ABOUT US

Welcome to the Sunshine Coast –  home to 10 rivers, 150km of unspoilt coastline, with surrounding malaria-free Big 5 Game Reserves.  The Sunshine Coast boasts the most sunshine hours in the country and the very best of “Beach & Bush”.

Follow the R72 from Nanaga in the west and wind your way through dairy, chicory and pineapple country, past spectacular dune fields at Woody Cape and ancient coastal forests at Alexandria to pristine tidal rivers and magnificent beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

The valley bushveld is unique to the Eastern Cape, and supports more species of animals, birds and insects per cubic metre than any other. Over 400 recorded species of birds make this area a Birders Paradise. There are several big 5 game reserves to choose from including the ‘’Big 7’’ Greater Addo Elephant National Park.

Other attractions include a full variety of water sports, scenic golf courses, historical trails, a variety of eco-walks and hikes, culinary delights, impressive artists and art galleries, and warm-hearted, friendly locals.

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS

KENTON & BOESMANS

Kenton on Sea & Boesmansriviermond are very popular with families, couples and young adults. 

BOKNES & CANNON ROCKS

These two laid back coastal villages offer wide open beaches, forest walks, a lagoon and exceptional kite surfing.  

ALEXANDRIA & WOODY CAPE

Alexandria is a farming town on the R72. The nearby Woody Cape Nature Reserve offers beautiful forest hikes. 

KENTON & BOESMANS

With its exceptional beauty and unique situation, our area combines all the right ingredients to create an unforgettable holiday and the perfect lifestyle for all its permanent residents.

Boesmansriviermond is a quaint little holiday village with narrow streets and shady milkwoods and lies across the river from Kenton. From the Bushmans River Mouth, enjoy a 2.5km walk along the beach to Kwaaihoek on a low tide and a further 2.5km to Diaz Cross.

Kenton is bordered on two sides by the Kariega and Bushmans rivers with a spectacular stretch of coastline and nature reserve in between. The rivers are stunningly beautiful with game reserves flanking both sides. The Bushmans is navigable for 32km and the Kariega for 16km. Paddle, cruise or barge slowly, water-ski or drift with the tide and take in the splendour of the abundant birds and other wildlife, including Big 5 game.

A walk along the beach between the two rivers reveals caves, hidden rock pools, chimneys and sheltered bays created by unusual rock formations. High and low tides and weather conditions ensure ever-changing moods and scenery. Snorkel at Blue Pool, fish from Rocking Horse, take a dip in Mermaids Pool or watch the passing whales and dolphins from the cliffs of the magnificent Shelly Bay.

BOKNES & CANNON ROCKS

Out of season these little holiday hamlets are a tranquil escape from the pressures of life. In season, they buzz with holiday activity. Endless stretches of unspoilt beach, a safe lagoon for children, excellent fishing and water sports ensure families return year after year.

Cannon Rocks has become a leading destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts with warm water and a prevailing cross shore wind.

Boknes Lagoon is a breeding ground for many bird species, such as the cormorant, egret, heron and kingfisher.

From Boknes, walk 4km along deserted beaches in the footsteps of the early explorers to Kwaaihoek, where Bartholomew Dias erected a cross in 1488.
The 9km Cannon Trail is diverse with a circular route encompassing forest, dune and beach scenery. You may be lucky enough to find a rare Paper Nautilus shell or spot some small game. The trail is free and no advanced booking is required.

ALEXANDRIA & WOODY CAPE

Alexandria, Eastern Cape, home to dairy & chicory farming is a small town situated 100 km North East of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on the way to Bushman’s River Mouth, Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred.

