About us

The spectacular seaside village of Brenton-on-Sea is situated in the beautiful
Garden Route of South Africa close to the town of Knysna.
The turn-off from the N2 to Brenton-on-Sea and Belvidere is west of the bridge over the Knysna estuary, and curls back underneath the bridge up the hill. Here one enters the Western Heads Goukamma Conservancy area. Before reaching the entrance to Brenton-on-Sea, one has the privilege to see both the Knysna estuary to your left and the Indian ocean to your right.

Brenton-on-Sea is part of the Western Heads Goukamma Conservancy (WHGC) that was established in 2004 to promote the protection of important indigenous ecosystems, species, archaeological and palaeontological sites, landscapes and geological features.

Other goals of the WHGC are:

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To promote, protect, manage and grow the landscape for the benefit of future generations; and
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To foster strong relationships between residents, landowners, other conservancies and environmental bodies.

The protection of the Knysna sand fynbos in the area is an important aspect of the conservancy’s goals.

For further information about the Western Heads
Goukamma Conservancy, click here.
During the summer months Brenton-on-Sea is popular for sunbathing and swimming in the sea. The Fisherman’s Walk hiking trail is a local favourite and skirts the cliffs before descending to secluded beaches below. Black oystercatchers in a group of two or three can often be seen here. There are strategically placed benches on the cliff, as well as picnic spots, from where to enjoy the views. The benches are beautifully mosaiced by a group of residents.

Dolphins surfing the waves is a regular occurrence, and during winter, southern right and humpback whales can be spotted when they migrate north and later in the year back south. Other distinctive wildlife to look out for in the area include bushbuck, the Cape mongoose and the Knysna loerie.

There are many guest houses and holiday cottages to rent. The village also boasts a hotel, two restaurants, a deli and a village shop that also serves coffee and a homemade dish of the day to go.

The history of Brenton-on-Sea as presented by resident Hanna Edge can be Read Here.

For another interesting read about life in the old days, also written by Hanna Edge, Click Here.