Sedgefield Animal Welfare

Belvedere

Sweeping views of the water and mountains beyond, peaceful surroundings and a history to write home about makes Belvidere an interesting haven on the edge of the Knysna lagoon. It is a treasure trove for history buffs with its roots firmly established in two of Knysna’s historic families, the Rex’s and the Duthies. In 1834 the farm named Belvidere was purchased by Thomas Henry Duthie from his father-in-law, George Rex, known as the “squire and proprietor of Knysna” who had acquired the land in 1830. Duthie had married Rex’s daughter Caroline in 1833 and they settled on the farm and built the iconic Belvidere Manor. The land remained in the Duthie family until the land was sold in 1985 to be developed. Belvidere House is a proclaimed National Monument and the centre of the Estate which has become an established and popular suburb of Knysna. Belvidere is a great destination for many water sport activities. They are mindful of their “neighbours” in the Knysna lagoon, and there are certain areas around the Belvidere lagoon location which are restricted to non motorized water activity. One corner of Belvidere bay is a restricted area as it was identified as a breeding location for the famed Knysna sea horse.

Belvidere is a great destination for many water sport activities. They are mindful of their “neighbours” in the Knysna lagoon, and there are certain areas around the Belvidere lagoon location which are restricted to non motorized water activity. One corner of Belvidere bay is a restricted area as it was identified as a breeding location for the famed Knysna sea horse. “Sheltered, tranquil and serene, where history meets beauty - this is Belvidere. Its treefilled lanes are awash with flowers and the simple whitewashed architecture reflects that of the original farmhouse built in 1849. Kids ride their bikes and residents walk with their dogs, greeting neighbours as they go. It’s a lovely community!” Sue Mills, Belvidere Manor

Perched high up overlooking the crescent curve of Buffalo Bay, Brentonon-Sea boasts exquisite views and a seemingly never ending beach. Whether you feel like sunbathing, swimming, hiking or just staring out across the big blue – a visit to Brenton is a must.

Just 12km west of Knysna this quaint seaside village is a popular holiday destination and during the summer months its shoreline is humming with sun- and surf-seeking revellers. It is named after Sir Jahleel Brenton, the esteemed officer of the British Royal Navy who declared Knysna a harbour in 1818.

“The views of the bay, the long stretch of white sandy beach and listening to the thunderous roar of crashing waves on Castle Rock ...” castle rock Other than the beach area, the rest of its coastline is strewn with sandstone rocks, occasionally punctuated by small secluded beaches. The most prominent natural sandstone feature is Castle Rock, a favourite subject for local photographers at sunset.

Derrick Coetzer, resident & photographer.

don’t miss Going for a walk on the beach Visiting the Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve

Hiking the Fisherman’s walk (or a section of it) Watch the sunset over the bay A visit to Brenton-on-Lake – situated on the Knysna lagoon. Turn left half way up the hill towards Brentonon-Sea and follow the road down towards the estuary. A haven for water sport enthusiasts, whether it is fishing, skiing, leisure boat roads, paddling or swimming.

things to do

go for a walk on the beach Brenton-on-Sea has a 5km stretch of uninterrupted beach, which links directly to the popular swimming and surfing beach of Buffalo Bay. visiting the brenton blue butterflies Brenton was put on the conservation map due to its most delicate and endangered resident, the Brenton Blue Butterfly. A large tract of land in the area was proclaimed in 2003 as a Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve, to preserve the natural habitat of the last known breeding colonies of this endemic butterfly. watch the waves as they dance around

hiking the fisherman’s walk

If you really want to tap into the true essence of Brenton, then we suggest you do Fisherman’s Walk, or part thereof. This gorgeous hiking trail briefly skirts the cliffs before descending to the shoreline. From these elevated vantage points you can often see dolphins swimming in the surf (bottlenose dolphins and the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin love this bay). During winter, you will be the privileged spectator of one of the greatest marine mammal migrations on earth – that of the southern right and humpback whales.

The upper reaches of the trail are easy to navigate and a series of 18 benches have been strategically placed along the top portion of the trail for those who wish to sit and take in the incredible coastal vistas. The trail then leads down a set of 255 stairs and it is here where it gets a bit more challenging. There are some rather precarious sections which include boulder hopping and ledge walking, so not for the faint hearted.