The seaside resort of Brenton on Sea overlooks a beautiful strip of beach and endless blue sea. On the outskirts of Knysna in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, the area is on the Garden Route, one of the country’s most beautiful tourist destinations.
The rugged and ancient fossilised dunes on the eastern end of the Brenton on Sea beach can be explored and during low tide, one can stroll almost the entire length of Walker Bay.
This is a magical part of the world where a seaside holiday can be combined with a host of tourist attractions, namely – strenuous or slackpack hiking into untouched forests, adrenalin sports such as paragliding and bungee jumping, water sports, up close encounters with elephants, ostriches and snakes and retail shopping therapy.
Things to do
Brenton on Sea’s golden beach is a popular destination for sun bathers and swimmers alike. Arrive early for a good spot in which to enjoy the sea, sun and sand.
Spend a fun-filled morning on a trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Located on the western Head (a cliff at the entrance to the Knysna lagoon), the excursion involves a ferry ride, a 4x4 drive up the Head, a 2km hike along the Bushbuck trail, a leisurely meal under the milkwood trees and finally, return to the launch site via ferry.
Neighbouring Buffelsbaai (Buffalo Bay) is a surfer’s paradise and has a slipway for powerboat launching. The beach is pristine, visited mostly by the odd fisherman, a resting seal and breeding birds.
Try the easy, self-guided Kingfisher hiking trail through the Wilderness forest, crossing a hand-drawn pont and ending at a lovely waterfall.
Opt for a tandem paragliding flight from the cliff launch site above Brenton on Sea to Wilderness beach.
Where to Eat
Nautical South Restaurant offers nicely priced 3-course Sunday lunches. Book to ensure a sitting.
Stunning views, tasty meals and beer on tap is what you can expect on a visit to Butterfly Blu Restaurant. Good selection of pizzas.
Brenton Haven Restaurant has a fantastic terrace in which to lounge and ogle the sea views. The venue is receiving rave revues both for the dishes and service.
It’s a 15 minute drive but well worth the journey to visit the Red Barn Restaurant and Country Store. The organic ingredients are locally sourced and the dishes lovingly prepared by the owners. Locals frequent the restaurant regularly, a clear indication of quality and good service.
Night Life
Watch a magical sunset over a few drinks at the Nautical South Cocktail Lounge while rocking to the beat of the resident band.
Knysna hosts a market every Friday night with a busy licensed pub, live music and food stalls and trucks for the hungry.
Where to Stay
There are a number of accommodation options on offer in Brenton on Sea, all with sea views; choose a luxurious villa or one of the guest houses and B&Bs with attentive staff and every convenience or one of the beautifully appointed holiday homes, apartments and self-catering units.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is George Airport 70kms from Brenton on Sea.
Car Several car rental agencies are based in Knysna and at George airport to hire a vehicle, or order a rental online.
Taxi There are a number of metered taxi companies in Knysna. Shuttle service operators transport visitors between George Airport and Brenton on Sea.
Did you know?
The endangered Brenton Blue butterfly is responsible for large sects of land in the Brenton area remaining undeveloped. The last breeding colonies of the tiny endemic butterfly are found here and in 2003, the land was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve to try and save the species.
The small stone church in the nearby Belvidere Estate has stained glass windows consisting of broken coloured glass recovered from Coventry Cathedral in the UK, demolished during a WWII bombing blitz.
