Kenton-on-Sea & Boesmans Tourism

02/02/2025

An incredible sighting along the upper reaches of the Bushmans River—Kariega Game Reserve shares a video of a male lion confidently swimming across the river.

Nature always has something remarkable to offer.

📽️ Watch the video and enjoy this moment from the bush.

31/01/2025

🌊 January – done & dusted in the Barefoot Capital! 🌿 This week, we’ve been treated to some much-needed rain and stunning sunny beach days, perfect for snorkelling, river adventures, and soaking up summer.

And the fun doesn’t stop! Here’s what’s coming up this weekend:

✨ Friday
🎶 Starlight Market @ Downtown Ave | Kenton | 4-8pm | Live music | BYO booze & chairs | 📞 073 707 3355
🎸 Who Invited Karen @ The Wharf Street Pub & Grill, PA | 7-9pm | Free entry | 📞 066 220 0441
🎵 Dylan Lottering LIVE @ Volo | Kenton | 8pm | Free entry

✨ Saturday
🎸 Dylan Lottering LIVE @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar | Kenton | 6:30pm | free entry
🎨 Scrafitto Ceramic Workshop | Bathurst | 10am-12pm | 📞 065 971 5747
🎤 Aloha Karaoke @ The Ploughman Pub, Bathurst | 7pm | 📞 066 285 0605

✨Sunday
🥖 Bread Baking @ Bathurst Agricultural Museum | 11am | 📞 071 282 9161
🍲 Slow Cooked Sundays @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar | 12pm | 📞 082 808 5976
🎶 Aden Hinds LIVE @ The Sandbar Floating Restaurant | Bushmans River | 12:30pm | free entry (weather permitting)
🎸 Classical Guitar with Mark Jennings | Kenton | 4pm | R150pp | 📧 [email protected]

🔜 Upcoming Events
🍷 7 Feb – Wine Tasting: Iona Wines @ Graze by the River, PA | 6-8pm | R175pp | 📞 063 644 3878
🛍️ 8 Feb – Laurie McCarthy & Bizous with Kennedy & Co Exotic Kashmir | Kenton | 9:30am-4pm | 📞 082 900 1340 / 084 777 6677
🐉 12 Feb – Chinese New Year @ Kenton Asian – More details coming soon!

🌴 For more info on Sunshine Coast events, click here: 👇
🔗 https://shorturl.at/Tp2Cr

🌿 Looking for a directory of local eateries with contact details and trading hours? Visit here: 👇
🔗 https://shorturl.at/2nn7X

🍷 Great news! Check out the 1st 10 events that we've loaded so far for this year's The Great Kenton Wine Festival and get booking here👇
🔗 https://www.quicket.co.za/organisers/71436-kenton-boesmans-chamber-of-business-tourism
🔗 www.greatwineweekends.com

Many thanks to this week's photographers! 🙌
📸 Brian Hendry
📸 Leon Janse van Rensburg
📸 Alex Denton
📸 Kirsty Alexander
📸 Justin Wilmot
📸 Kevin Flynn
📸 Tourism Files

Let’s make the most of summer in the Barefoot Capital ☀️🏖️ Tag your weekend crew and let’s go! 🌊

24/01/2025

🌞 Another beautiful week in the Barefoot Capital! From picture-perfect beach days to exciting river trips, life here feels like a holiday—and we love it! 💛

🌟 When are you coming to visit?

