Spectacular unspoilt beaches, pristine lakes and a paragliding hotspot. Sedgefield does not only tick the boxes for making perfect memories, it is also food for the soul. Postcard-pretty and a blissfully unhurried tempo of life, the allure of this coastal town goes deeper than that. The unwavering community spirit and willingness to support and uplift each other, is where the true beauty of Sedgefield lies.
Driving on the N2 through Sedgefield it is easy to think it is just a strip “dorp” on either side of the highway, however Sedgefield has all the best qualities of village life with beauty and character just a short turn off the national road.
Don’t miss
- Visiting the Saturday markets
- Snorkelling at Gericke’s point
- Taking a walk on Myoli beach followed with a lazy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in Sedgefield
- Following the Sedgefield Mosaic Route admiring the mosaic marvels dotted around town
- Watch the sun set at Swartvlei river mouth
- Hiking in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
- If you are adventurous, tandem paragliding with an experienced guide will be a highlight of your visit
Things to do
Bird watching
The town embraces the winding course of the Swartvlei Lake system, which is periodically open to the sea. It is the largest and deepest lake in the Western Cape and comprises a 38km river and catchment area of 45km². These extensive liquid realms sustain an intricate web of life, including hundreds of bird species making it the favoured destination for avid twitchers.
Water activities
The combination of the lake and the ocean create the perfect playground for boating, water-skiing, canoeing, stand-up-paddling, swimming, and snorkelling.
Beach hopping
Sedgefield boasts a series of five, seemingly endless, beaches which extend for about 8km from Platbank Beach in the east to Gericke’s Point further west. In addition to being a great snorkelling spot, Gericke’s Point also plays host to a unique night activity, the Moonlight Meander, a guided nocturnal tour which showcases the intriguing antics of reclusive marine species under the protection of darkness.
Explore the Saturday markets
The three Saturday markets, The Wild Oats, Mosaic and Scarab Markets, are where locals and visitors alike come together to connect, support local food fare and the arts and crafts industry. Book a whole morning for a breakfast under the trees at the Wild Oats, stocking up on some fresh produce and happy browsing.
Goukamma Nature Reserve
Drive just a couple of kilometres out of town and you will discover the splendid Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area (a World Heritage Site). The reserve encompasses the emerald Groenvlei Lake, 2500 hectares of coastal forest and fynbos, fossilised dunes, the Goukamma River and 16.5km of unspoiled coastline. It is food for the soul.
Useful tips
- The most popular beach for swimming, particularly for families, is the Sedgefield River Mouth when it is open to the sea. Not all beaches are safe for swimming and it is best to check with the local information office before you venture into the water.
- Decide when to visit and what to pack with this info on seasonal weather in Sedgefield. Keep in mind the weather in this area changes rapidly and you could unexpectedly be caught in rain. Have sufficient water and sunblock with you and a warm jacket.
- Find all the area’s transport options with this guide on getting around.
- Check the tide when you explore coastal areas, low tide is generally safer and easier to navigate, especially if you are going for a walk on the beach.
