The picturesque town of Sedgefield is set in the heart of the Wilderness Lakes District along the magnificent Garden Route, on the south eastern coastline of South Africa. Almost exactly halfway between Wilderness and Knysna on the N2 highway, the town is set in a valley, with hills and lakes on either side. There are marvellous unspoilt beaches meeting the warm Indian Ocean.  Its mild, temperate climate and ‘Slow City’ status makes it a popular holiday destination all year round. 

When to Go
Like most towns along the Garden Route, Sedgefield has a temperate climate and can be visited the whole year round. The summer months from November to February have the lowest rainfall and are considered the best time for beach and outdoor activities. Peak times for holidaymakers to visit are during the Easter break (March/April) and the December/January holidays, but even then, it rarely feels overcrowded here. During the tranquil winter months from June to November, it is a great place to spot whales close to shore as they enter the bays for breeding and calving on their migratory path up and then down the coast again later in the year.

Climate
Sedgefield is well known for its all year round warm, temperate climate and has slightly higher average rainfall than the neighbouring towns of Wilderness and Knysna. It falls between two climatic regions of summer and winter rainfall, so it has rain throughout the year – June has the lowest rainfall and March the highest. In summer, temperatures range between 16.5°C and 25.2°C. In the winter months, temperatures range between 8.2°C and 19.3°C. The region is the coldest during July and warmest in February.
 
Fauna
Sedgefield is bordered by the Wilderness National Park and the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which stretches right up to Buffalo Bay and boasts some of the most highly vegetated sand dunes in South Africa. This is a wonderful place of natural beauty for visitors to explore on foot, on a mountain bike or in a canoe or kayak. Known as Wilderness Lakes, this wetland area has been designated a Ramsar Site since 1991. Fringed by magnificent indigenous forests, the five lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches form an important wetland for countless species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and fish. The Goukamma Marine Protected Area runs 14km along the shoreline and extends 1km out to sea and has had good success in protecting the endemic reef fish here, such as the Roman.

Wilderness National Park is home to a variety of interesting wildlife and occasionally even leopard can be spotted. Some of the mammals that live in this area are Bush pig, caracal, Honey Badger, Clawless Otter, Cape Grey Mongoose, Rock Dassie, Striped Polecat, Vervet Monkey, Southern Elephant Seal and Sub-Antarctic Fur seal. Amongst the shrubbery on the dune above Sedgefield beach, particularly near the freshwater spring that gurgles up amongst the fynbos, you can find smaller mammals like Cape Grysbok and bushbuck. This area is also known for the Knysna Seahorse and the beautiful Pansy shells found on the beaches.

Around one-tenth of the world’s bird species are found in South Africa and the lake area alone has over 260 different varieties, making it a paradise for bird watchers. These are ideal conditions for waterfowl and waders, five species of Kingfishers, the Grey Heron and little egret, as well as the Knysna Lourie in the forested areas. Gericke’s Point is one of three enormous fossilised dunes here, which have been eroded over thousands of years to form dramatic sheer seaside cliffs that are home to Cormorants, Gannets, Oyster Catchers and other coastal birds. The southern-most dune is completely submerged and lies about 3km out to sea and is a popular reef spot for boat fisherman. The point itself is a marvellous place to explore, especially at low tide when the coral-lined rocks pools are exposed, trapping sub-tropical fish and octopus for a short time.
Sedgefield is renowned for its fishing opportunities, both in the lakes and the surf, although a ‘catch and release’ policy is preferred here for obvious reasons. Off Gericke’s Point you can catch Blacktail, Karanteen, Galjoen, Kob, Musselcracker, Garrick and Cape Stumpnose. Bass is plentiful in the Groenvlei Lake, which is fed by natural underground springs and is the only freshwater lake in the area. You will need to purchase a fishing licence, available from Sports and Hobbies in Sedgefield +27 44 343 1236.

Offshore, marine life abounds and you can sometimes see schools of resident Humpback dolphins playing in the waves here. In the winter months from July to November, there are lots of opportunities to spot the Southern Right and other migrating whales in this area. The best spots are the lookout point on Myoli Beach, Swartvlei beach and Gericke’s Point.