🌊 Here are some highlights coming up:

🎶 24 Jan: Savannah Live (Music) | The Wharf Street Pub & Grill | 6-9pm | Info: 066 220 0441
🌿 25 Jan: Harvest Market | Bushmans River Town Hall | 9am-1pm | Artisans, Makers, Bakers & Farmers | Info: 072 973 0619
🥩 25 Jan: Beef Night @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar | R343, Kenton Rd | Info: 082 808 5976
🍷 26 Jan: Slow Cooked Sundays @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar | 12pm | Info: 082 808 5976
🎤 26 Jan: Aden Hinds Live @ The Sandbar Floating Restaurant | 12:30pm | Free Entry | weather permitting
🎸 26 Jan: Mark Jennings – The Art of Guitar | St John’s Church, Bathurst | 5-7pm | Info: 084 585 0774
✨ 31 Jan: Starlight Market @ Downtown Ave, Kenton | 4-8pm | Live music, BYO booze & chairs | Info: 073 707 3355
🎸 2 Feb: Mark Jennings – The Art of Guitar | Kenton Methodist Church | 4pm | R150PP | Info/Bookings: [email protected]

For a directory of local eateries 😋 with contact details and trading hours, visit here: 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentonboesmansbusinessandtourismnoticeboard/permalink/112571355202755

A reminder for this weekend only: Cornerstone Takeaway is closed on Saturday & Sunday and Volo is closed on Sunday.

A BIG THANK YOU to this week’s photographers:🙌
📹 Jen Tredoux
📸 Cas Wilmot
📸 Zelri Rossouw
📸 Justin Wilmot
📸 Hilary Glisson
📸 Michael Wilmot

20/01/2025

17/01/2025

Life in the Barefoot Capital continues...
🌧️ This week brought some much-needed rain, sunny beach days, and we’re thrilled to report that the water temp and visibility are still amazing. 👌🤩

Happiness is...
It's the weekend! Time to enjoy our beautiful beaches or head up one of the rivers to see what nature has in store. 🌊💛

Upcoming Events
🎶 17th: Anthony Caplan Live | Wharf St Pub & Grill, Port Alfred | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Info: 066 220 0441
⛳️ 18th: BUCO Golf Day | Alexandria Golf Club | 12:00 pm | 2-ball alliance
🍲 19th: Slow Cooked Sunday @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar | R343, Kenton | 12:00 pm | 082 808 5976
🎶 19th: Aden Hinds LIVE @ The Sandbar Floating Restaurant | Bushmans River | 12:30 pm | Free entry (weather permitting)
⛳️ 22nd: Kowie Pub & Grill & Windhoek Draught Golf Day | Royal Port Alfred Golf Club | 7:30 am - 5:00 pm | 046 624 4626
✝️ 26th: Patronal Festival Eucharist | St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, Port Alfred | 8:30 am - 11:00 am | 046 624 1236
🎸 26th: Mark Jennings – The Art of Guitar | St John’s Church | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Info/Booking: 084 585 0774
❓ 30th: Pub Quiz Night | The Ploughman Pub, Bathurst | 6:00 pm | Info: 066 285 0605
🌸 31st: Starlight Market @ DownTown Ave, Kenton | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Live music | Bring your own booze & chairs | 073 707 3355
🎸 2nd: Mark Jennings – The Art of Guitar | Kenton Methodist Church | 4pm | R150PP | Info/Bookings: [email protected]
🎉🧧🏮🐉🐇 Chinese New Year @ Kenton Asian - more info to follow soon!

For a directory of local eateries 😋 with contact details and trading hours, visit here: 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentonboesmansbusinessandtourismnoticeboard/permalink/1121432029122370

A Reminder: Bushmans Bar & Grill (BBGs) kitchen is closed on Saturday, the 18th, for a private function. The pub remains open to the public until 4:00 pm.

A BIG THANK YOU to this week’s photographers:🙌
📹 Stewart Brown
📸 Kenton Eco Estate
📸 Karolina van Rensburg
📸Kelley McFarlane Main
📸 Brian Hendry
📸 Tourism Files

Enjoy the weekend, Folks 🌊☀️✨

10/01/2025

How incredible has this holiday weather been? With sunny days, blue skies, and water temperatures like a tropical dream, the Barefoot Capital has truly felt like paradise. 🏝🌊✨

Whether you're relaxing on our pristine beaches or exploring our untamed rivers—perhaps even catching sight of an elephant or two—there’s no better place to be. 💙

As the holiday season winds down, let’s enjoy every last moment of this laid-back magic in the Barefoot Capital. 🌊🏖️

💥Coming up this weekend:

👉Friday, 10th:
Matt Vend and The Tender Ten LIVE @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar from 6:30pm- free entry.
Gary Ford LIVE @ Volo from 7pm till late - fee entry.

