Penguins are flightless birds?

Discover Africa

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” — Moslih Eddin Saadi

January 5th was National Bird Day. This holiday was created to fall on January 5th to coincide with the annual Christmas Bird Count. This bird count is one of the longest-running citizen science surveys' globally. The count also helps to keep an eye on the health of the United States' birds.

Did you know that Penguins are flightless birds? Other birds have wings for flying whereas penguins have adapted flippers to help them swim in the water. Southern Africa has penguins that live in colonies along the Western coast and on islands between South Africa and Namibia. One of their colonies, Boulders Beach, is a popular attraction for travelers visiting Cape Town.

This week, we wanted to share an awe-inspiring itinerary with you, including some time for bird watching.

Imagine spending three nights in Cape Town, South Africa, four nights on a Safari Cruise, and two nights in Victoria Falls.

Experience the beauty and natural wonders of Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; explore one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Visit Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape is considered the Southern tip of the African continent and is approximately 55 miles west of the southernmost point, Cape Agulhas. Add a visit to Boulders Beach and Table Mountain while in Cape Town too.

While visiting Cape Town, visit the renowned Cape Winelands or tour the famous Robben Island.

Next, fly to Botswana and cross the border to Namibia to board your Chobe River safari cruise. This cruise will take you through the Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa's densest wildlife populations. You will come upon elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras, and buffaloes while on your excursions.

Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is one of the biggest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet. It spans the width of the Zambezi River—more than a mile across. This legendary waterfall cascades over the lip of a large plateau of volcanic rock and plunge as much as 354 feet.

Consider taking some time to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela by extending your trip to Johannesburg. There you can visit the Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, and the Montecasino Bird Gardens. Johannesburg's attractions are many, varied, and insightful.

From the World Heritage treasures of the "Fairest Cape" and Victoria Falls to the unmatched wildlife viewing, this collection of adventures delivers the ultimate South African experience.

Find out more about this South Africa Itinerary.