This roosting and brooding haven for seabirds in Lambert’s Bay wows its visitors with a concert of chorus and mating dances. Situated 100m offshore in the icy waters of South Africa’s West Coast, Bird Island is home to gannets, cormorants, the Cape fur seal and even the occasional endangered African penguin.
Main attractions
- Bird hide overlooking the gannet colony
- Museum on marine life
The island greets you with a cacophony of squawks as you cross over the causeway from Lambert’s Bay harbour and head into the bird hide. It provides a superb view of the gannet colony and seals beyond, bringing you eye level with birds in flight.
– Cheryl Samantha-Owen, Wild 29
Activities:
- Walking
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Signposted interpretation route
Top sightings: Endangered African penguin, Cape fur seal, African black oystercatcher, Cape gannet
Accommodation: None in the reserve but Lambert’s Bay has a number of options.
Gate times: Summer 07:00 – 19:00, winter 07:00 – 17:00
Know before you go
- The reserve is only accessible for day visitors; accommodation and supplies are available inland in Lambert’s Bay – or consider staying at nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve.
- Entrance is prohibited if seas are rough, making the breakwater which connects the island to the mainland dangerous to cross.
Nearest centre: Lambert’s Bay lies across the causeway from the reserve.
Contact reserve: +27 (0)82 455 5512
CapeNature Central Reservations: +27 (0)21 483 0190, [email protected]
Visit Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve’s home page.
We were very disappointed to hear that the penguin pool at Lambert’s Bay was closed. My kids were so looking forward to it!