👉Saturday, 11th:
Trail Ride & Run Adventure Day at Eden Farm (follow the signs from Alexandria / Woody Cape Rd). Contact Brandon 076 783 1195 for more info.

👉Sunday, 12th:
Aden Hinds LIVE @ The Sandbar Floating Restaurant from 12:30pm weather permitting.
Undead Generation LIVE @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar from 6pm - entry is free.

Please support local!

Many thanks to our amazing photographers this week:
📷 Tourism Files
📷 Justine Ewart-Smith
📷 Kelley McFarlane Main
📷 Hazel Hoole
📷 Dani Hervey
📷 Darol Wilmot

📷 Don’t forget to share your holiday snapshots using . We would love to hear from you 🌟

02/01/2025

🌿 It’s such a privilege to share our beautiful rivers with the majestic wild animals that call this area home. 💛🌊

📸 Andrew Morris🙌

31/12/2024

🌞 Wishing You a Happy & Healthy 2025! 🎉

As we step into the new year, here's a glimpse of the wonderful memories made so far in the Barefoot Capital this holiday! From sun-soaked beach days to magical sunsets, and barefoot adventures, Kenton-on-Sea and surrounds have been alive with joy and celebration. 🌊☀️

Thank you for making our beautiful corner of the world part of your holiday. Here's to a year filled with peace, happiness, and more barefoot moments.✨

Happy New Year! 🥂

19/12/2024

A holiday in the Barefoot Capital is all about feeling the sand between your toes, the salty sea breeze, and soaking up the sun. It’s meeting friends for sundowners, cruising up the Kariega or barging up the Bushmans to spot some game, swimming in Mermaid’s Pool, or going for a walk to Kwaaihoek.

It’s that favourite T-shirt, going barefoot anywhere in the village, and taking things easy. But most of all, it’s about spending time with the people who matter most – family, friends, and making memories together.

Welcome to all our Holiday Makers!

The Christmas beetles are humming, and our villages are buzzing with the excitement of holidaymakers. It’s a fantastic time to soak up the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant energy! With so much happening, don’t forget to check out our Newsletter to stay in the loop. And don’t forget to please support local!

Here is the link to our Newsletter:https://kenton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Season-24-Newsletter-Sunshine-Coast-Kenton-Office_compressed.pdf

We wish you a festive season filled with fun, good times, and cherished moments.

To our local businesses, here’s to a successful and bustling holiday period—we’re rooting for you all!

The local Tourism team is here to assist throughout the holidays - if our office is closed, please drop us a WhatsApp on 072 805 0651 and we will do out best to help!

And we are always looking for classic holiday shots - please share with us via WhatsApp on 072 805 0651!

