If you’re passionate about wildlife, conservation, or just looking for a unique family-friendly activity that supports a good cause, then SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) in Table View is a must-visit. SANCCOB is known for its critical role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving South Africa’s endangered seabirds and has provided care to over 100,000 injured, oiled, or abandoned birds since its founding in 1968. And for those interested in learning more about these remarkable efforts, SANCCOB offers daily tours that are both educational and inspiring, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating coastal residents. Since the South African penguin is now on the critically endangered list, their work has become even more important to prevent the extinction of these beautiful animals.
A Day at SANCCOB: Guided Tours
The daily tours at SANCCOB provide a great opportunity to observe the vital conservation work in action. Taking place within their world-class rehabilitation center, these tours offer visitors an inside look at the organisation’s efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release seabirds back into the wild. Here’s what you can expect on a SANCCOB tour:
1. Take a Look at the Rehabilitation Efforts
SANCCOB’s daily tours begin with an introduction to their mission and history, offering background on why conservation efforts for seabirds, especially the endangered African penguin, are so critical. From here, knowledgeable guides lead you through the facility’s different zones, including the bird hospital, which is typically very busy. This part of the tour is an eye-opener, as visitors get to see firsthand the level of care each bird receives, from medical treatments to feeding and recovery. If a penguin is being treated on the day of your visit, you would be able to witness the operation live and first-hand. Surely, this is not for everyone – especially for the more sensitive souls, but a very interesting opportunity at the same time.
2. Meet the Penguins
Some of the penguins have found their forever home at SANCCOB as not all of them can be released into the wild again. To make sure they can live a carefree life, the volunteers, interns and rehabbers are making great efforts. Many of them know each and every penguin by name and their individual characters. They can tell you fun stories about the residents and how they have ended up there. The dedicated penguin enclosure offers close-up views of their playful and social actions. During the tour, guides share insights into the challenges facing these endangered penguins in the wild and how SANCCOB’s rehabilitation efforts are making a difference. Watching the penguins waddle, swim, and interact with their surroundings is a heartwarming experience that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
3. Observing Feeding Sessions
Timing your visit for one of SANCCOB’s daily feeding sessions is a real treat. Feeding times are at 11am and 3pm, so make sure to plan your visit around those times. These sessions offer insight into the unique dietary needs of seabirds and the care that goes into ensuring each bird receives the proper nutrition. During feeding time, visitors can see just how attentive the SANCCOB team is, carefully administering food and monitoring the birds’ health. For families, it’s a unique way to introduce children to the importance of conservation, showing them the patience, expertise, and dedication involved in wildlife rescue.
4. Insights into Specialized Treatment
The SANCCOB team is renowned for their work with oiled seabirds. In an incident in the past, more than 20,000 seabirds were oiled at the shore of Cape Town and had to be rescued. The center is equipped to handle oil spills and similar crises, and part of the tour may include seeing the rehabilitation process for birds affected by oil pollution. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to clean, stabilise, and rehabilitate birds exposed to oil, using specialised techniques developed over decades. Hearing the guides explain the challenges and successes in treating oiled birds provides an in-depth look at conservation efforts that go beyond everyday bird care.
5. Volunteering and Support Opportunities
SANCCOB’s daily tours aren’t just a way to experience the center—they’re also an invitation to get involved. Visitors learn about the many volunteer and support opportunities available at SANCCOB, from feeding and cleaning to helping with fundraising events. In addition to these hands-on options, SANCCOB’s educational programs, including talks, workshops, and events, provide deeper insights into seabird conservation and are ideal for those who want to turn a one-time visit into ongoing support. So rehabbers, interns and volunteers are key role players in the seabird hospital.
There are many more opportunities to get involved and support this mission. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, become a member, or adopt a penguin: you can find information on all the different initiatives here: GET INVOLVED
Why Visit SANCCOB?
A visit to SANCCOB isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about supporting a cause. The center relies heavily on public support to fund its conservation efforts, so each visitor helps SANCCOB continue its work in rehabilitating birds and raising awareness of seabird protection.
The tours are family-friendly and make for an educational outing, teaching children and adults alike about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impact of human actions on wildlife. For animal lovers, SANCCOB offers a unique chance to witness wildlife rehabilitation up close and be inspired by the incredible efforts being made to preserve endangered species.
It is also a great educational trip for schools and the educational tour aligns with the Caps curriculum.
Save the South African Penguin
SANCCOB is currently engaged in a legal case against the government to expand no-take fishing zones around six critical African penguin colonies, which support 76% of the global population. This action is essential to protect penguins from having to compete with the commercial purse-seine fishing industry for vital pelagic fish which the African penguins prey on, like sardines and anchovies. Public support is crucial to making a difference. You can help protect these endangered birds by signing a petition. Just a minute of your time can make a big impact. You can sign the petition here: SIGN THE PETITION
Things Good to Know:
- Location: SANCCOB is located in Table View, just a short drive from Cape Town’s city center.
- Tour Times: Daily tours are typically available from 9am until 3pm and start on the hour – every hour. It’s recommended to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
- Feeding Times: Home Pen feedings take place at 11am and 3pm daily.
- Duration: Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, offering a rich yet concise experience that leaves time to explore other nearby attractions.
- Tickets: Ticket fees directly support SANCCOB’s operations, so your visit directly contributes to seabird conservation. SA adults pay R60, Kids under the age of 12 pay R50 and children under the age of 3 enter for free.
A Visit That Makes a Difference
Whether you’re a local looking for a meaningful family outing or a tourist exploring Cape Town’s natural wonders, SANCCOB’s daily tours offer an experience unlike any other. By visiting, you’ll not only enjoy an unforgettable close-up with Cape Town’s seabirds but also play a role in protecting South Africa’s precious coastal wildlife.
Checklist
- Opening Times: Mon – Sat 08:00 – 17:00, Sun 08:00 – 15:00
- Age Group: 0 – 99
- Baby Changing Facilities: No
- Fun Factor: 4/5
- Free WIFI: No
Website
https://sanccob.co.za
Phone: +27 (0) 21 557 6155 or +27 (0) 78 638 3731 (Emergency After Hours) / reception@sanccob.co.za
