Western Cape
6-picture panorama stitched with Hugin, cylindrical projection
- The African penguin, also known as the Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a species of penguin confined to southern African waters. Like all extant penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat. Adults weigh an average of 2.2–3.5 kg (4.9–7.7 lb) and are 60–70 cm (24–28 in) tall. The species has distinctive pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. The body upperparts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts, which are spotted and marked with a black band.
The African penguin is a pursuit diver, and feeds primarily on fish and squid. Once extremely numerous, the African penguin is declining rapidly due to a combination of several threats and is classified as endangered. It is a charismatic species and is popular with tourists.
South Africa
Robberg nature Reserve - South Africa. When all the tourists are gone for today, you will have a relaxing time at Robberg Nature Reserve. There is only one hut for staying overnight for 8 people.
A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern tip of Africa. This misconception was based on the misbelief that the Cape was the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Contemporary scientific knowledge instead states the southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas about 150 kilometres (90 mi) to the east-southeast.
Good hope is what we need in these crazy times we live in. Please, someone can stop this madness of the world. Too intense for me.
Arctic Penguin
The Robberg Hiking Trail is probably one of the most popular and well known trails in the area of Plettenberg Bay and also one of the most scenic. The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available ranging from easy to moderate.
South Africa
If you’ve been up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point, or travelled on the Flying Dutchman Funicular, then you’ve most likely seen Diaz beach from above. But the view from sea level is equally enthralling, and well worth the 20-minute walk down (and 40 minute walk back up). This beach is right at the very tip of Cape Point, on the western side, and at the base of impressive 200 metre high cliffs. And while the currents here make swimming dangerous, a trip down to the beach will offer a whole new perspective on Cape Point – perfect for photographers and quiet romantic walks. There’s a beautiful wooden walkway that leads you all the way down, and most often you’ll have this little piece of paradise all to yourself.
Robberg Nature Reserve
Thanks to all Phoide contributors to Western Cape!
Most notably Andrey Sulitskiy, Hilde Jüngst, Romain Pontida, Rob Oo and Dominic Nessi.