeping a safe distance and remaining downwind ensures your safety and the rhinos’ comfort.

Wildebeest Migration

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: The Great Migration is a spectacular event to witness. Observing from a vehicle and keeping to designated areas prevents disturbing the animals and ensures a safe experience.
A cheetah walking on rocks with a large herd of wildebeest in the background
A cheetah sighting during the Wildebeest Migration | Photo credit: Esirai Camp.

Basic Safari Safety Tips:

  • Always choose a reputable safari operator with experienced guides.
  • Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
  • Listen to and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
  • Wear neutral-coloured clothing to blend into the environment.
  • Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle wildlife.

Remember, every safari adventure is unique, and respecting wildlife is paramount to ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. Adventure awaits, but safety always comes first. Contact us to discuss any added concerns or considerations you might have about planning your safari.

Lufthansa Ups Direct Flights to South Africa

Lufthansa’s connectivity to South Africa is rising. The German carrier is set to launch a direct flight between Munich and Johannesburg on June 4. This reintroduces a route last served by the airline in 2005. The increased direct flights to South Africa bodes well for European travellers looking to visit South Africa. Some 245,259 German travellers visited South Africa in 2023, showing 42% growth compared to 2022.

International Arrivals from lufthansa airline.
A look at international arrivals to South Africa for 2023 compared to 2022. Source: South African Tourism

The airline group’s newly appointed Senior Director of Sales, Southern & East Africa, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea René Koinzack affirmed the company’s continued push to connect German travellers with southern Africa, highlighting the uptake of Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa group’s Frankfurt-Windhoek-Victoria Falls 10-flight weekly service, started in March 2023.

Brussels Airlines will offer 18 destinations in the sub-Saharan region, with direct flights to Nairobi and Kigali planned for the year ahead. The Belgian airline is expanding its long-haul fleet with a tenth Airbus A330 and will again fly six times a week from Brussels to Nairobi from June 3, 2024. This takes the route back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the airline. Brussels Airlines is also increasing the number of flights to Kigali and is once again flying daily to the city of Rwanda.

Ready to plan your safari? Contact one of Discover Africa’s travel experts today.

WTM Africa 2024: Increased Global Interest and Sustainable Tourism Focus

Africa’s travel and tourism sectors were on full display at the 2024 Africa Travel Week, which included the 10th edition of World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa). The event has seen a 53% boost this year compared to 2023. The event organisers said that 88 countries were represented at the conference. This included 12 first-time participants: Greece, Iran, Switzerland, Lithuania, Tunisia, Benin, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Peru.

Collective Africa Tourism Effort

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille, during a streamed opening address, highlighted the need to take “collective measures” to grow tourism to the continent. These included focusing on “safety, sustainability, and expanding tourism beyond well-known destinations to include the hidden gems of lesser-known towns and villages across the continent.”

Africa Travel Week includes shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), WTM Africa, and Equal Africa. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that drives ATW.

Focus on Meaningful Impact

Discover Africa’s head of product, Murielle Vegezzi, stated, “We have had very productive meetings with suppliers, either based in Cape Town or from other regions, that we will not be seeing at Indaba.” Vegezzi noted a marked trend of “connecting socially and environmentally conscious buyers and suppliers throughout the African tourism supply chain for more meaningful impact,” as shared by the African Travel and Tourism Association.

Vegezzi said Discover Africa would place considerable emphasis on partnering with the best operators who ascribe to environmentally conscious best practices through valid registration for the sectors they work in and proven track records.

FastJet Adds Surcharge to Vic Falls Route

Fastjet flights between South Africa’s OR Tambo International in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe will be slightly more expensive from May 2024. The route is a popular part of the southern Africa safari circuit. The airline announced that it would be charging R250 per leg, effective 22 April. This increase will apply to travel from 1 May to 31 December. It’s crucial to note that all pending bookings in the system must be ticketed by 21 April to avoid the charge.

The surcharges will be incorporated into the total IT fare, said Fastjet.

Route Fare Per Person

  • JNB – VFA R4,300*
  • VFA – JNB R4,750*

Dollar exchange rate fluctuations and rising fuel costs, further exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, have pressured the airline to increase its prices. “Due to a significant change in the overall cost base over the last couple of years, with the Rand/Dollar relationship having shifted significantly and the price of aviation fuel having increased dramatically in this period, Fastjet, unfortunately, needs to impose a surcharge of R250 per leg, per person for travel from 1 May 2024 on JNB VFA and VFA JNB legs,” the airline stated.

‘Amazing Zimbabwe’

Whether the increase will impact the airline’s recent campaign, ‘Amazing Zimbabwe’ to promote Zimbabwe’s hidden gems remains to be seen. The campaign is centred on showcasing Zimbabwe’s “natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich heritage through four pillars synonymous with Zimbabwe’s Rich Traditions, Splendid Heritage, Iconic Sites, and Great People,” Fastjet spokesperson Nunurai Ndawana previously stated.

*Flight estimates shared at the time of publishing.

Norse Atlantic Adds New Direct Flight to Cape Town

UK travellers now have more direct routes to Cape Town to choose from, with the launch of the Norse Atlantic Airways flight between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The service will operate seasonally with three weekly flights, starting on 28 October 2024.

The flight will arrive in Cape Town at 09:30 (SAST) on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday before departing for London Gatwick (LGW) at 11:45 (SAST). Norse Atlantic Airways will operate the service on a Boeing 787-9.

The UK is Cape Town’s top international source market, followed by the United States and Germany. In 2023, two-way passenger traffic from the UK grew by 54% compared to 2022, with more than 360,000 passengers flying between the two destinations.

