Dassen Island

Dassen Island is a small island off the coast of Cape Town, 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of the city. Yzerfontein, the nearest town, is 9 kilometers (6 miles) distant. It is the second largest island in South Africa, with 675 acres (273 hectares) of land. The island is mostly sandy and has a flat surface. However, there are only a few pieces of bedrock, and some sections contain massive granite boulders strewn about. There are a lot of wild rabbits on the island, as well as penguins, tortoises, and guinea fowl colonies. The most important residents are seabirds, and bird aficionados will enjoy identifying the species. The island is off limits to the general public, but you can see it via binoculars while on a boat excursion.

This small island ecosystem is frequently volatile. Dassen Island has been so transformed by natural changes in plant and animal populations, as well as a lengthy history of human disturbance, that its original species is unknown.

Location: Cape Town