Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve Kenton On Sea South Africa

Kenton-on-sea's Own Public Walk (Swim) -Through Nature Reserve

About Kenton

Kenton-on-sea is a fantastic Eastern Cape and South African coastal town situated around 2 river systems. Kenton on sea is almost in the middle of East London and Port Elizabeth and this picturesque sea town is on the Eastern Cape sunshine coast route. The 2 closest major towns are Port Alfred and Alexandria, which are both 25 kilometers from Kenton.

About Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve

If it wasn't enough to have a beautiful town on the Sunshine Coast, Kenton on sea's 2 main beaches are protected by a splendid nature reserve. This reserve is known as the Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve. Even though the reserve is slowly being built up with massive houses, the Eastern Cape coastal bush provides a brilliant back drop to the Indian Ocean. This nature reserve is in-between 2 rivers, namely, the Kariega River and the Bushman's River. The mouths of these 2 rivers mark the boundaries of the Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve. The marine life, bird life and reptile life is good in this wonderful watery paradise. The reserve is not very large and an hour walk along the beach should cover all that's needs to be seen. Although there are a few trails that go through the coastal bushveld and over sand dunes, these are recommended if you have time. Fishing is also enjoyed by various anglers from all over South Africa.

Fishing In Kenton-on-sea

As mentioned briefly above, Kenton-on-sea is a superb fishing destination. The estuaries and rivers are full of many different species of fish. All types of fishing can be done here... Exploring the rivers with your fishing rod and bait box is a must if you love the sport of angling. Kob, Shad, Stumpnose, Rockcod, Garrick, Grunter, Mooney and Strepie are just a few of the fish species you are likely to encounter. Then try your luck at Deep Sea or Rock and Surf fishing along the pristine coastline of Kenton-on-sea. From the shore you can catch the bigger species of fish found in the river systems as well as Steenbras, Stone Bream, Musselcracker, Galjoen, Shark, Rays, Snapper and Blacktail. Then if you have a boat, or you are willing to charter a boat, a deep sea angling mission is highly recommended. Yellowtail, Shark, Dorado, Tuna, Skipjack, Bonito and Mackerel abound in the luscious Indian Ocean waters.

Marine Wildlife In The Reserve

The marine wildlife in the Joan Muirhead Reserve is fairly common. Looking in the rock pools along the beach you will often find Eels, Octopus, Starfish, numerous crustaceans, Mullet, Blacktail, Rays and occasionally a Shark or 2. Further out you can expect to see Shad, Kob, Steenbras and Strepie fish species. Looking out to sea before and during December you might get a glimpse of the following marine mammals: Southern Right Whale, Humpback Whale, Common Dolphin and the Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin. Cape Gannets, Kelp Gulls, Terns and the occasional African Penguin may also be seen, so watch out!

Terrestrial Wildlife In The Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve

This Kenton-on-sea nature reserve has quite a few land based creatures that occur on it's shores. Many bird species. The more common include Plovers, Hoopoes, Sunbirds, Barbets, Doves and Batis'. There are at least 200 birds in this reserve and many more down towards the 2 river systems. There are a lot of interesting insects and reptiles. You are most likely to encounter various species of gecko, skink and lizard, Tortoise, although you might (Highly unlikely, I've only ever seen 1 or 2) come across a Puff Adder. There are quite a few rodents and small mammals in this reserve and the larger more common land mammals include: Common Bushbuck, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Vervet Monkey, Small Grey Mongoose and Caracal.

All in all the Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve is a delightful place to visit if you are traveling through the Kenton On Sea or Eastern Cape coastal regions.

To read information on fishing tournaments in the Joan Muirhead Nature Reserve please click the link.