13/12/2024

🌞✨ The Countdown to Christmas is On & It is only 12 Days Till Christmas! ✨🌞
🎄 Whether you're here to relax, play, or simply unwind, our pristine beaches and exciting events have something for everyone. 🌊
🌙 Tonight! (Friday)
👉Nighttime Science Walkabout | Boknes Beach Carpark | 9 PM | Free | Info: Tim 076 765 5949
🎉 Saturday, 14th December
👉Richmond House Museum Guided Tour | 19 Wesley Hill | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Info: 082 456 7437
👉Survival Swimming Pop-Up | Kariega Lagoon, Kenton-on-Sea | 10 AM | Walk-ins welcome | Info: 076 152 2927
👉Ndlambe Music Festival | Mamityi Gidana | 12 PM – 5 AM | Info: 081 775 4820
👉Christmas Concert by Inkwenkwezi Recorder Project | Ingubo Hall | 3 PM | Free | Info: 060 594 5616
Criminology Workshop (Marcia Moon) | The Little Bistro, Bathurst | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | R300 | WhatsApp: 079 158 9140
👉A Night of Fine Tastes and Big Hearts | Round Table ClubHouse, Port Alfred | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Info: 066 274 1250
👉Jerry’s Sanctuary Music Festival FT DJ Mike, DJ Emm, DJ Ice | Tickets Available Online : https://www.howler.co.za/events/jerry-s-presents-sanctuary-music-festival-season-2024-25-7518/tickets
👉Open Mic Night with Greg Short | Bushmans Bar & Grill |Bushmans | 6 PM – 11 PM | Info: 061 361 2565
👉Gary Ford Live Beach Shack, Volo | Kenton | 7 PM | Info: 082 564 9863
🌟 Sunday, 15th December
👉Potjiekos Competition | Bathurst Agricultural Museum Mini Farm Fair | 8 AM – 5 PM | Info: 066 285 0605
👉Slow Cooked Sundays @ The Goat Shed bush bistro & bar| 12pm| 082 808 5976
👉Aden Hindes Live The Sandbar Floating Restaurant | 12:30pm| Bushmans | 078 456 5006
👉Rod and Shugg Live | Graze by the River, van der Riet Street, Port Alfred | 12 PM – 3 PM | Booking essential: 063 644 3878
👉Jerry’s Sanctuary Music Festival FT Chunda Munki | Tickets Available Online: https://www.howler.co.za/events/jerry-s-presents-sanctuary-music-festival-season-2024-25-7518/tickets
📅Upcoming Events on Monday, 16th December
👉Annual Kariega Classic Mountain Bike & Trail Run | Southwell Cricket Club | 7:30 AM – 4 PM | Info: 083 601 3287
👉Rolux Barefoot Bowls | Kenton Bowling Club | 1:30 PM for 2 PM | R30 bowling fee | Dress beachy | RSVP: Shirley 072 695 4923 by Thursday, 12th December
👉 Django @ The Sandbar Floating Restaurant | Bushmans River | Free entry | 4 PM – 6 PM | Info: 078 456 5006
👉Kenton Art Group Exhibition Opening | Kenton-on-Sea Town Hall | 6 PM
👉Jerry’s Sanctuary Music Festival FT DJs Neil & Keano | Tickets Available Online : https://www.howler.co.za/events/jerry-s-presents-sanctuary-music-festival-season-2024-25-7518/tickets
🌴 For more info on Sunshine Coast events, click here: 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentonboesmansbusinessandtourismnoticeboard/permalink/1099707477961492

For a directory of local eateries🙌🌿 with contact details and trading hours, visit here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentonboesmansbusinessandtourismnoticeboard/permalink/1099703151295258

A BIG THANK YOU to this week’s photographers:
📸Allan Cook
📸Karolina Van Rensburg
📸Brian Hendry
📸Tourism Files
📸Brett Smith
✨ Let the countdown to a season of sunshine, good times, and memories begin!

12/12/2024

🌿✨ Discover Woody Cape Through Local Eyes! ✨🌿

Whether you're a local or visiting the Sunshine Coast for the holidays, join Jennie Bowen as she shares her memorable adventure to the stunning Woody Cape, part of the Addo National Elephant Park. Her storytelling and love for the area will inspire you to explore this coastal treasure for yourself.

Read her blog below and be inspired to explore the Sunshine Coast for yourself. 🌊

FOOD FOR THE SOUL: A DAY TRIP TO THE ALEX FOREST DASSIE TRAIL

Sometimes you just need a break from the beaches, beautiful as they are, and you want to do something away from lots of people.

