If you're a fan of the cute and cuddly tuxedo-wearing birds that fly through water, instead air, Simonstown's Boulders beach is a must-visit destination. First established in 1986 when a pair of perky African Penguins came across this cosy stretch of coast and decided to settle there, the colony has grown substantially and is now home to about 2100 breeding pairs and their fluffy babies.

A well-maintained boardwalk takes you right along their burrowed nests, hidden among the lush indigenous undergrowth and a variety of viewing points look out over their hunting grounds and the white beach where nurseries of chicks await their parents and their food.

But, even though it may look like the penguin colony is bursting at the seems, the numbers tell a different story, as 2100 breeding pairs is a sad site, compared to the 4500 of five years ago. And the worst part is that this reflects the figures of South Africa's penguin population at large, as the 36 000 breeding pairs spread across the 26 different colonies, have dwindled to 17 000 in the past 10 years.

Reasons for this demise are uncertain, but conservationists suspect that pelagic fishing is at the heart of it. The Treasure oil spill in 2000 also may have interfered with breeding seasons more drastically than expected.

So, if you haven't seen these cuties in all their natural glory, make a big and bold inscription on your bucket list and head on over there as soon as possible!