Flora
This stretch of coastline known as the Garden Route, forms part of the ‘World Heritage Cape Floral Kingdom’, which encompasses close to 9000 species of plants. A good proportion of the many ecosystems in the areas in and around Sedgefield, fall under the protection of a series of 10 nature and marine reserves found along this enchanting coastline. The indigenous forests here are home to more than 375 species of trees, as well as a multitude of interdependent complex organisms, invertebrates, flora and fauna.
On a walk along the many hiking trails through the forest you will come across several tree species including Ironwood, White Pear, Stinkwood, Cherry Wood and Cape Beech. Stinkwoods grow to an average age of 1000 years, but the giants of this area are the Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. These massive trees, which can live for over 2000 years, grow up to 50m in height with a spreading crown of up to 30m wide and a stem diameter of over 2m. Uncontrolled cutting of the Outeniqua Yellowwood in the past has resulted in it now being nationally protected.
In the wetter valleys and channels along the lakes and along the coast, you will find gigantic tree ferns, various air plants, lichens, mosses and colourful fungi. During the spring, a carpet of indigenous fynbos flowers covers the areas around the lakes and is a marvellous sight. Almost 70% of fynbos species are endemic to this region and are found nowhere else on earth. Interestingly, many flowers that have become popular in other parts of the world have their origins in the fynbos biome, including Freesias, Gladioli, Irises, Ixias, Pelargoniums, Sparaxis, Watsonias, numerous lilies, and a few orchid species.

THINGS TO SEE:

Cloud 9 Lookout
This famous lookout point sits on top of a fossilised dune and offers one of the best vistas of the spectacular network of waterways in Sedgefield. From here you can see the whole village of Sedgefield, the ocean, the lagoon, Swartvlei Lake, Myoli Beach and Gericke’s Point. The only way to beat this view is go paragliding from the take-off point a couple of hundred metres down from the lookout point.
 
Whale and dolphin watching
During the winter months from July to November, pods of migrating Southern Right and occasionally other whale species venture close to shore for breeding and calving. They are regularly sighted from Sedgefield’s shoreline and the dunes above. Dolphins can be seen surfing the breakers all year round and there are reputed to be two schools of dolphin which are resident in the warm ocean waters off Sedgefield.  For the best views, head for the observation platform at Myoli Beach, Gericke's Point or Swartvlei Beach.
 
Gericke’s Point
Gericke’s Point is one of three enormous fossilised dune formations in Sedgefield, which have been eroded over thousands of years to form dramatic sheer seaside cliffs. The southern-most dune is completely submerged and lies about 3km out to sea. From the shore, Gericke’s Point is a marvellous sight, resembling the silhouette of a prone lion gazing out over the ocean. The walk from the Swartvlei Beach car park to Gericke’s Point is only 1,8km long, but remember to take note of the tides – you will only be able to get across the gullies and to the top of Gericke’s Point two hours before and two hours after low tide. The top of the point offers the most beautiful views of the coastline from Wilderness in the west, all the way to Buffalo Bay in the east. It’s also the perfect vantage point for viewing the resident school of Humpback dolphins, as well as the migrating whales during the winter months (breeding season).

Goukamma Nature Reserve 
The beautiful Goukamma Nature Reserve lies between Sedgefield and Buffalo Bay. Within the bounds of this sanctuary are the Goukamma River and estuary, the fresh-water Groenvlei Lake, long stretches of beach and some of the highest vegetated dunes in the country. The reserve covers a total area of about 2500 hectares including the Goukamma Marine Reserve that runs 18km along the coastline and extends 1,85km out to sea.
Just near the entrance to the reserve, which is on the Buffalo Bay road off the N2, there are marvellous picnic spots on the banks of the river, where you can hire canoes and paddle right up river or down towards the river mouth. Visitors are allowed to sail, canoe and swim in the river and encouraged to take a stroll down to the beach and swim in the ocean.
There is a choice of six wonderful day trails to hike within the reserve, varying from 4.2km to 15km in length. A hiking permit is required which you can get from the reserve office. You can also get licences for freshwater angling and boating on Groenvlei Lake from this office. Groenvlei is a rather unique freshwater lake that is fed by natural underwater springs, having no river flowing into it or outlet to the sea. The lake is said to offer some of the best bass fishing in the country.

