Bird Island Nature Reserve

Bird Island is a small 3 ha island located just offshore from Lambert's Bay, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow breakwater. Guano, used for making fertiliser, was collected from the island from 1888 up until 1990, when management of the island was handed over to Cape Nature. This was done to protect the colony of breeding Cape genets and the other inhabitants, including about 60 African penguins, that make this inhospitable windswept island their home.

The breakwater allows visitors to study the colony up close along with interpretation signage to provide useful information. The nearby visitor's centre has a penguin pool and aquarium, plus an auditorium for lectures, as well as a coffee shop, and a small curio shop.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES AT BIRD ISLAND NATURE RESERVE:
- visitor's centre
- signposted interpretation route

SUMMARY OF WILDLIFE & FLORA:
Birdlife: Cape gannet, cormorants, jackass penguins
Marine Life: Cape fur seals

DIRECTIONS TO BIRD ISLAND NATURE RESERVE:
- from Cape Town, follow the N7 north for 230 to Clanwillian
- turn left onto the R364 and head west for 87 km to Lambert's Bay

HOURS:
Summer - 07:00 to 19:00
Winter - 07:00 to 17:00