Swartvlei Beach

Description

Swartveli Beach is a lovely sandy beach located in the sleepy town of Sedgefield in the Western Cape. It is a superb beach for walking and horse riding, and it’s highly recommended you make the effort to reach Gericke’s Point; a rocky landmark that resembles a lion’s head and provides an excellent vantage point for dolphin and whale watching.

The beach is perfect for walking, fishing, swimming, hiking, and horse riding. Dolphins are often spotted surfing the breakers and whales can be spotted between October and December. The beach is also the breeding ground for the rare African Black Oyster Catcher.

The walk to Gericke’s Point offers wonderful photo opportunities. There are some impressive weathered sandstone cliffs that are actually fossilised dunes, with some of the highest dunes in South Africa being found right here. Colonies of Cape and White Breasted Cormorants nest on the cliffs, while seagulls, herons, and the rare Black Oystercatcher can often be seen from the shore.

There are some lovely safe swimming spots but practise caution as there can be riptides and dangerous currents. At low tide, hundreds of rocks pools are exposed, brimming with fascinating marine life, from sea urchins to starfish, while the deeper pools are great for both snorkelling and swimming. Facilities include showers, toilets, ample parking, lifeguards during the holidays, and a walkway to the beach.