Discover Sedgefield: Beaches and Mosaic Art

Five beaches, public mosaic art and the Swartvlei lake system, which opens to the sea intermittently, reveal different sides of Sedgefield. For planning your trip, it is worth looking at these highlights: coastal areas, the town’s mosaic history and the surrounding nature can be considered separately.

Beaches and water

The five beaches stretch for about eight kilometres, from Platbank Beach in the east to Gericke’s Point farther west. Access to the coast may vary; check local notices before your visit.

The Swartvlei lake system near Sedgefield opens to the sea intermittently. The mouth of the Swartvlei River in Sedgefield is a popular swimming spot, including when the mouth is open to the sea. However, the outgoing tidal current can be strong. Water and tidal conditions vary; follow local safety notices.

Near Sedgefield, Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area lies on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna. Check current access information with the reserve management before planning a visit.

Mosaic art in Sedgefield

The Sedgefield Community Mosaic Project was launched in 2008 by the local NGO Masithandane as a skills-development and support project. Sedgefield is adorned with a diverse collection of almost 50 public mosaic artworks. The number may change as artworks are added or removed.

A self-guided Sedgefield Mosaic Route passes more than 65 mosaic artworks. The route can be completed as a self-drive tour in about 90 minutes. Content and duration may change; check the latest information when planning your schedule for the tour.

On Masithandane’s mosaic art tours, you can meet the team behind the mosaics and hear the stories that inspired the artworks. Tour details may change; confirm availability before your visit.

Masithandane also offers interactive mosaic workshops and classes, as well as mosaic parties for children and adults. Ask the provider about current options, as offerings may change.

The Mosaic Market and Scarab Village offer South African art, handmade clothing, metalwork, wood products, hand-spun wool and ceramics. Offerings and operating arrangements may change; if you are planning a visit specifically, check with the provider for the latest information.

A three-metre-high mosaic statue of the Knysna seahorse is mounted on one of the original fishing boats used at Gericke’s Point; Christopher Fredericks donated the boat.

Paragliding above Sedgefield

Cloud 9 on the ridge above Sedgefield is the main launch site used by paragliding operators. Launch arrangements and availability may change; check with the operators for current options if you are planning a flight.

Discover more destinations: Jacobs Bay, Malgas, Van Wyksdorp, Reebok, Still Bay, Mossel Bay, Witsand, Tergniet.

For the broader travel overview: Eden.