Dassen Island Penguin Colony in Yzerfontein, Western Cape

About Dassen Island Penguin Colony

Shaped like a flattened whale, its fins viewable on either side, when seen from the air, Dassen Island lies off the Cape West Coast near Yzerfontein, a scenic two hours drive from the Cape Town city centre.

Did you know? Dassen island is now home to thousands of sea birds, penguins, rabbits and a rather speedy breed of tortoise.

Just a century ago Dassen Island was home to over a million African penguins and the largest African penguin colony in the world. Egg harvesting, at a rate of roughly 600 000 a year, soon put paid to that claim, as did a population of domestic cats turned feral.

Whilst cat numbers have been reduced and there has been a part recovery on the part of the penguins, their numbers are a fraction of what they used to be.

Visit the museum on the island and an information board gives one an idea of the history: 'penguin eggs are rich' it says. 'When soap and water ran low at the islands, men even washed themselves in penguin eggs'.

Egg collection was such a commercial interest that walls were built around the island, forcing the birds to lay within certain areas and making egg collection easier.

Today former guano scrapers' houses (mainly Cape cormorant guano) are now used by researchers on the island. People are not allowed to visit unless with special permission and then are allowed to walk only on the road between the Dassen Island lighthouse and the buildings at Huisbaai.

Need to Know

WhereDassen Island Penguin Colony, Yzerfontein, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

Telephone+27 (0)22 451-2985

OvernightStay in Yzerfontein Accommodation, Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

Additional Reading

Stay at Dassen Island Penguin Colony

Yzerfontein Accommodation at White Sands

Yzerfontein Self Catering

White Sands

Sleeps 10 people in 1 unit

White Sands offers accommodation in a beautiful house in Yzerfontein on the Cape West Coast, only an hours drive out of ...

1 review

free wifi
pet friendly
all ages welcome
parking
swimming pool

from 14000
R
13300
unit rate per night
for up to 10 people

View accommodation

instant booking possible

All About The Penguins

Want to see african penguin in their natural habitat? In South Africa the African Penguin is found mainly on islands off our shoreline. It has also taken up residence amongst us in mainland colonies. Find out about the African Penguins...