The two main types of vegetation found here are coastal forest and fynbos. The forests consist mostly of Milkwood, Yellowwood and Candlewood trees. As you go further inland you can see Erica and Restio fynbos species, which give a beautiful display when they flower in September/October. There are a number of smaller mammals that make their home here and over 220 species of birds have been recorded, including the colourful Knysna lourie (turoco), rare African Black Oystercatcher and endangered African penguin.
Offshore in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, sightings of Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins are common, as boating is restricted in this protected marine reserve. During the winter months from July to November, pods of migrating whales can be regularly seen as they come close to shore for breeding and calving.

Self-catering accommodation is available in timber chalets near Groenvlei Lake and in the Buffalo Valley conservation area on the border of the reserve.
Gates open: Daily from 8.00am to 6.00pm
+27 44 383 0042 

Glass Roots Studio 
This contemporary glass studio and gallery shows the magic art of fused glass: the result is an eclectic range of home-ware, handmade glass jewellery and architectural art glass. Art glass is created by fusing various glass components such as powders, grains, rods and sheets into three dimensional shapes in a kiln. The owner is a trained architect and is often commissioned to create larger scale pieces for corporate and private clients, both locally and overseas. Glass retreat workshops in a forest setting on Kaladerkloof Farm are also on offer.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm; Sat 8.30am to 2.00pm; Sun closed.
 +27 76 924 5895

THINGS TO DO:
 
BEACHES
Sedgefield has five beautiful interlinking beaches stretching for miles, from Swartvlei in the west to Platbank in the east. 

Swartvlei Beach
You’ll find Swartvlei Beach at the western end of all the Sedgefield beaches. There is a car park above the beach and a boardwalk leading down on to it. It is a spectacular beach in a gloriously big bay and is rarely very crowded. As a breeding ground for the endemic African Black Oystercatcher, it is a protected area and no dogs are allowed here. Make sure to stick strictly to the safe, designated swimming areas as the currents and riptides here are powerful and dangerous. Lifeguards are on duty here during the peak season. While you’re on the beach, don’t miss the opportunity to do the 1.8km walk along the beach to Gericke’s Point, which juts out into the ocean at the furthest point of the bay. From here you’ll have the most beautiful views of the coastline from Wilderness in the west all the way to Buffalo Bay in the east. Be sure to plan this walk at low tide as this is the only time you will be able to get across the rocks and gullies.

Sedgefield Beach/River Mouth
From the car park in Upper Kingfisher Drive, there is a boardwalk down to Sedgefield Beach at the river mouth, which is also known as Kingfisher Creek. Sheltered from the wind, this is a great beach for kids to swim safely in the shallows of the lagoon and play on the sand. There are ablution facilities and showers available and lifeguards are on duty in peak season only. When the river mouth is open to the sea on the incoming tide, you may see locals partaking in a bit of ‘surging’, which involves floating in the middle of the channel and allowing the waves to take you up the river mouth for around 200m. It’s great fun when conditions are right and quite safe, even for children.

Myoli Beach
The car park behind the dunes in Lower Galjoen Road has access to Myoli Beach, which is one of the busiest beaches during the peak season, when lifeguards are on duty.  There are ablution facilities here, as well as a restaurant and a beach bar. There is also a small observation platform that offers a good vantage point for spotting migrating whales which come closer to shore for breeding and calving during the winter months from July to November.

Cola Beach – Claude Urban Drive
The car park for Cola Beach can be found in Claude Urban Drive. The access point is high on the dunes above the beach and you can get down via a long boardwalk, which offers spectacular views over the ocean. This beach is well known for its beauty and tranquillity, offering some of the best walks in the area. It is also a popular spot for rock and surf fishing.

Platbank Beach
If you don’t walk the 3km from Myoli Beach to Platbank, you can take a short drive out of Sedgefield along the N2 highway towards Knysna, and turn off at the sign to Lake Pleasant/Groenvlei. At the end of this winding dirt road there is a car park with a boardwalk leading down to the beach. This magnificent beach falls within the Goukamma Reserve and is one of the loveliest, most unspoilt stretches of coastline to walk along. It is possible to walk all the way to Buffalo Bay from here, but it is quite a trek and at high tide some sections are impassable. This is also a great spot for shore fishing.

