South African Penguins: Vacation with the Only African Penguin Species

The African Penguin, also referred to as the Black Footed Penguin and the Jackass Penguin, is the only penguin species in Africa. Their range is quite extensive, however, it sticks close to the trail of the Benguela Current. This current brings cold, nutrient rich waters up from the Antarctic, along with the African Penguin's favorite fish. They eat sardines, round herring, anchovies and horse mackerel, as well as other shoaling fish. If you enjoy penguins and are looking for a unique vacation opportunity, then consider signing up for the South African Penguins Expedition offered by Earth Watch.

Where

The African Penguin Expedition is going to have a rendezvous site of Cape Town, South Africa. Once you arrive in this town you will meet up with your Earth Watch guide and taken to Robben Island, South Africa. If you are familiar with African history, then you know that this is the site where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. During your stay, you will share accommodations with other tour members in a cozy island house. You will need to share rooms and facilities, but you will be located within a short walk to a penguin colony.

When

The expedition offers six different tours throughout the year. These tours are offered from march through August, and have a maximum tour group size of four people. Each expedition lasts 11 days, not including travel time.

What You Will Be Doing

While you will be on vacation, this is not intended to be a relaxing luxury tour. You will be expected to pitch in and help with the research operation. Some of the duties you will have include: monitoring the penguins for behavior and health, charting feeding and breeding habits, and identifying penguin group members. The lead scientists for this expedition are Dr. Robert Crawford, Dr. Les Underhill and Dr. Peter Barham.

Cost

The cost of your 11 day stay with the expedition will start at $2746, that is only about $250 a day. This price includes your education, supervision, food, lodging, side trips and local transportation. You will also be responsible for covering your airfare and other vacation costs that are outside the expedition.