2 Best Sights in Cape Peninsula, South Africa

Part of Table Mountain National Park, a cove sits between giant granite boulders toward the southern outskirts of Simon's Town that's been set aside to protect one of the world's last colonies of African penguins. Here they strut, waddle, swim, flex, parade, primp, preen, breed, nest, snuggle, squawk, and bray like donkeys (hence their nickname, jackass penguins). You can visit the colony via a series of wooden boardwalks, but come early to avoid the frequent busloads of tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, there are a few penguins on Boulders Beach (which also charges a fee, but is an absolutely glorious and pristine little swimming beach) or on Seaforth Beach. Remember to obey all signs requesting that you leave the penguins in peace, and don't step over fences or try to touch the penguins—they can bite. That said, don't be surprised if a wandering bird comes waddling up to your beach blanket to take a closer look, as they are innately curious.

This sanctuary has more than 400 species of indigenous and exotic birds, including eagles, vultures, penguins, and flamingos. With neither bars nor nets separating you from most of the birds, you can get some pretty good photographs; however, the big raptors are (wisely) kept behind fences. The "monkey jungle" has around three-dozen highly inquisitive (and very agile and fast) squirrel monkeys that roam freely, often alighting on your shoulders or back (sometimes stealing your loose belongings). There's also a reptile section and some small mammals (like meerkats and raccoons)––as with its birds, many of the animals are rescues, and there's an animal hospital, orphanage, and facilities for breeding threatened species. There's also a small jungle gym for children.