Visitors planning a trip to Boulders Penguin Colony near Simon's Town have another reason to add this iconic Cape Town attraction to their itinerary. South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced encouraging results from the 2026 annual African penguin census, with the colony recording its highest breeding pair count in recent years.
The latest survey counted 790 breeding pairs, an increase of 92 pairs compared to the 698 breeding pairs recorded in 2025. While conservationists caution that the African penguin remains critically endangered, the figures offer a welcome sign that one of South Africa's best-known penguin colonies continues to show resilience.
Why the increase matters
Based on the latest census, Boulders is now home to an estimated 2,528 individual African penguins, representing around 8–9% of South Africa's entire African penguin population.
With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining worldwide, every successful breeding season is significant. The increase at Boulders is particularly encouraging because many other African penguin colonies continue to decline.
Scientists stress that a single year's increase should not be interpreted as a full recovery. However, it does indicate that ongoing conservation measures are helping to stabilise one of the species' most important breeding sites.
A must-visit wildlife experience in Cape Town
Located within Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Penguin Colony is one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe endangered African penguins from specially designed boardwalks while minimising disturbance to the birds.
The sheltered beaches, enormous granite boulders and clear False Bay waters make the area one of Cape Town's most popular wildlife attractions, attracting visitors from around the globe throughout the year.
Although penguins can be seen year-round, each season offers something different. Depending on when you visit, you may observe nesting adults, fluffy chicks or groups of penguins returning from the ocean after feeding.
Ongoing conservation remains essential
The annual census was conducted by a collaborative team including SANParks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the City of Cape Town, Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cumic Rangers, volunteers and other conservation partners.
Researchers continue to monitor the colony using internationally recognised census methods to track long-term population trends.
African penguins still face numerous threats, including:
- Declining sardine and anchovy populations
- Environmental and climate variability
- Habitat changes
- Predation
- Disease
- Human-related pressures
To help safeguard the species, conservation efforts at Boulders include habitat management, rehabilitation of injured and sick birds, disease monitoring, scientific research and environmental education programmes.
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