The renowned Garden Route is packed with many fascinating towns and magical attractions, but one town that has always stood out to us is Sedgefield. Situated between George and Knysna on the N2, it’s a town you often pass through on your way to another destination. But it’s time for you to slow down and explore everything this charming town has to offer. Sedgefield is Africa’s first Slow Town and widely regarded as the secret gem of the Garden Route ─ naturally TravelGround found out everything you need to know to explore this not-so-sleepy town like a local.
The Great Outdoors
Sedgefield’s main attraction is its ideal location in the Lake District between the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the Wilderness National Park. What makes it even more beautiful is the Indian Ocean on one side and Groenvlei Lake on the other side. Nature lovers will have the time of their lives in the great outdoors with various beaches, Swartvlei Estuary, dunes and hiking trails. It’s also a hotspot for adrenaline-filled activities like paragliding.
Beach bum
Gericke’s Point is a beautiful landmark with an unspoiled beach, impressive rock formations and resident southern right whales around September and October. You can attempt an easy four-kilometre hike to the point and back to enjoy the best view of the ocean. Myoli Beach is a popular beach with many water-based activities such as surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and wakeboarding. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful swim or go rock fishing, Cola Beach, which is accessed via a long boardwalk, is just the place for you. Sedgefield Beach is popular among families because of the estuary that offers safe swimming and amazing views with the sandstone cliffs. Beware of the strong rip currents, stay in the safe swimming zones and keep in mind that this is not a pet-friendly beach. It runs into Swartvlei Beach which is popular among surfers, fishermen and horse riders. You are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a beach in Sedgefield!
Paraglide
Another favourite pastime in these parts is paragliding and we can understand why with all of the breathtaking scenery. Gliding through the air is the best way to take in the spectacular natural beauty of the area. FlyTime Paragliding offers exhilarating tandem flights and motorised tandem flights in and around Sedgefield. Keep in mind that the paragliding site is weather-dependent for the safest flying conditions.
Afrovibe Beach Lodge is a unique one-stop-shop where you can comfortably rest your head at night, have a bite to eat and book adrenaline-filled activities for everyone! The in-house Adventure Centre offers activities like kite surfing, paragliding, surfing, stand-up paddling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking.
Markets
Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market
The award-winning Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market is an institution in Sedgefield and travellers and locals flock to this market every Saturday morning to enjoy a delicious brekkie or stock up on some locally-produced foods. Here you’ll be able to find anything from free-range meats, dairy products, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked and bottled goods, to plants. This market beneath the trees offers you an authentic taste of the Garden Route with locals chatting around tables, live music in the background and a jolly vibe.
The market also promotes environmental awareness by encouraging visitors to reduce their carbon footprint. You can do your part by buying local products and bringing your own travel mug for coffee and cutlery for your brekkie.
The market is open every Saturday morning from 07:30 to 12:00 in summer and 08:00 to 12:00 in winter.
Be sure to pop in at the Mosaic Village & Outdoor Market across the road for some more local treats, as well as the Scarab Village Market a little further away.
Places to Visit
Slow Roasted Coffee Collection
Enjoy a cuppa at Sedgefield’s own coffee roastery, Slow Roasted Coffee Collection, in Mosaic Village & Outdoor Market. This roastery is owned and managed by Paolo and Nicky and they invite you to come and witness the roasting process and enjoy a tasting experience of their delicious coffees. They have three blends, namely Karoo Classic, Coastal Gold and Mosaic, and you can pair this with scrumptious goods baked on site.
If you’re a coffee fanatic you’ll really enjoy this spot — you can chat to the friendly roasters and baristas to learn more about their unique blends and process. Life is too short for bad coffee, so be sure to swing by Slow Roasted Coffee Collection to pick up some beans or enjoy a good cup of coffee.
The coffee shop is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00.
Sedgefield Craft Brewery
When it’s time for a cold one, Sedgefield Craft Brewery is just the place to visit! This boutique-style craft brewery can be found in Scarab Village close to the N2 and you can swing by to stock up on some craft beer, enjoy a free tasting and listen to a beer talk (not on Saturdays).
Tony Hunter is an IT specialist who started brewing beer as a hobby in 1980 and decided to get serious about it five years ago. He opened this brewery, which is owned and run by his family, and today they have seven different handmade beers, Blonde Ale, Autumn Ale, Weiss Beer, Irish Red Ale, India Pale Ale, Tiddly Tortoise and Porter. The Sedgefield locals are crazy about the Blonde Ale, so be sure to order one of those to complete your visit to this unique town.
The brewery is open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00.
Stay Here
Sedgefield epitomises beach-side living with a country atmosphere and we can’t think of a better place to spend a couple of days! With so much to do and explore, you’ll need to get comfortable somewhere. TravelGround has a wide variety of self-catering units and guesthouses in the area to choose from.
Whether you want to break away from the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Garden Route, or experience something that will get your blood thumping through your veins, Sedgefield is the place for you. But don’t just take our word for it, get in the car and go and find out for yourself!
Feature image: Bigstock
This blog was originally written in 2018 and updated in 2023.
