SEDGEFIELD

One's first experience of Sedgefield (480km from Cape Town) is of a holiday town with not much to recommend it. But, off the N2 and away from the bland façade of cheap curio shops, unenticing B&Bs and square 70s architecture, past the pseudo-Roman Pretoria palaces sprouting here, there and everywhere, you'll arrive at a beautiful beach. Segmented by the broad Swartvlei Lagoon and protected from development by a buffer of fynbos-clad sand dunes, the beach has retained an appealing wild element. Sadly, apart from one or two gems, we found little to recommend close to the water.

Things To Do
  • Sedgefield's big drawcard is the Goukamma Nature Reserve (tel 044-802 5310) and the Groenvlei lake falling within its borders. An understated reserve, Goukamma encompasses 14km of beach frontage and some of the country's highest vegetated dunes. Add to the mix several hikes, safe swimming and rustic accommodation, and you have the cherry on Sedgefield's pie.
     
  • Southern right whales often make a cameo appearance along Sedgefield's shores during their late winter breeding season, while bottlenose and common dolphins tend to show up any time of the year. Gericke's Point (off Swartvlei Beach), the parking area at the estuary and Myoli Beach are good viewing points. 
     
  • Take a drive up Cloud 9 Ridge behind the town for a panoramic outlook over the Indian Ocean and the ethereal mountains and lakes circling Sedgefield.