Kenton-on-Sea

A beautifdul place to stay at for any place to be whilst in RSA. lovely accommodation weather rivers, ocean walks, the towns people friendly and much more. A fab time spent. J.N.

One of the best kept secrets in South Africa!

Kenton-on-Sea, the jewel of the Sunshine Coast South Africa’s south-eastern coastline boasts hundreds of kilometers of long, lazy sandy beaches interspersed with rocky coves and swimming pools. The area is malaria-free, and is known as the Sunshine Coast because it enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year. Kenton-on-Sea lies between two tidal rivers in the middle of this paradise. On the other side of the Bushmans River lie the sea-side resorts of Boesmansriviermond, Boknes and Cannon Rocks; while Port Alfred is a 20-minute drive away from the other side of the Kariega River, with Kenton Eco Estate and Kasouga in between. The Bushmans River is navigable by small craft for 33 kilometers (the second-longest in South Africa) and the Kariega River for not much less. Take a boat trip up either, and you quickly reach private game reserves which host the big five and many other indigenous species. View game by the water’s edge as you drift by, or take a game drive in one of the reserves. Many visitors divide their stays between a game reserve and a seaside break. But apart from the wonder of wild animals in their natural habitat and the spectacular sea views and walks, Kenton is perhaps best known for the friendliness of its people of all races. We once had a visitor who insisted on taking a daily walk through the village just so that he could greet and be greeted by everyone he met! The Region represents a confluence of cultures going back to the original Khoi-San inhabitants, and we have had a lot of experience in learning how to get along with one another. It is not for nothing that we are known as Casual Kenton. Don’t be misled, however, into thinking that all is wild and woolly – there are shops and restaurants and medical facilities and all the other amenities needed to ensure your comfort. There is no local hotel, so visitors can find accommodation in a delightful variety of guest houses and B&B’s, ranging from the smartest of the smart to modest and comfortable - all doing their friendly utmost to make you feel special and important. There is safe swimming (we have our own Blue Flag beach) and building sand-castles and horse-riding and golf and fishing and water-skiing and world-recognised kite surfing facilities and tennis and bowls. All seven ecological biomes are to be found in our Region and there are birds in abundance. But then, you should come and see for yourself!

Golden sands, azure sea, creamy waves spilling onto unspoiled beaches. Friendly people, charming shops to browse. Boating, swimming, fishing and a host of activities for which Kenton-On-Sea is famous. Unforgettable dining experiences - floating restaurant on The Bushman's River or perhaps looking down on breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean savouring delicious cuisine. A delight for explorers as they discover new and interesting sights in this part of the world. Magnificent game reserves and the renowned big-seven elephant park within easy reach. Excellent guest houses and select, bed-and-breakfast or self-catering holiday havens await the visitor. Kenton-On-Sea is a real get-away-from-it-all corner of the world, proudly part of the beautiful Sunshine Coast in the Eastern Cape - with civilisation not too far away!

