Kenton-on-Sea is a small coastal town on the Sunshine Coast, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is situated between the Bushmans and the Kariega Rivers, and lies between the industrial centres of East London 180 km’s and Port Elizabeth 130 km’s. The Kariega River in Kenton-on-Sea is a hot-spot for exciting adventures.

Kenton on Sea is said to have been named by Captain Henry Somerset, after the village of Kenton in England. Another source states that the coastal resort was named by a Mr Tilt who had had lived in Kenton in England. He was born in 1867 and purchased land in the area.

The Bushmans River rising near Ann’s Villa in the Albany district and flowing southeast past Alicedale to enter the Indian Ocean between Boknes and Kenton on Sea at Boesmansriviermond. Named after the San or Bushmen. The Xhosa name for this river is Qora.

The Kariega River Rises west of Grahamstown and flows southwards, entering the Indian Ocean some 3 km to the east of the mouth of the Bushmans River. Derived from Khoekhoen, the name means ‘(river of) many steenbok’.

The rivers are stunningly beautiful with game reserves flaking both sides. The Bushmans is navigable for 32km, and Kariega for 16km. Paddle or cruise slowly, water ski or drift with the tide and take in the splendour of the abundant birds and other wildlife.

Kenton-on-Sea Office:

Municipal Buildings, Kenton-on-Sea
7 Kenton Road
Tel: 046-648-2411
Fax: 088-619-2982
email: tourism@kenton.co.za
web: www.kenton.co.za

Kenton-on-Sea falls under the Ndlambe Local Municipality which is a Category B municipality situated within the Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. It is bordered by Makana to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Ngqushwa to the east and Sundays River Valley to the west. It is the smallest of the seven municipalities in the district, making up only 3% of its geographical area. The Ndlambe municipal area forms part of the Eastern Coastal Zone, which can be described as having a pristine coastal area, well-preserved river mouths and intertidal areas, diverse vegetation, relatively low density development along the coast, and major tourism potential.

Area: 1 841km²

Cities/Towns: Alexandria, Bathurst, Boknes/Cannon Rocks, Bushmans River, Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred, Seafield

Key Statistics 2011

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Visit the Eastern Cape Provincial Reserves page or Eastern Cape Private Reserves or maybe you would like to visit the Eastern Cape National Parks page.