Sedgefield
Sedgefield is an art village on the famous Garden Route situated between George and Knysna in the province of Western Cape. The name Sedgefield comes from the place of the same name in England. John Barrington bought this piece of land by the ocean and named it after his father’s birthplace: Sedgefield. Started as a farming village but nowadays tourism is the main source of income, not surprising with several beautiful beaches, many water sport possibilities and surrounded by green nature areas with special birds. Sedgefield strives to be the perfect vacation destination for the whole family along the Garden Route.
Sedgefield Beach is a safe beach and in the high season there are life guards and places with little current are marked so that you know where safe swimming is for small children. There are showers and toilets and it is close to restaurants and cafes. Popular activities on this beach are surfing and other water sports, horse riding, dolphin watching and fishing, you even have the chance to catch African black oysters (think of obtaining a permit!). Sedgefield Beach flows into Swartvlei Beach which is suitable for swimming, fishing and surfing for both beginners and advanced. It is also popular with joggers and for horse riding. You can also walk from the mouth of the river to Gerickes Point for a beautiful view of a lion-shaped rock in the water and you have a chance to see dolphins and whales (whales between June and October). At Myoli Beach many activities take place such as surfing, kite surfing, wake boarding and kayaking. There is a restaurant along the beach and a beach bar for delicious summer cocktails. Here too the view is beautiful, keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales with your feet in the soft sand. Cola Beach is reached via a so-called ‘boardwalk’ and is a beach that is quiet even in high season in terms of visitors. Here you can relax in the sun and enjoy the view over the water. There are a number of places that are suitable for surfing and fishing.
Sedgefield is not only a place to go to the beach and enjoy water sports, but also very suitable for walking and hiking. Visit one of the surrounding nature reserves and choose a beautiful route through the forest or along the water. For example, choose the 6.5 km long Bush Pig Trail that takes about two hours and is easy to do for less experienced hikers. The route starts with the crossing of the river in a small boat after which you take a walk through so-called ‘milk forest’. You can choose your own route for the way back: through the sand dunes, the Groenvlei reserve or through the woods to Skimmelkrans Beach.
In the Goukamma Nature Reserve just outside Sedgefield there are several walking routes that take you past the beautiful flora and fauna: the 14 km Beach Walk, the Goukamma to Groenvlei route, Lake Walk and the Circular route. This nature reserve is a true paradise for birdwatchers and during the whale season from June to October you have a good chance to see whales along the coastline. Another route that is actually feasible for everyone is the Cape Clawless Otter Trail, which has a length of 6.5 km and runs along the Groenvlei lake. The more experienced hikers opt for the 20 km long Blombos Trail. You can also enjoy a picnic, fishing (permit required) or rent a canoe here.
A special walk is the ‘Moonlight Meander’ that runs from Swartvlei Beach to Gericke’s Point. You walk in the dark with flashlights through the shallow waters and over the rocks along the coast. The walks only take place at full moon and new moon because then it is low tide.
If you visit Sedgefield on a Saturday then you should not miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market. In this market with more than 60 stalls, a wide variety of delicious food is sold. Go in the morning and eat a nice breakfast outdoors and listen to live music.