Buffalo Bay beach
Just over 20 minutes from Sedgefield is Buffalo Bay, also known as Buffelsbaai. This stretch of gorgeous white sand lies on the shoreline of a quaint little holiday town. It is a very popular beach, both for its good surfing and relatively safe swimming conditions, as the ocean currents are not as strong here as some of the other beaches in the area. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season and there is also a restaurant and ablution facilities. It is ideal for walking and you can take a two-hour walk along the beach to the neighbouring holiday hamlet of Brenton-on-Sea.
Brenton on Sea beach
Brenton-on-Sea is just under half an hour’s drive from Sedgefield along a beautiful scenic route. The beach is very popular with young families and has small tidal pools for kids explore and swim in. The hotel here has a great restaurant with fantastic views over the ocean. There can be strong currents in the sea here and you should take care to swim only in the designated swimming spots. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak holiday season. 

Victoria Bay
About 30 minutes from Sedgefield close to Wilderness, this lovely bay is a hot spot for surfers, both amateur and experienced. Better known as ‘Vic Bay’, it is renowned for its excellent waves, especially in the winter months from May to August. The bay is fairly narrow with cliffs on either side, the west side producing the perfect point break walls which this beach is so famous for. These cliffs also make great viewing sites when whale watching season comes around from late June to November. It has a broad gently-sloping sandy beach that is safe for swimming, as well as a fun tidal pool. All the houses are positioned along the one side of the bay and many of these offer B&B, guest house and self-catering accommodation. There is also a well-run grassed caravan site perched on a terrace above the row of houses, which offers every amenity for a comfortable stay and is wheelchair friendly.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train 
After being out of commission for almost 10 years due to flood damage, repairs and clearing have begun on the railway line between Knysna and Keyter’s Nek, as a first step to restoring the much-loved Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe run between George and Knysna. An institution in these parts, the train service has been sorely missed by locals and visitors. Classic Rail Garden Route, a non-profit organisation which promotes the repair and rehabilitation of this railway line, expects this section of the track to be operational by December 2016. Repairs linking the railway line to Sedgefield will be undertaken simultaneously. This is the first phase of the plan to eventually reopen the entire Knysna-George route. Meals for the Knysna Dinner Train will be prepared in a new restaurant that will be created in the Knysna Station.
+27 44 801 8239 or +27 82 490 5627

Sedge Links Golf Course 
Sedge Links is a relatively new 9-hole, Par 3 mashie style golf course, which takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete, making it a popular choice for visitors to the area. There are four water hazards and numerous deep Scottish Links-style bunkers in strategic positions, offering a good challenge to all levels of players. The views are great with the mountains and Swartvlei Lake in the background. There is also a fully-licenced clubhouse and restaurant on site.
Open: Mon-Thurs 7.30am to 9.00pm; Fri 7.30am to 10.00pm; Sat 7.00am to 10.00pm; Sun 7.00am to 8.00pm.
+27 44 343 2379

Sedgefield Craft Brewery 
This small boutique-style brewery in Sedgefield is can be found in the Scarab Village, about 1km from the centre of town. Family owned and run, the brewery specialises in hand-crafted custom ales. Their range includes a simple refreshing blonde, a well-hopped and complex India pale ale, as well as stout and Weiss varieties.  At present beer tastings are offered directly from the tasting room inside the brewery and plans are in the pipeline to set up a ‘Hop Garden’. Bottled beer is available to purchase.
+27 82 901 4268

Wine Tasting on the Lake 
Combine tasting of award-wining wines from Benguela Cove Wine Estate with a cruise around the beautiful Swartvlei Lake, organised by the folks at Benguela Brasserie. Trips are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.00pm to 5.00pm, weather permitting. Also available from time to time is the estate’s famous chocolate-wine pairing experience, with inspiration from master chocolatier, Jane Stuart. Booking is essential.
Cruise times: Sat & Sun 12.00pm to 5.00pm
+27 44 343 1844

Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market  
This ‘wildly’ popular, authentic food and farmers country market is open every Saturday morning from 7.30am to around 12-noon, but it’s best to get there early before all the best stuff is snapped up. One of the forerunners of the Saturday-morning market concept in South Africa, you will find a delectable range of fresh produce and nosh on offer at reasonable prices, all brought here by local small-scale natural famers and artisans of the area. On any given Saturday, you can choose from free-range meats, biltong (beef jerky) and wors, free-range eggs, fresh fish, every type of cheese imaginable, baked goods, fresh milk, fruits and vegetables in season, fresh flowers, traditional and exotic bottled goods, organic olives, berries, rusks, koeksisters, famous artisan breads, award-winning cheesecakes … the list goes on and on. There is also a great selection of breakfasts, coffees, teas and freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies.
You can find the market on the western outskirts of Sedgefield at the turnoff to Sedgefield Island.
Open: Sat 7.30am-12-noon (summer); 8.00am-12-noon (winter)
+27 82 376 5020

Scarab Arts & Craft Village 
This Saturday market offers the many gifted local artists and crafters in the area a showcase for their creative talents in a warm, country market atmosphere with live music and a playground for kids. You will find original works by resident contemporary artist, Rita Knoetze and other local painters, as well as handmade clothing, craft paper, metal work, wooden products, hand spun wool, ceramics and more. It’s a great place to browse through an unusual selection of unique, handcrafted goods, taste the local brew from Sedgefield Craft Brewery and get to know the friendly locals.
Open: Sat 8.00am – 1.00pm
+27 44 343 2455

Mosaic Outdoor Market 
Formerly known as The Island market, this outdoor venue has developed a unique character and charm since its revamp in 2013 and now has over 80 different stalls under cover, selling food, ‘slow roasted coffee’, art and crafts, clothing, books, décor items, curios and antiques. The food court has a vibey village atmosphere with loads of tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy the live music while you eat. There’s also a great kiddie’s play area. Adjacent to the market is The Village with a range of permanent shops which sell collectibles and memorabilia, décor pieces, slow-roasted coffee, and art glass by well-known local glass alchemist and architect, Helga Stassen.
Open: Sat 8.00am – 2.00pm
 +27 82 678 9900

Paragliding
There’s no better way to take in the lakes, beaches and forests of Sedgefield than from the air in a paraglider. If you’re an amateur, tandem paragliding is a fun, safe and easy option to enjoy this marvellous experience. The best places to launch here are at Sedgeview on top of Cloud Nine view point, or the dune above Gericke's Point. There are a number of companies offering tandem paragliding rides in Sedgefield, including: Afrovibe Adventure Lodge +27 44 343 3217; Dolphin Paragliding  +27 72 199 0622; FlyTime Paragliding +27 72 612 8178; and Cloudbase Paragliding +27 44 877 1414 or +27 82 777 8474.

SUP boarding 
Stand up paddle boarding originates in Hawaii, and Myoli beach in Sedgefield has great conditions for the sport. You can hire equipment here, and instructors are available.
+27 44 343 3217

Sand boarding 
Head to the gigantic dunes of Sedgefield for a few hours of sand boarding fun: it’s Africa’s answer to snowboarding. Sand boarding is easy to learn even for kids, and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon here. Equipment can be hired and instructors are available to take you to the best spots.
+27 44 343 3217 

Wake boarding 
A combination of water skiing and snowboarding, wake boarding is a popular sport in South Africa. Participants stand on a wakeboard and are pulled along the surface of the water behind a motor boat by means of a tow rope. Wake boarding is permitted on Island Lake and Swartvlei Lake.
+27 44 343 3217

Kite surfing 
Kite surfing is a popular sport in Sedgefield as the long stretches of interlinking beaches here are ideal. When the wind comes up, kite surfers can be seen along the length of Cola and Myoli beaches, dipping and flying over the waves. For beginners, the flat waters of the nearby lakes and lagoon are ideal to learn the ropes. Two companies located on Myoli Beach offer lessons and equipment hire: Pilipili Xtreme Sports Centre +27 44 343 3087 and Afrovibe Adventure Lodge  +27 44 343 3217.

Swartvlei Lake Cruise 
Loose Goose, a twin-hulled ferry-class boat operates from Pine Lake Marina and guided cruises are available for between two and 12 people on the largest body of water in the Wilderness Lakes District, Swartvlei. Skipper Captain Saney will share his knowledge of the area’s history, birdlife and other entertaining snippets as you leisurely cruise towards the Wolwe River, one of Swartvlei’s three tributaries. A half-hour cruise departs regularly and special bird watching trips are also available on request. The hour-long sunset cruise includes a selection of wines, juice and freshly prepared snacks.  Booking is advisable
+27 84 793 4722.

