This picturesque resort is a nature lover's paradise, offering the visitor a rich and varied birdlife, including marine, estuarine and evergreen forest species which can be viewed along many hiking trails and bird hides. Nature has blessed this area with a pleasant temperate climate, moderate rainfall throughout the year, conducive to an abundance of natural forests, fynbos and a variety of wild flowers. A birdwatchers delight with over 250 listed species.

On the west side of the village lies Swartvlei, by far the largest of the lakes with the estuary forming a safe bathing area for young and old with ablution facilities.

The estuary and endless beaches offer the bather and fisherman days of lazy sunbathing and fishing off the beach or estuary, as well as spearfishing off Gerickes Point, where interesting rock formations will delight the beachcomber who might even come across relics of prehistoric strandlopers.

The very charm and appeal of Sedgefield lies in its very differentness! Right at the centre of the prestigious Garden Route, it still preserves a quiet simplicity seldom found in such surroundings.

It is this that prompts holiday makers to return to Sedgefield year after year. Many have built holiday homes here, coming from places as far afield as the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Canada. A large number of folk are retired professional people and business men who have exchanged the busy social whirl for the unsophisticated and relaxed way of life.

Estate agents in Sedgefield have been very successful in selling quality properties to many visitors from abroad. It is also with their dedication that Sedgefield is growing faster than expected and making it a sought after property investment area.

A fast growing township with municipal status, Sedgefield has a provincial library, 2 schools, several churches, a retirement village and a number of social, cultural and sports associations. It also provides a good infrastructure for both residents and visitors as more businesses open their doors on a frequent basis.
 
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To the East of Sedgefield is Groenvlei, the only freshwater Lake in the district. The lake is renowned for it's Bass fishing and forms part of the Goukamma Nature Reserve stretching across to the Goukamma River estuary at Buffalo Bay. This reserve covers a diversity of habitats and the vegetation ranges from Knysna forest to the coastal dune fiends. The rich birdlife includes the famous Knysna Loerie.

The lakes in the area form an almost continuous water plateau, separated from the Indian ocean by a narrow, dunelike strip of land. There are many trails in this area which is managed by the Rondevlei Wilderness National Park office, where maps of the various trails can be obtained.

" The Pied Kingfisher trail is the longest, being 10km. A 2-3 hour easy circular walk along the Touw river and Serpentine, including the boardwalk.
" Next is the Giant Kingfisher trail which is 7km. A 3-4 hour undemanding forest walk along the Touw river to a waterfall with beautiful rock pools, ideal for a refreshing swim.
" The Brownhooded Kingfisher trail is 6km. An easy 3 hour hike up the Duiwe river valley with spectacular view sites, waterfall and pool.
" The Cape Dune Molerat trail is only 3km. A 1-2 hour walk following the Western bank of the Touw river. Level except for a short climb which is very rewarding.
" The Goukamma Nature Reserve which stretches to Buffalo Bay is about 2 230 hectares and boasts a number of day walks which include trails along the banks of the lake, coastal forest, coastal dune fynbos or along the beach from Plarbank on the Lake Pleasant road, to the Goukamma River mouth.

Information and maps are available at the conservation offices at Groenvlei and Buffalo Bay.

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, one of the last scheduled steam trains still in use, runs daily from George to Knysna and back stopping at Sedgefield Station at 10:53 and 14:23 from George and from Knysna at 10:51 and 15:28 daily except Sundays.
Telephone Info Buro Sedgefield, situated at the station (044) 3432658 for reservations and schedules.

This excursion takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery around the Lakes, golden shoreline and indigenous forests.