Rich in history and natural beauty, Alexandria is situated 100km east of Port Elizabeth, and is the centre of a prosperous dairy and chicory farming area.
The first Europeans in the area were the Portuguese sailors of Dias when they set foot on Kwaaihoek during 1488.
Hunters came to the wooded forests and valleys during the late 1700’s and were followed soon by several trekboere – farmers who trekked with their cattle and settled in the area as far east as the Fish River.
In this early years, the Alexandria district was known as Olifantshoek, so named after the big herds of elephant that roamed this part of the country.
During 1832, Evert Frederik Potgieter gave 300 morgen of his farm, Brakfontein, for the establishment of a town; but this was only finalized after he moved away as part of the Great Trek. On this part of Brakfontein stood a schoolhouse and a church built by Karel Landman, Piet Retief and their slaves. The piece of land was named Kerkplaats (Churchplace) because of this church.
The town was later named Alexandria after Reverend Alexander Smith. He was a Scottish minister who regularly conducted outdoor services in the area. The congregation was later also named after him.
During 1856 Alexandria was proclaimed as a Magisterial District.
During 1924 Alexandria was placed under town management and during 1938 got municipal status.

Stop off at world renown Master Sculpture Maureen Quin Sculpture Garden in Alexandria for a memorable Art experience.

Take a meandering scenic drive from Cannon Rocks along the Golden Mile to Alexandria, home of the largest shifting dune field in the Southern Hemisphere.

Get your nature on at Woody’s Cape’s 7km Dassie Trail through the Alexandria Indigenous Forests and hiking the two-day Alexandria Hiking trail is an unforgettable experience.

PORT ALFRED

Situated midway between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London, Port Alfred is a modern, bussling town offering pristine beaches, tidal Kowie River, many leisure and sporting activities, shopping centres, culinary delights, art and culture and more.

The beautiful Kowie River runs through the centre of Port Alfred and is navitable for 22km. There are several entry points and slipways, including the Small Boat Harbour. No need to have your own boat to enjoy stand up paddling, skiing, tubing, kneeboarding or kayaking.

One of the most popular activities is a scenic guided barge river cruise. leaving from the Small Boat Harbour. There are a number of tour operators offering cruises from 1 hour to customized cruises of varying lengths.

Some of their popular beaches include East Beach: A popular family and dog friendly beach, East Beach is a sought after surfing hot spot, the site of international surfing competitions and the legendary Shaka Surf School. Long stretch of beach, excellent for walking, interesting rock pools, and popular with dog walkers and fishermen. The spectacular sand dunes are excellent for dune boarding.
West Beach: a great family hang out spot. It is the preferred body boarding championship beach, with good left and right breaks. West beach is great for tanning and sand castle building, however, not recommended as a swimming beach due to the strong rip tides.
Kellys Blue Flag Beach: the 400m-long beach offers ample space for beach activities and sun-seekers. Interesting rock pools to the west of Kellys keep young children occupied for hours. Surfing is a popular activity, with beach breaks that offer both right and left-hand waves

Learn more about Port Alfred here

BATHURST

Bathurst village is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is just over 10 kilometres inland from Port Alfred and administered by the Ndlambe municipality.

Bathurst is a quaint and quirky village with much to see and do for both outdoor adventurers and people wanting to experience the best of what eastern cape has to offer.

With many great restaurants, pubs, shops and historical sites, Bathurst will keep you busy and make you smile.

Like the local Bathurstians say: ” There is no thirst like Bathurst.”

Meet our experts

Jo Wilmot

TRAVEL & BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Nolu Mbuyazwa

TRAVEL CONSULTANT

I grew up on a farm between Kenton & Salem, went to Kenton Primary and matriculated at Kingswood College, Grahamstown. I have a National Diploma in Human Resources Management.

I’ve lived and worked in London, United Kingdom for ten years and travelled extensively. Home is where the heart is and I joined the Sunshine Coast Tourism team in April 2021! I continue to work with Chipembere Rhino Foundation and am passionate about nature, animals & wildlife, friends, family, travelling and giving back.

Contact me on info@kenton.co.za 

I grew up in Alexandria, in Chicory country. After I matriculated, I obtained my Diploma in Tourism through Port Elizabeth College.

I am very passionate about my career as I love and enjoy working with people. 

I love nature and exploring and hope to travel more in the future.

Contact me on tourism@kenton.co.za 

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