WALKS AND HIKES
There are marvellous walks and hiking trails in and around the numerous nature reserves on the Garden Route, and Goukamma Nature Reserve near Sedgefield is no exception. The reserve contains a river and estuary, a fresh-water lake, long stretches of beach and some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa.

The Bush Pig Trail 
This is an moderately strenuous 6,5km circular route that takes two to three hours to complete. Enter the Goukamma Reserve on the Buffalo Bay road off the N2 just outside Sedgefield. You’ll need to buy a permit from the office near the gate. The fun begins at the start of trail, as you need to pull yourself across the river in a small boat using a simple winch and pulley system. Once you’re on the other side, the trail winds through the Milkwood forests and then you have a choice of three return routes: inland along the crest of a fynbos dune with fantastic sea views, through the reserve to Groenvlei Lake or through the forest down to Skimmelkrans Beach. Remember to take water with you as there is no fresh water available on this hike.
Gates open: Daily 8.00am – 6.00pm
+27 44 383 0042

The Cape Clawless Otter Trail 
This is a flat and easy 6.5km circular trail that winds through indigenous forest and vegetation along the fringes of the Groenvlei Lake’s southern shoreline. You can access this trail from the Groenvlei side of the Goukamma Reserve by taking the Groenvlei turnoff off the N2, then following the Cape Nature signs along the dirt road that leads to a small parking area at the head of the trail. Groenvlei is the only freshwater lake in the area and is rather uniquely fed solely by underwater springs. It is a beautiful trail and be sure to look out for the tunnels made by otters to enter the water in the razor-sharp reeds along the banks of the lake.
+27 44 383 0042

The Blombos Trail 
This 15km circular route is the longest of the Goukamma Reserve trails, although if you prefer a quicker hike, there is the option to shorten it to 13km or even 6.5km. The trail starts at the reserve’s Groenvlei entrance and takes you over a large dune, offering fantastic views of the lake from the top. There follows row upon row of magnificent fynbos dunes with the ocean at their edge. The two longer trails return via Platbank Beach, where you’ll find gorgeous rock pools and miles of unspoilt shoreline. The short trail returns via a clearly marked jeep track. The aptly named Blombos trail was designed with bird watchers in mind as the abundant fynbos here attracts a huge variety of birds. It’s especially beautiful in spring (September/October) when the fynbos flowers are in full bloom.
It is important to be aware of the tides as some places could be impassable during high tide – check with the reserve office before you set out. If you can, you should leave a car at the Platbank parking area or you will need to walk an extra 2.5km along the access road to the start of the trail.
+27 44 383 0042

The Porcupine Trail 
This enjoyable trail is 13,5km long and takes between four and five hours to complete. The route stretches over a series of high dunes with marvellous views, passing through thickets of fynbos and Milkwood forest. The trail runs between Groenvlei Lake and the far side of the Goukamma River and can be hiked in either direction. Just remember to arrange return transport back to your starting point at the end of your hike. Starting from the Goukamma River end, your trail begins with a fun crossing over the river in a little pontoon boat with a pulley system. After a short walk along the riverbank, the trail heads up the first dune offering amazing views over the river, shoreline and mountains at its summit. A single track runs along the spine of the dune eventually reaching the jeep track to Oysterbeds. Once there, the trail leads over three further dunes offering spectacular views of the shoreline. After the final climb Groenvlei Lake appears below you and the path descends into the milkwood forest on the shores of the lake, ending at the entrance gate to the reserve.
+27 44 383 0042 

The Galjoen Trail 
An easy 12km beach walk, this trail runs along the shoreline of the Goukamma Nature Reserve from Buffalo Bay along Skimmelkrans Beach all the way to Platbank Beach. The trail takes about three to four hours to complete and you will need to arrange return transport from Platbank to your starting point in the reserve. It’s very important to be aware of the tides before you go, as there are parts of the trail that are completely impassable at spring high tide.
+27 44 383 0042

