Set amongst the sweeping curves of the Swartvlei Estuary and surrounded by fossilized sand dunes, this scenic coastal town lies on the famous Garden Route of South Africa’s Western Cape. Sedgefield is proud to be South Africa’s first designated “Slow Town,” advocating that a slowed-down pace leads to a deeper appreciation of life. The laid-back village even has a tortoise mascot, and you can find mosaics of these little creatures throughout town, along with fish, octopus, and other colorful mosaics.

The area around Sedgefield is home to five lakes, five pristine beaches, and rugged mountain ranges, making it a magnet for windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and hiking. The town’s beachfront path will take you to Gericke’s Point, where you can get a picture of the Lion’s Head and spot some Cape fur seals in the rock pools. Consider the 2.6-mile Buffalo Bay Trail for a slightly longer hike through bush and beach in the immense Goukamma Nature Reserve. And if you want to explore farther afield, the Garden Route gives easy access to nearly 200 miles of lagoons, lakes, mountains, and forests.

The region benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate that makes securing your Sedgefield accommodation an option all year round. The summers from December through March are warm and sunny, perfect for getting out on one of the nearby lakes or swimming at Swartvlei Beach. While the weather is a bit cooler during the spring and fall, those are great seasons for hitting the hiking trails as fewer people are around. During the winter from June through August, it can get a bit chilly and rainy. Head to the vibrant Saturday market the town hosts throughout the year, featuring locally grown food and handicrafts.

Gericke’s Point

Featuring a natural sandstone sculpture in the shape of a lion’s head and surrounded by fossilized sand dunes, Gericke’s Point is one of Sedgefield’s most photographed places. On the walk there, you can stop to check out the beach's tide pools, where you can spot sea crabs, anemones, sea urchins, and colorful fish.

Goukamma Nature Reserve

Located just a 15-minute drive from Sedgefield, this sweeping reserve covers more than 6,000 acres of land rich with lush coastal forests full of candlewood, milkwood, and yellowwood trees. The reserve is home to more than 220 different bird species, plus monkeys, bushpigs, porcupine, mongoose, and badgers. The reserve features more than six walking trails, including beach walks and forest trails. You can also take a pedal boat or canoe out on the river to get a closer view of the magnificent flora and fauna.

Cola Beach

This unspoiled beach is a wonderful spot for fishing, surfing, and swimming. In its crystal clear waters and during low tide, it is possible to spot many marine creatures in the beach’s rock pools. Cola Beach is part of a longer 3.5-mile stretch of beaches, ensuring you’ll have plenty of space to spread out even on the busiest of days.