Cape Town is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, attracting tourists to Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. The new direct flight route further extends the appeal of visiting Cape Town as part of a southern African bucket-list safari. Get in touch with a Discover Africa travel expert to find out more.

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WATCH: Africa’s Only Penguin is Now Critically Endangered

Cape Town’s most beloved flightless bird, the African penguin, is sadly now closer to extinction than ever before. Towards the end of 2024, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) uplisted the species from “endangered” to “critically endangered,” highlighting the plight of this iconic marine species. According to BirdLife International, it’s a “man-made disaster.”

You probably know these slick-feathered creatures from Boulders Beach in Cape Town, where they’ve become world-famous for their adorable antics both on the beach and in the surrounding residential areas. In fact, Boulders Beach is consistently one of the Cape’s top tourist attractions, with travellers flocking from around the world to see these tuxedo-clad birds up close.

Now, with just 3% of the historic population remaining, it’s more important than ever to ensure responsible tourism in the areas where these birds are found. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable animals and how local conservation efforts are fighting to keep them around.

Meet the African Penguin

Two African penguins with their eyes closed standing on a white, sandy beach with their eyes closed. They looks like they are about to kiss.
Two penguins in Cape Town, South Africa | Photo: Tomasz Dutkiewics via Getty

Of the planet’s 19 penguin species, only one is found in the Old World: the African penguin. Although much smaller than its more famous cousins like the emperor penguin and king penguin, its distinctive tuxedo-like plumage, pink eye patches, and black mask are instantly recognisable.

Adults can weigh up to 3.5 kg and stand 70 cm tall. Like all other penguins, the African penguin has traded flight for supreme swimming ability, and it’s able to hunt fish at depths of up to 130 m for as long as four minutes.

Its donkey-like bray is another feature that sets it apart, and some people still call it the jackass penguin as a result. During the breeding season, colonies can get incredibly loud! African penguins are monogamous, so they partner up for life. These breeding pairs return to the same sites each year, with the vast majority of breeding pairs based in South Africa.

The largest colony is on St. Croix Island in Algoa Bay, with notable populations on Dassen Island, Robben Island, and in Betty’s Bay. There are also a few thousand breeding pairs in Namibia. Despite being the most famous colony, penguins only started settling at Boulders Beach in the 1980s.

On the Verge of Extinction

There’s no doubt about it: if the African penguin goes extinct, it will be our fault.

“Faced with numerous threats, a primary cause of the African Penguin’s decline is a lack of available food due to climate change, made worse by competition from commercial fishing around its breeding colonies, which impacts the species’ survival and breeding success,” says SANCCOB, an organisation dedicated to reversing the decline of seabird populations in South Africa.

“While there are existing no-take zones where commercial fishing is prohibited to help the penguins better access the fish they feed on, primarily sardines and anchovies, research by seabird scientists has demonstrated that these zones are currently inadequate for penguin conservation.”

To put things in perspective, there has been a 97% decrease in the number of African penguins over the past few decades. There are now fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs in existence, and some researchers warn that the species could vanish altogether in less than a decade.

“The African Penguin is in a dire situation, and we cannot afford to wait any longer to protect the species properly,” says Nicky Stander, Head of Conservation at SANCCOB. “In just over a decade, they could no longer exist, which not only has an impact on our marine ecosystem but also on South Africa’s economy and ecotourism.

“These animals are beloved and quintessential to South Africa, and governments, organisations, and individuals must come together to save them at all costs.”

What’s Being Done to Save the African Penguin?

As far as official government policy is concerned, there are existing “no-take zones” where commercial fishing is prohibited that safeguard fish stocks for around 76% of the total African penguin population. However, experts assert that this approach simply isn’t good enough.

In 2024, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB partnered up to take legal action to force the government to increase protection for the penguins.

“The legal action aims to replace the existing no-fishing zones with re-configured areas that better overlap with the penguins’ key feeding grounds while still minimising the impact on the fishing industry,” BirdLife explains. “The proposed zones would cover six major penguin colonies, helping to reduce competition for food and allowing fish stocks to recover, ultimately boosting the penguins’ chances of survival.”

Aside from this legal action, various organisations and activists are taking matters into their own hands. The above video by the Blue Marine Foundation is one such example. The organisation teamed up with local marine conservationist and filmmaker Zandi Ndhlovu to release the short film, putting the plight of African penguins in the global spotlight.

How Can You Help?

Two African Penguins standing at the edge of the beach. The water is clear and blue.
Two Penguins at Boulders Beach in Simons Town | Photo: blueorangestudio via Canva

If you take anything from this article, let it be this: it’s never okay to get too close to African penguins, whether at Boulders Beach or elsewhere. Social media is flooded with countless examples of tourists, influencers, and oblivious locals walking right up to these wild animals – even going so far as to feed them in some cases – but this is totally unacceptable.

Wildlife must be respected and admired from a safe and responsible distance. By getting too close to African penguins, you could expose them to diseases like avian flu, cause unnecessary stress, and put added pressure on a species that’s already facing challenges from all sides.

Instead, take photos and videos from a distance and pay attention to the signage that SANParks has placed around Boulders Beach. The same applies at the Bettys Bay colony, where CapeNature oversees conservation measures.

Last, but not least, offer your support to organisations like the Blue Marine Foundation and spread awareness about African penguins on social media. You can also sign this petition.

Every little bit helps! After all, if Cape Town was to lose one of its most beloved wildlife attractions, it would be a tragic day for locals and tourists alike.