Stony Point Penguin Reserve is a nature reserve located in Bettys Bay, a small seaside village in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is home to a colony of African penguins, a species that is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reserve is a popular tourist attraction and a great place for nature lovers to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Table of Contents
History of Stony Point Penguin Reserve
The reserve was established in 1982 by the then-Department of Nature and Environmental Conservation. The aim was to protect the breeding colony of African penguins that had established itself on the rocky outcrops at Stony Point in Bettys Bay.
The colony had been growing steadily since the 1980s, and by the time the reserve was established, it was estimated to be around 2000 strong. Over the years, the reserve has undergone several upgrades and improvements to make it more visitor-friendly while still maintaining its natural beauty and protecting the penguin colony.
The African Penguins at Stony Point


The African penguin is a fascinating bird that is native to the southwestern coast of Africa. They are also known as the jackass penguin because of their distinctive braying call that sounds like a donkey. African penguins are small, standing only about 45 cm (18 inches) tall, and weighing around 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). They have black and white plumage that helps them to blend in with their rocky surroundings.
African penguins are social birds that live in colonies. They mate for life and can live up to 15-20 years in the wild. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they feed on small fish and squid that they catch in the ocean. The penguin colony at Stony Point is one of only a few mainland breeding colonies in South Africa. It is estimated to be around 3500 strong, making it one of the largest colonies of African penguins in the world.
Visiting Stony Point Penguin Reserve
Stony Point Penguin Reserve is open to the public every day of the year, and visitors are welcome to come and observe the penguin colony in its natural habitat. There is a small entrance fee, which goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the reserve. Upon arrival, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk that winds its way through the reserve.
The boardwalk offers a great vantage point for viewing the penguins without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Along the way, visitors can also observe other bird species that call the reserve home, including cormorants, gulls, and oystercatchers. There are also several information boards along the boardwalk that provide interesting facts about the African penguin and the reserve.
Visitors can learn about the penguin breeding cycle, the threats facing the species, and the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery that surrounds the reserve. The rocky outcrops and crashing waves make for a picturesque setting, and there are several benches and picnic spots where visitors can relax and take in the view.
Conservation Efforts at Stony Point Penguin Reserve

The African penguin is listed as endangered by the IUCN, and their population has declined by more than 90% since the early 1900s. The decline is largely due to overfishing, oil spills, and habitat destruction. As a result, conservation efforts are crucial to the survival of the species.
Stony Point Penguin Reserve plays an important role in the conservation of African penguins. The reserve has a team of dedicated rangers who monitor the penguin colony and take measures to protect them from predators and other threats. The reserve also works closely with other conservation organizations to ensure that the penguins’ habitat is protected and that they have access to enough food.
One of the reserve’s most significant conservation efforts is the construction of artificial nesting boxes. African penguins prefer to breed in burrows, but their natural nesting sites have been destroyed by development and human activity. The reserve has installed nesting boxes throughout the colony to provide additional breeding sites for the penguins. These nesting boxes have been a great success, and many penguin chicks have hatched and fledged from them.
The reserve also works to educate the public about the importance of conservation and the threats facing African penguins. They offer guided tours and talks to school groups and other visitors to raise awareness about the species and encourage people to take action to protect them.
Other Activities at Stony Point Penguin Reserve
There are several other activities that visitors can enjoy at Stony Point Penguin Reserve. The reserve is located on the Whale Coast Route, a popular scenic drive that takes visitors along the coast to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Visitors can also go hiking or fishing in the nearby Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve or enjoy a day trip to nearby towns like Hermanusor Pringle Bay.
The reserve also hosts several events throughout the year, including a Penguin Festival in October, which celebrates the African penguin and raises awareness about their conservation. The festival includes live music, food stalls, and guided tours of the reserve.
Stony Point Penguin Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in the conservation of African penguins. The reserve’s beautiful coastal scenery, fascinating penguin colony, and dedicated conservation efforts make it a unique and important destination. Visitors can learn about the threats facing the species and the efforts being made to protect them while enjoying a day out in one of South Africa’s most beautiful natural settings.
Website: https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/stony-point-nature-reserve