The village of Kenton on Sea lies midway between the South African south east coastal cities of Port Elizabeth and East London and is nestled between the Kariega and Bushmans tidal rivers. These rivers are navigable for 16 and 30 kilometers respectively. They meander through the beautiful Valley Bushveld verging on various game parks and reserves on their way. This provides opportunities for: Swimming, boating, cruising, sailing and canoeing. Fishing and crabbing, Game viewing, Birding, Water skiing, wakeboarding, kite skiing, and windsurfing. Between the two river mouths some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches and sand dunes are to be found. The Kariega lagoon is safe and ideal for toddlers and small children. The main Kenton beach is for the serious swimmers, board, boogey board and body surfers and extends from the Kariega river mouth to Middle beach. The Kariega beach is a Blue Flag beach and is watched over by professional life guards The dunes between Main and Middle beach are a sand skier’s paradise’ Middle beach and the Mermaid’s pool are for the wallowers and less energetic Carriage Rock and Shelly Bay beaches are for the lovers and those seeking solitude and seclusion in the sun The many interesting gullies and reefs between the two river mouths will gladden any snorkeller’s and skin diver’s heart The fishermen are spoilt for choice having the following options: Deep sea ski boat angling and whale and dolphin watching with the option of launching at Middle beach or the Kariega river mouth. Scuba diving and spearfishing. Rock, surf and gully fishing between the two river mouths. River angling and crabbing in the two tidal rivers. The conservationists and lovers of the bush will be overwhelmed by the surfeit of wonderful malaria free game reserves/parks where big five game viewing and wonderful birding can be undertaken and all this within an hour’s drive of Kenton. The private reserves include Kariega, Sibuya, Amakala, Kwandwe, Shamwari and Pumba, SAN Park’s Addo Elephant Park (the only park with the big seven!) is a beautiful and affordable game reserve. The fit and sporty are also well catered for: Kenton has squash, tennis and bowls facilities and active clubs in these sports. Golfers can tee off at the Royal Port Alfred or Gary Player designed Fish River Sun courses. Hikers can step it out on the Alexandria Forest, Belton or Assegai hiking trails. Assegai also caters for mountain bikers. Lovely beach walks to Kasouga or Diaz Cross at low tide can also be undertaken. For the horsey there is Beachcombers horse trails. For the unfit, overweight and slothful there is: St Francis Health Centre near Kleinemonde. Be warned however develop a taste for carrot and lemon juice and lettuce leaves before venturing forth. For the arty, Kenton and surrounds are blessed with numerous galleries and talented artists some of whom are: - Sky Gallery in Kenton where numerous artists exhibit - Jenny Hervey Art Studio - Wendy Clayton Art Studio - Joyce Davies Art Studio - Graeme Arnott of bird illustrations fame - Quin Sculpture Garden in Alexandria - Jane Wiles Art Studio in Bathurst For the historians, you have come to the right place as Kenton and surrounds are rich in the history of the Frontier Wars and 1820 Settlers. Visits to historical sites/villages/towns/forts and institutions can be recommended: Diaz Cross, The villages of Bathurst, Salem and Southwell. Grahamstown where the Observatory, Albany and 1820 Settlers’ Museums and 1820 Settler Monument are well worth a visit Kenton also has very active Round Table and Rotary Service Clubs if visiting Tablers and Rotarians would like to attend meetings. Kenton has a good selection of shops ready to serve holiday makers and go the extra mile to make their stay memorable. These include a Friendly Spar, two liquor outlets, a filling station and garage, two butcheries, a clothing outlet, numerous furniture shops, a pharmacy, a resident doctor and veterinarian with a pet supply shop. There are also numerous restaurants and eateries to satisfy every taste. Kenton is indeed the real deal as a holiday destination.

Where in the World can the intrepid Traveller find the Utopia of Holidays at affordable prices? On the other side of South Africa..Kenton-on-Sea thats where! A small seaside hamlet hidden away along the Route 72 Sunshine Coast, arguable one of the most beautiful, unspoilt coastlines ever. Half way between Cape Town and Durban, plumb in the middle, ideal for travellers Stop overs. Kenton is situated snuggly between the Bushmans River ( 2nd Longest navigable in SA ) and the majestic, pristine Kariega River. Take off on a River Cruise from the most beautiful "Blue Flag" Kenton Beach and within minutes, indulge in game spotting along the way as you cruise through game Reserves - birdlife too abundant to list! Have your camera ready for Elephants, Giraffe, or a shy Rhino along the way. Accommodation to suit all - 2, 3, 4 and 5 Star - from sociable quirky Flash Packers to tasteful 4/5 Star Guest Houses, with views of the spectacular Beaches/river mouths or Game Reserves a mere "Bush and a Branch" away. A pristine Nature Reserve hugs the Dunes and Beaches ensuring Mother Natures gifts are preserved. This is where real beach walks were discovered. Where the Moonlight over lagoon and seascape is a lovers dream. A bustling little village offers all needs. Petrol station/supermarket, banks, coffee shops with bric-a-brac abound along the only main road. Choose from restaurants "On the Beach", overlooking stunning game reserves and river scapes. Even a floating restaurant on the Bushmans River - sip a cocktail and watch the fish jump! Always a surprise, always remembered. No stay is ever long enough...Kenton-on-Sea.

Great place, lots of beach options both sea and river. Plenty of little shops meaning you don't have to leave for supplies. Big mall at Port Alfred only 20 mins away if required. Very relaxing safe place to stay.

If you need to relax and unwind, go to Kenton on Sea. A beautiful seaside town between two rivers. Accommodation in this town is exceptional.