The Buffalo Bay Trail 
This 4,2km trail passes through the holiday town of Buffalo Bay on a circular route through indigenous forest and along the coastline, with marvellous sea views en route. This is an easy trail for the whole family, which takes about two hours to complete. In the winter months from July to November, this is a popular route for whale watching, with its elevated vantage points along the shoreline.
+27 44 383 0042 

3-day Goukamma-Groenvlei Trail 
This marvellous 3-day hike covers 41km in total and is fully catered with portage.
The route begins at the conservation station at Groenvlei Lake, following a 13km scenic path along the shores of the lake through a Milkwood forest and over the large vegetated dunes. The trail takes about five to six hours and you will stay overnight at the fabulous rondavels overlooking the estuary in the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Day two is an easy 12km walk for about five to six hours, beginning with a beach walk crossing the shallows of the Goukamma river mouth to the holiday town of Buffalo Bay, where you can stop for coffee or an ice-cream if you like. The route continues on towards the seaside village of Brenton-on-Sea, then heads inland onto the dunes for a further 4km back to the Goukamma loop and into the nature reserve again. The afternoon is spent paddling canoes up the warm Goukamma River – a bird watcher’s paradise. You will stay overnight at the rondavels in the reserve again.

Day three is an easy, three to four hour walk of 16km on the magnificent stretch of beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve along to Platbank Beach on the eastern border of Sedgefield. There are numerous rock pools to swim in along the way. Transport will be available to pick you up from Platbank beach.
+27 82 783 8392

Moonlight Meander 
If you are in the Sedgefield area when there is a spring-tide – new moon and full moon – don’t miss this magical guided walk along Swartvlei Beach to Gericke's Point. Catch a glimpse of the secret nightlife of all the creatures in the rocky coastal pools and inter-tidal zone. Don’t forget to bring your torch or headlamp and a warm drink.
+27 72 390 6667 

Garden Route Trail Park Run 
A bit further afield, but well worth the journey to the fringes of the ancient Outeniqua forests is this magnificent hiking and running trail. It is a fast-flowing trail that takes you to the upper reaches of the Karatara River, with its massive rock pools, waterfalls and boulders.  There are three routes to choose from – 14km, 11km and 7,5km trails on handmade single tracks.
+27 82 802 8103
 
Sedgefield Slow Festival
Sedgefield’s famous Slow Festival takes place every year over the Easter weekend and is jam-packed with fun activities and entertainment for the whole family. The festival is a celebration of Sedgefield’s slow city or ‘Cittaslow’ status, being the first African city to become a member of the Italian ‘Cittaslow’ movement. The movement invites people to slow down and connect with their natural environment, and opt for a more fulfilling quality of life and make time for pleasure and leisure.
Festival-goers can choose from a host of events over the weekend, including many trail runs, beach volleyball, a blindfolded bike challenge, slow food cooking and eating, sand-sculpting competition, Easter egg hunt on the beach, picnic concert in the park, art exhibitions or barefoot boules. There is also a float and band parade through the streets, Miss Slow beauty pageant and movies under the stars at a good ol’ fashioned drive-in theatre.

Anything that Floats competition
Part of Sedgefield’s Slow Festival held over the Easter weekend each year, the ‘Anything That Floats’ competition is a great event to watch or take part in. Contestants have four hours to build a homemade vessel of their own design, and then sail it around a water course on the Sedge Lagoon. It’s great fun and there are fantastic prizes to be won too.
+27 73 870 0352 or +27 44 343 1628 

MOUNTAIN BIKING:
 
Wilderness Lakes MTB route 
A 20 minute drive from Sedgefield, this fairly easy 30km circular route is suitable for most levels of riders, starting and ending at Eden Adventures next to Wilderness Lagoon. The ride is mainly flat along quiet country roads with a good gravel surface. The Wilderness Lakes area is series of interlinking lakes, rivers and estuaries that make up this internationally protected Ramsar conservation wetland, so the scenery on this route is quite spectacular.
+27 44 877 0179

Moonlight cycle ride 
Once a month at full moon, you can join the fun social moonlight ride around the Island starting from Sedgefield Arms.  The route is around 10km long and anyone can join in. There is an optional meal at the Arms afterwards.
+27 44 343 1417

