TEKST DOSTĘPNY RÓWNIEŻ PO POLSKU
Simon’s Town is a small town, which have been widely spread along the main road, not dead probably only due to the fact that there is a naval base here, but mainly because of the local Boulders Beach where African penguins dwell. This is one of the few places where cape penguins live on the mainland.
The town of Simon's Town is situated some 40 kilometers south of Cape Town. You can take a local train. Southern Suburbs Line runs often, the journey takes approx. 1 hour; tickets depending on the class: R9 (metro) or R15 (Metro Plus) – in my opinion there is not much of a difference. Both classes seem roughly the same, to foreigners they tend to sell more expensive tickets, so you better say at once that you want a regular one, why should you overpay?
The route is extremely picturesque as it run on the shore of the ocean. Sometimes one has the impression that the train will get into the water! The views are fantastic! It's worth to take the train ride even if only to enjoy the views.
It is worth noting that the African penguin is an endangered species. Of about 1.5 million units, according to estimates, in the early twentieth century, there are only 10 percent left. Their distinctive, white and black colors, are a form of camouflage: white allows them to protect themselves from predators who look up to them when swimming in the water, and black - from predators that could threaten from above.
Along the beach there are wooden platforms from which tourists can observe a colony of approx. 2,000 animals that live here. They are just charming in their apparent awkwardness on land, but surprisingly agile when they get in the water. The local penguins are so accustomed to the presence of people that they seem not to mind them at all. Sometimes I get the impression that they even learned to show off for photographs and movies that everyone makes and tubes like crazy, because it's really unusual sight.
Boulders Beach is open for sightseeing and daily 8-18.30; admission: R60.
Other places
Robben Island: www.robben-island.org.za – located approx. 9 km from Cape Town. It is a former prison where Nelson Mandela was held because of his fight against apartheid. Today it houses a museum inscribed on the UNESCO list. You can get here by ferry from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. While waiting for the ferry – several courses a day – you can see a multimedia exhibition, peep in a shop or have a coffee in a near-by restaurant.Ferry and to the museum costs R280. The tourists are advised to buy a ticket online in advance because of the limited number of visitors per day.
Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point – these are two of the southernmost points on the continent. They can be reached by a rented car or with a tour operator.
More information can be found at: www.capepoint.co.za
Duiker – called also the island of seals. You can reach it by boat from Hout Bay. This small piece of land with an area of only 40 acres is inhabited by a colony of seals. Beautiful and confident mammals occupy almost every stone on the island. Boats come so close to them that you can easily watch even the intimate life of these animals…
Chapman’s Peak Drive – according to guidebooks this is one of the most beautiful scenic routes, especially in the morning and at sunset when the ocean tides reflect warm light. Its 10-kilometer stretch was carved in the rocks. The highway connects Hout Bay with Noord Hoek. Its summit reaches 593 meters above sea level.