In 2023 at the end of November, The Dassie trail entranced us with a profusion of flowering orchids, so we took a day trip again to see if they were in flower. Flowering and flowering times can be affected by weather patterns so there is never a guarantee – not that it matters because the forest is food for the soul: uncrowded, cool, filled with insect and bird calls and fluttering small butterflies. The trees and undergrowth have amazing shapes and textures and you are surrounded by delicate mosses, interesting fungi, small flowers and some of the biggest yellowwoods around. Put that together with a not too long and difficult hike (7kms – for those wanting a longer hike that includes the giant sand dunes, you can book the Alex trail where you sleep in overnight cabins along the way and walk both through forest and across dunes and along the coast.) It is a magical place so walk slowly enjoying it – you need to look both up and down and around you to really appreciate it.

To make it a day adventure, pack a picnic and leave early, taking the slightly longer but beautiful Golden Mile route. From Kenton take the R72 towards Alexandria and turn off at the signs to Boknes / Cannon Rocks. At the first crossroads turn right onto the dirt road and follow the signs to Woody Cape. Leave early enough and you get to enjoy the beautiful early morning light and to see dairy herds crossing the road after milking along with the spectacular views over the dunes, down to the sea and across to Bird Island. We also saw a couple of big raptors very close to the road hunting for their breakfast. The road winds down through a lovely avenue of Erythrinas and other giant trees (at the moment there are Cape Chestnuts peeking above the tree tops covered in their beautiful pale pink flowers.)

The SANParks office opens from 7:30am to 3pm and there is shady parking. Get your permits (R105 for South African adults and R52 for children under twelve. SADC nationals and foreigners pay more) from the friendly staff (and maps if needed but the trail is well marked). Contact numbers are 042-233 8600 / 041-329 0226 / 071 5632115.

The first part of the trail is more open and it is a long slow uphill dotted with various flowers, cycads and lovely small trees. We had a mongoose cross our path and a group of playful vervet monkeys who disappeared when they saw us. If you are quiet, you may come across a bushbuck along the way. Your walk is accompanied by bird and insect song and as you turn into the forest for the last bit of uphill, you a pass a tree with a huge bee hive in a hole near the top and honey seeping down the trunk.

Once in the forest proper the path flattens out and this is where the orchids were all flowering last year (and different ones flower again in February), but although we could see the leaves there weren’t any flowers this time. However, as we headed downhill again suddenly the flowering orchids were everywhere on the sides of the path (all orchids are protected plants – only for admiring and photographing). There are also tiny mosses and peperomias to be seen everywhere along with twisted lianas and strangler figs slowly taking over some of the bigger trees. Just past the halfway point is a good place to stop for a picnic while enjoying the huge old yellowwoods, the butterflies flitting around in patches of open sunlight and the numerous birdcalls. In various places you will see giant old gardenias covered with their cannonball-shaped light grey seeds, lots of spoor and some magnificent trees. The giant trees have branches covered in orchids but you need binoculars to get a good view of them.

The trail ends on a grass track through the forest that winds back to the office. Turn left onto the road and head off to Alexandria where the Dutch Reformed Church is looking magnificently shiny with its new white paint and stop for coffee or visit the Quin Sculpture Garden. This time we drove through and took the Ngciyo turnoff and headed into the Bushmans River Valley. The roadside was bright with flowering shrubs and near the river we saw elephant, giraffe and various buck as well as the Pavettas all covered in white flowers(hence their common name of Bride’s bush).

A really lovely day out and a worthwhile trip.

Images supplied.

11/12/2024

Great News for Our Estuaries! 💧🌊✨️🌿

Estuary Care, supported by the Kenton Chamber of Business & Tourism, KOSRA, and BRRAG, has conducted water quality testing on the Bushmans and Kariega Estuaries.

We’re delighted to share that the latest results show very low to negative levels of both E. coli and faecal strep. These tests, conducted at the slipways of both estuaries during the outgoing tide, highlight the excellent water quality in our rivers.

Regular testing will continue to ensure these high standards are maintained.

Wishing everyone a joyful and safe festive season in our beautiful Barefoot Capital!

📸 Alan Cook

07/12/2024

Shelly Bay & Kenton featured by our friends at New Places To Go 💛🤩🙌