Goukamma Beach Ride 
This difficult route is 9km long and takes one to two hours riding mostly on sandy paths and beach sand. It starts out at the Goukamma Nature Reserve gate on the Buffalo Bay road off the N2. From the gate, the trail follows the tarmac road towards Buffalo Bay, then heads right before the backpackers lodge and follows the low-water mark along the beach.
+27 44 383 0042

Garden Route Trail Park 
Less than 20 minutes by car from Sedgefield, at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and Karatara River Gorge is the Garden Route Trail Park with over 30km of hand-built, well-marked single track mountain biking trails. Designed to cater for riders of all levels, the trail features flowing turns, berms, rollers and river crossings. They also have a pump biking track for those who really like to raise their adrenalin levels.
The tea garden offer breakfasts, cakes and teas and light lunches from Tuesday to Sunday.
+27 82 802 8103

Old George/Knysna Road MTB Trail 
This is a 25km circular route starting and ending next to the Wilderness Lagoon. The trail runs along the lagoon and takes a gradual, but long ascent up to Wilderness Heights, where there are some amazing views.  You then head onto the Old George/Knysna Road into the Touw River Valley, followed by a big climb up to Hoekwil. You can return either on the main road through Hoekwil or back along the lake road to Wilderness Lagoon. The ride takes between 1½ to 3 hours.
+27 44 877 0179

New 160km Garden Route bike trail
Construction of a new 160km cycling track between George and Plettenberg Bay is due to be completed by the end of March 2017. It is the first phase of a grand plan by the Western Cape government to introduce a “Cape Cross” cycling route between Cape Town and the southern Cape. The route will include road track, mountain trails, jeep and forest tracks. Part of the first official section of the Cape Cross route, the Mountain Mania Trail, is currently under construction at the Garden Route Trail Park.
+27 82 802 8103.

Lakeside Lodge Cross Triathlon
A new event on the triathlon calendar is the Cross Triathlon at Lakeside Lodge on the Swartvlei Lake in Sedgefield. Held in September, participants will swim in the Swartvlei Lake, cycle on jeep tracks and gravel roads, and then run along the 3km Mole Rat hiking trail. A bonus is the beautiful scenery with the lake and mountains in the background.
+27 83 662 2022

PLACES TO EAT
- Benguela Brasserie & Restaurant +27 44 343 1844
- Bistro on the Lake +27 44 349 2460
- Butterfly Blu Restaurant +27 44 381 0040
- Café Vienna +27 44 343 1234
- Die Koffiehuis +27 44 343 2001
- Fijnbosch Coffee Shop & Restaurant +27 44 343 1870
- Filo’s Pub & Restaurant +27 44 343 1380
- Hoekwil Country Café +27 44 850 1037
- La Piazza Restaurant +27 44 343 2353
- Mac Butners Restaurant +27 83 258 5713
- Montecello Restaurant +27 44 343 1780
- Mr Kaai’s Fish & Chips +27 74 756 8103
- PiliPili Restaurant & Beach Bar +27 44 343 3087
- Sedge Bakery +27 79 967 1291
- Sedgefield Arms +27 44 343 1417
- Slow Roasted Coffee Shop +27 72 227 6365
- Steam Whistle Stop +27 44 343 1052
- The Village Deli Restaurant +27 76 191 6103
- The Windmill Café +27 44 882 1240
- Tiffany’s Restaurant & Pub +27 44 343 2649
- Trattoria da Vinci +27 44 343 1867
- Wild Oats Market +27 44 883 1177
 
PLACES TO STAY
- Afrovibe Adventure Lodge & Backpackers Hostel +27 44 343 3217
- Beside Still Waters +27 44 882 1217
- Bird Cottages +27 +27 44 343 1261
- Bushbuck tented camp +27 83 440 3552
- Calrossie Cottage and Loft +27 82 575 9295
- Deans Manor +27 44 343 3116
- Dover on Sea B&B +27 44 343 1209
- Forest View Guest House +27 44 343 1235
- Frog & Duck B&B +27 44 343 2480
- Haus Seeblick Guest House +27 44 343 3183
- House Elfi +27 44 343 2662
- Island Waters Holiday Accommodation +27 79 313 2229
- Kalanderkloof Cottage +27 76 924 5895
- Lake Pleasant Resort +27 44 343 1985
- Lakeside Lodge & Spa +27 444 343 1844
- Linga Longa B&B +27 343 1141