Brits looking for an unusual place to holiday next year may want to look at the towns and cities of South Africa. Nature lovers will be particularly taken with one town which is home to a colony of penguins who live on the beach.

Earlier this year, South Africa was voted the best holiday destination for 2023 and it’s little wonder why when the sun shines all year round hitting 27C in December and you can get a beer as cheap as 60p, according to PintPrice.

But, one little town is even more special thanks to its unusual residents. Simon’s Town, in the Western Cape, sits on False Bay and boats plenty of history and natural beauty.

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The town is great for a beachside getaway and offers tonnes to do for families, couples or even solo travellers. There are lots of well-preserved historical landmarks and museums for those who want to learn more about the area – recommendations include the SA Naval Museum and Simon’s Town Museum.

However, the town is perhaps best known for the colony of penguins that live on Boulders Beach. The protected colony of African penguins can be watched in their natural habitat by tourists via wooden walkways.

You can head to another beach nearby for swimming, but Boulders Beach is just for the penguins. However, watching them swim, eat, play and run around is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Reviews of Boulders Beach on TripAdvisor dub the experience "spectacular" and one even said it was a "magical place".

You do have to pay around 150rand (£6.31) to access the walkways. But we think it’s worth it. One holidaymaker said: "It was enchanting to see the colony of penguins in beautiful surroundings.

"Boulders beach, located in Simon's Town is a sheltered beach and a popular tourist attraction because of the African penguins who have settled here since 1982. There is a boardwalk that makes it easy to view the penguins."

Another added that the beach was on their "bucket list". Another said: "Good way to see lots of penguins close up. We've seen the penguins come ashore on Phillip Island in Australia, but in many ways this was better as the penguins can be seen in daylight, it was lot warmer, less crowded and less commercial."

The penguins also aren’t the only animals and nature you can see while in Simon’s Town. You can go shark diving, charter a fishing boat or enjoy kayak fishing and go scuba diving in the ocean with an instructor.

The town is known as a gateway to "the Marine Big 5 of False Bay" – that’s the South African Fur Seal, the Southern Right Whale, African Penguins, Great White Sharks and Bottlenose Dolphins. Professionals run tours which can help you see the incredible animals.

Simon’s Town also has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. Rooms in the area are not unreasonable either – you can stay in a double room at the Ollava Guesthouse for just £146 for five days. Between two people that’s just £14.60 each per night.

Those who prefer a private apartment can rent one from Blue Mountain Bay for just £167 for five nights – again between two that’s super cheap. You’ll pay just £16.70pp per night.

Now, the most expensive aspect of a South Africa holiday is the flights. Your best bet is to take a flight to Cape Town. Skyscanner puts the cost of a return from £398 per person.

Then to get to Simon’s Town you can take the train for just £2 or hire a taxi for about £11, according to Rome2Rio. It’s not a bad route as you can take a day or two in Cape Town too to spot Table Mountain and check out the beach.

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