Frontier Country with a sunshine coast.
The Eastern Cape has beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and it is one of the most interesting parts of South Africa from an historical view.
The beaches extend as far as the eye can see, often have wonderful dunes, the sand is pale yellow almost white, there are gorgeous tidal rivers to explore and some fantastic places to swim in water that is still warmed by the Mozambique current. The climate is particularly good all year round and it is known as the Sunshine Coast.
The gem in this area is Kenton-on-Sea. It nestles between two lovely tidal rivers and any spare space there was… is now filled with mainly single story homes of those who decided to stay working from home after Covid rather than returning to the bustle of Gauteng. Kenton is a place and lifestyle, barefoot and carefree, that is hard to leave. It remains very seasonal and at this stage has avoided ruin by high rises. Shopping choices are simple but all is there. This is important as there are no hotels but a couple of B & Bs. Most holiday makers come here to self- cater, renting in many cases, stunning properties with sublime views.
Kenton is spoiled for good swimming. Two lovely tidal lagoons give young families swimming havens, a fantastic swimming beach with lifeguards in season and a secret, hidden beach which is lovely. There are great rocks and tidal pools to explore.
A good choice of outdoor activities make this a perfect holiday spot: boating, kayaking, SUP and horse riding. The Bushman’s River is South Africa’s second longest navigable river and great to explore, swimming as you go. You will be pleased to hear… no crocodiles to temper your fun. There are however many bird species to enjoy as the banks have pristine indigenous bush.
Take a boat trip from Kenton to an intimate, private 4 star Game Reserve for the day or even better, stay and enjoy fantastic game viewing, a pampered experience with game drives, interesting walks and knowledgeable rangers. You have 3 very different, lovely camps to choose from.
There is a good selection of places to eat, so look at what we recommend. Kenton has culture too…visit the studios of very good landscape artists and a beautiful sculpture garden with the studio of a renowned sculptor.
Just an hour and 22 minutes away, enjoy a luxurious private safari camp. This beautiful camp gives you the Karen Blixen, Out of Africa experience. From the colonial veranda, sip your chilled drink and enjoy gourmet treats, as you watch animals at the very close water hole.
Port Alfred is just 20 minutes away and you can enjoy a round of golf at the 18 hole, Royal Port Alfred Golf Club with spectacular sea views. A Par 72 links type course dating back to 1907, players can enjoy being watched by the wandering wildlife, totally unfazed by dramas on the course. Have lunch or supper at a great little bistro, Graze by the River.
North of Port Alfred, at the mouth of the Fish River is a wonderful escape, Fort d’Acre which with beach and bush rolled together gives a wonderful South African experience. Game drives to explore 19 species and a private beach complete with lapa, is part of what this safari lodge offers.
This entire area is known as Frontier Country. It is steeped in history and pre- Victoria Crosses, so less well known battles happened here, but it is the most interesting place historically. Here, the Boers tried to move away from the British in the Cape Colony, 1820 Settlers from Britain landed off Port Elizabeth and became the buffer zone against the Xhosa who were moving southwards. Here too, a Xhosa maiden spoke of a prophesy that her people would get rid of white settlers if the Xhosa burnt their own crops and slaughtered their own cattle… and horrifyingly, they followed her advice, decimating the Xhosa nation. Spend a spellbinding few hours with a renowned historian and raconteur as he tells the tales of battles, courage and the characters. “Spirits of The Past” will be one of your holiday highlights.
Drive into the Katberg to a history rich area where Boer Commander, Piet Retief had his base before he was slaughtered by Dingaan, the Zulu King. Stay in a beautifully restored colonial homestead, filled with antiques and memorabilia from a family who have called this home for 6 generations. Hear wonderful tales, visit the historical sites nearby and enjoy 2 very special San Rock Art sites on this gourmet farm.
See the choices and have a wonderful trip.
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