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At the Kenton tourism office, our team embodies passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication. We live and breathe this region, with our hearts wide open, eager to showcase its wonders to both local and international visitors. Once you’ve immersed yourself in Kenton and its surrounding beauty, it’s hard not to find yourself wanting to linger just a little longer each day as a “bare-footer.” The area is rich with natural beauty, history, and timeless adventures. Our mission—one we’re absolutely thrilled to have—is to share our story with you, our next guest to The Barefoot Capital of the World!
Below you’ll find a brief overview of the gems of the region, Kenton, Boesmans, Cannon Rocks, Woody Cape and Alexandria. We hope to see you soon, and experience the best kept secret Mzanzi has on offer!
Out of season, these serene holiday hamlets offer a peaceful retreat from the demands of everyday life. Yet, when in season, they transform into vibrant hubs of holiday excitement. Stretching endlessly, pristine beaches, a child-friendly lagoon, exceptional fishing, and a plethora of water sports make these destinations a favorite for families year after year. Cannon Rocks has gained prominence as a premier spot for kitesurfing enthusiasts, thanks to its warm waters and reliable cross-shore winds. Boknes Lagoon, a sanctuary for numerous bird species including cormorants, egrets, herons, and kingfishers, offers an avian spectacle. From Boknes, a 4km trek along secluded beaches follows the footsteps of early explorers to Kwaaihoek, where Bartholomew Dias erected a cross in 1488. The 9km Cannon Trail, with its circular route, showcases diverse landscapes from forest to dunes and beaches. Along the way, you might discover a rare Paper Nautilus shell or encounter small wildlife. This trail is open to all, requiring no prior reservation.
Boknes History – The historical significance of Boknes is highlighted by the discovery of the Dias Cross in 1937-38 by Professor Eric Axelson. About 5,000 fragments of the original Padrao Sao Gregorio, planted by Bartolomeu Dias at Kwaaihoek in 1488, were recovered, representing around 75% of the original beacon. This cross was meticulously reconstructed and presented to the University of the Witwatersrand. In 1944, a replica of the cross was erected, accessible by foot from Boknesstrand. The cross marks the crucial discovery of the sea route to India, a monumental achievement of Bartolomeu Dias as he navigated around the southern tip of Africa.
Cannon Rocks History – The serene village of Cannon Rocks derives its name from two cannons discovered amidst the remnants of shipwrecks along its coastline. It is widely believed that at least one of these cannons originates from the São João Baptista, a shipwreck from 1622. In his book, “Algoa Bay In the Age of Sail,” Colin Urquhart recounts how, after a grueling 72-day naval skirmish with two Dutch East India Company ships, the Mauritius and the Wapen van Rotterdam, the São João Baptista drifted perilously close to shore. On September 30, 1622, it anchored somewhere along the Cannon Rocks coast. After enduring a month stranded on land, the ship’s captain ordered the vessel to be set ablaze, making the exact location of the wreck elusive to this day.
Kenton and Boesmans offer a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants, activities and experiences that will make the most of your time with us, create amazing memories and leave you wanting!