Perched on the slopes of an ancient coastal dune with sweeping views of the Knysna estuary below and vast forests in the distance, Lake Brenton is a suburb of Knysna on the southern coast of South Africa. With a nature reserve bordering its eastern boundary and development restricted in the surrounding area, Lake Brenton has retained a rural feel.

Visitors to Lake Brenton are treated to nature in all its glorious forms: marine, bird, plant and animal life, along with varied terrain, glorious sunsets and magnificent celestial displays.

The picturesque town of Knysna lies across the river from Lake Brenton and is regarded as the jewel in the Garden Route’s crown. Visitors flock to the town throughout the year but mostly during the numerous festivals held here, and a refuge such as Lake Brenton is an absolute necessity for visitors wanting to spend their vacation in Knysna.

The Garden Route is a coastal plain running 140km between mountain and sea and through diverse landscapes. The route is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations.

Top 8 reasons to visit Lake Brenton

1. Hire a canoe and paddle the calm waters on the Knysna Lagoon to reach the marina at Thesen’s Island in time for a healthy breakfast.

2. Take a walk along the paths in neighbouring Skuilte Nature Reserve that meander through indigenous forests to reach overhead views of the estuary and the houseboats moored further up the lagoon.

3. Get active and jog the 7km stretch of beach from Brenton-on-sea to Walker Point at Buffelsbaai. This section of beach is pristine and rarely visited, look out for the giant periwinkle shell and its shell lid washed up on the beach.

4. Lounge under the morning sun at Brenton-on-sea Beach, explore the clifftops along Fisherman’s Walk, lunch at one of the many fine restaurants overlooking the beach and end the day off with a cocktail while watching the sun go down over the sea.

5. For a bird’s eye view of your surroundings, opt for an exciting tandem paragliding flight that commences at the Brenton-on-sea launch site.

6. Visitors are welcome to play the challenging 18-hole course at nearby Conrad Pezula Hotel and Golf Estate. The fairways run parallel to the coastline and the course is rated the 16th best in South Africa.

7. Mention the small enclave of Noetzie and the castles will feature, however, the area is a conservancy too with an outdoor classroom created through pristine fynbos. Visit the river mouth and of course, the castles.

8. A trip to Sedgefield on a Saturday morning to attend the Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market is worthwhile to sample the fresh produce and to purchase unusual crafts and artwork. Gather up cured meats, local cheeses, fresh bread and fruit for your picnic in Noetzie.

Transport

Lake Brenton is 72km away from George Airport. A number of car rental agencies are located in Knysna and at the George airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online. Several metered taxi companies operate in Knysna. Shuttle service operators transport visitors between George Airport and Lake Brenton.

Did you know?

The steep coastal dune on which Lake Brenton lies has a 24° pitch and was formed millions of years ago.

Knysna has three islands, two are well known: Thesen’s Island and Leisure Island. The third, Rex Island, lies between the two and was essentially a landing strip. The Knysna lagoon is now a restricted flying area and the strip has slowly succumbed to plant growth and the hangar reduced to nothing but a concrete base.