South Africa - Garden Route - Sedgefield

 

Myoli Beach Sedgefield

We recently visited Sedgefield, a town along the N2 and Garden Route of South Africa

Somehow, one always seems to bypass Sedgefield in a hurry to get to the more well known towns of Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. This time we stayed and what a surprise it turned out to be. Don't be put off by the endless row of shops lining the N2 - there is so much more to explore in this town.

We were amazed with both the history and the mosaics in this town.

The Sedgefield website is extremely well done and is well worth a read to discover just how much there is to this "Slow Town" 

https://www.discover-sedgefield-south-africa.com/

Swartvlei Estuary

We particularly loved the amazing beaches in Sedgefield - from Gericke's Point all the way to Cola Beach one can walk for miles and miles, especially at low tide.
The hike to Gericke's Point is approx. 4km and should be done at low tide. Offering lovely views and the highest fossil dunes in South Africa. It is one of those hikes that everybody needs to do at least once.
Swartvlei Beach is ideal for surfing, horse riding, running, angling or swimming
Sedgefield Lagoon mouth is on the estuary on the swimmers here love to ride with the current down towards the sea! When we first saw this we though the guy was in trouble but we soon realised that this is a favourite sport for the locals! 
Myoli Beach has a restaurant very close by - this is extremely popular. Kite surfing and fishing are popular here as well as being a sun-tanning spot during the summer months. 
For a really long run or walk, try Cola Beach - it's gorgeous, quiet and goes on forever!

We also loved walking along the river banks at low tide - accessed from The Island. Bird life was interesting and the views are lovely. We did get sucked into a very muddy patch - I nearly lost my shoes but I managed to get out without too much damage other than extremely muddy shoes and ankles!

The Saturday Market is well known and a must visit if you are in the area on a Saturday. It gets very busy so go early. 
We found the mosaics fascinating and these are found all over the town - read the history behind this project on the website link above.

All in all, an interesting and beautiful area of the Garden Route of South Africa - take some time to branch off the N2 and enjoy the peace and natural beauty that surrounds the town of Sedgefield. 

Photographers will also enjoy the various moods and lighting conditions over the estuary and the beaches - it's a fun place to visit once you realise that there is more to this Garden Route town than meets the eye from the N2!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com

South Africa Garden Route - Buffalo Bay and Goukamma Nature Reserve

 

Buffalo Bay 

There are many places to visit on the Garden Route - on this day we visited Buffalo Bay, off the N2 towards Knysna. The wind was howling in "Buffs" as the surfers love to call this place. But the hardy souls had already claimed their "braai" places along the coast despite the wind! Most of the benches have surfing boards attached to them and these are all beautifully decorated. 

This bay is apparently surfers paradise but there is a "Shark Kit" as you go down to the beach.

This was most probably installed after a shark attack in 2015 when a young student lost a leg.

Whether the advice below is good or not,  

"As the shark swims around you, keep your head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact. “Sharks are ambush predators,” Peirce explained. “If you're turning around and facing it the whole time while it circles you, it's not going to be half as comfortable as if it's able to sneak up from behind.”

However, if you are a surfer, you would chat to the locals and get up-to-date info and advice. 

Buffalo Bay 

The beach is very long and one can walk as far as Brenton on Sea, near Knysna if exercise is your daily "fix" on land rather than in the sea! As with most seaside towns in South Africa, many of the homes are holiday houses. There is a caravan park right on the rocky coastline - with amazing views if you can get a seafront stand. 

We really loved the holiday vibe of this coastal village, despite the crazy wind. People are friendly and those "braai" places just beg to be used while sitting on one of the surf board benches. There is plenty of parking and a large restaurant overlooking the bay.

Buffalo Bay

Goukamma Nature Reserve is just along the road back towards the N2.

There is a small entrance fee and the day we visited there was a large group of pensioners going to the picnic area for some bubbly, lively chatter and their picnic fare. It looked very inviting and a perfect place for a group outing.

Nature lovers can take a picnic into the reserve, or book a stay for a night or two in order to enjoy some of the hiking trails. 

Goukamma River

There are numerous hiking trails within the reserve and we watched as some hikers pulled themselves back across the river in the tiny ferry boat! It works - although maybe some muscle power is required!

Goukamma Ferry

"The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher. There are two indigenous and four alien species of fish found in Groenvlei Lake. Visitors enjoy the sight of the magnificent southern right whales between June and November. Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins play in the waves throughout the year".

A great time to visit is in September/October when the first spring rains create splashes of bright spring flowers amid the fynbos. This is a year-round destination, as it falls between the Cape’s summer and winter rainfall seasons"

https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/goukamma-nature-reserve

We loved walking along the river (park on the side of the road before you get to the entrance to the actual Reserve) as the views are amazing and the birdlife is prolific. At low tide it makes for a wonderful walk. No dogs are allowed on this section because of the bird life so please leave your doggie at home. The gulls were very protective of the youngsters and we really got told off by one of them. It was both funny and rather endearing to see this level of care from the mother of a chick that was already fairly big. There was no mistaking the fact that I was being told, in no uncertain terms, to back off.

Goukamma River Walk

The river walk was serene with only one lone fisherman seen on the opposite bank of the river. So, if you want to be in tune with nature, this walk is highly recommended. The views are awesome and it's a great spot for photography. 

Goukamma River

All in all, a great day's outing whether you are based in Sedgefield or Knysna, 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Touw River Boat Cruise - Wilderness

 

If you love nature and enjoy doing the options available in Wilderness (Garden Route,South Africa)

then a boat cruise up the Touw River is an ideal excursion.

Pass the reed lined wetlands, gasp at the luxury homes along the estuary or look out for the wild birds.

You will also see the lagoon where it meets the sea, then the really peaceful section goes past the Fairy Knowe Hotel, the Ebb and Flow Nature Reserve (camping and rondavels) and further up where there is complete silence.

Bookings can be made online @ 

www.wildriversafaris.co.za

The river is also ideal for canoeing - good exercise in a peaceful, natural area.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

    For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

 www.bradclin.com