From 8 to 13 May 2017, 16 committed penguin lovers are walking more than 125km from Gansbaai to Boulders Beach, Simon's Town. What’s the goal of this meander? To raise awareness for the plight of the endangered African penguin. We hope to inspire and encourage those we encounter along the way to make a "Penguin Promise" - a small lifestyle change that will make a big positive impact on the state of our oceans. Penguins are an indicator species, meaning that their decline is a result of damage to the entire ecosystem and that making changes that are good for penguins will be good for other animals too, including humans. This is the seventh annual Penguin Promises Waddle for a Week campaign, supported by the Two Oceans Aquarium and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).

Join us on the last day!

Our Waddle for a Week campaign is meant to inspire those we encounter to take action in their lives that will be for the good of the environment, and of course the African penguin. We call this pledge to take action a "Penguin Promise". Come be part of our Penguin Promise by joining the last leg of the Waddle at 8:30 on Saturday 13 May at Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg and walking with us to Simon's Town. Wear your black and white gear, bring the family, bring your camera, bring your cat, bring your friends. Let's spread the message together!

The second day of the Waddle began at the Stanford Hills Estate, who have been gracious enough to sponsor our accommodation for the third year. Their incredible vegetarian breakfast fuelled our Waddle muscle, and fed one of our group's Penguin Promises: to reduce our intake of meat and eat more sustainably.

Click here to check out some more ideas for your Penguin Promises

We were then on the road to Hermanus, our members eager to face the new day and spread our important message to all those who we encountered.

Despite some sore legs, the incredible support we received from motorists and pedestrians along the way was an amazing boost to our energy. With so many people positive about making a change and saving the African penguin and the ocean it calls home, real change is a reality. More than 1 000 motorists hooted in support for us today, and many stopped to chat about our mission and learn about making Penguin Promises in their own lives.

As we walked, it was also an opportunity for the waddlers to reflect on their own role in the environment, and the Penguin Promises we would be making and taking back into our private lives. Positivity and enthusiasm coursed through the group, and it truly showed throughout the 24km walk.

Reaching Hermanus gave us the opportunity to talk more regularly with residents, who have become accustomed to the Waddle for a Week passing through. This was most evident at the Bookmark store, where a full window display of Penguin Promises and related items were placed to create awareness. The residents of Hermanus are truly embracing our mission, and we look forward to encountering the same positivity as we continue along the coast - and into the future.

As the Waddle reached its overnight spot, we were fortunate enough to be visited by Old Mutual Finance, who have been an incredible ongoing supporter of the Waddle. We would not be able to complete our mission without their amazing support, and we are grateful to have a sponsor that is willing to become so directly involved in spreading the Penguin Promises ideals.

About 80km left - we are looking forward to taking our message further.