Activities in the area 

THINGS TO DO

Riverview House offers a staycation perfectly suited to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Our wood fired hot tub is perfect to soak in as the sun sets over the valley. It is set in a private space to the right of the house, where the wood braai (BBQ) area is located.

Outdoor Fun and Family Activities
Keep the kids entertained and the whole family active with our range of on-site and nearby outdoor activities.
Private Sports Court: Fenced area perfect for basketball, soccer, and tennis wall practice.
Giant Jenga: Oversized wooden block set ready for family fun on the outdoor deck.
Books : Selection of variety of titles should you wish to read or book-swap.

Exploring

• Pine Forest Walks: Access scenic circular trails directly across the road for short or long walks.

• Yellowwood Forest: A magical, natural woodland space below the property for you to explore.

• We have created 2 trails - the Dam trail and the Yellowwood trail - both are weather dependent. Feel free to explore or ask us should you want to confirm availability.

Mountain Biking (MTB) & Cycling

We are absolute mountain biking fanatics! When you stay with us, you have immediate access to a selection of trails for all skill levels from our front gate. Whether you are on an E-bike, a standard mountain bike, or riding with family, the surrounding landscape offers unforgettable routes.

🌲 Forest & Valley Trails (Right from the Gate)

• Endless Exploration: Ride directly into kilometres of scenic pine plantations stretching across the region.

• Karatara & Goukamma Rivers: Explore diverse tracks running from Riverview House to the Karatara River, and east toward the spectacular Goukamma River valley.

• Unbeatable Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views looking straight down into the river valleys below.

• Varied Terrain: Experience a thrilling mix of challenging uphill climbs and long, fast downhill runs deep inside the forest.

• Family Approved: Our family rides these tracks constantly—we use e-bikes, and our 13-yearold son Luke easily navigates them on a standard mountain bike!

🏔 Outeniqua Mountain Adventures (End of the Road)

• Epic Mountain Routes: Discover incredible trail networks starting right at the end of our road and heading into the Outeniqua Mountains.

• Tailored Durations: Choose from rides lasting anywhere between 1 and 4 hours, depending entirely on your stamina and technical skill.

• Diverse Scenery: Pedal through a spectacular, changing landscape of commercial pine, wide open spaces, and ancient indigenous Yellowwood forests. Loop back home through the famous, historic Karatara Village to cap off your ride.

A mountain biker’s paradise awaits both the novice and advanced rider.
From Wilderness to Plettenberg Bay, there are myriad choices for any MTB enthusiast to enjoy.

Click here to look at Sanparks MTB Routes brochure:
www.sanparks.org/parks/garden-route/what-to-do/activities/mountain-biking
and here for an adventure guide:
https://gardenrouteadventureguide.com/choose-your-adventure/mountain-biking/

Water Activities

Water for days - and so much to do, you'll need to book extra time!
The Sedgefield estuary is a water lover’s paradise.
Safe swimming, easy canoeing, boating and skiing are available to you. All on this link:
https://gardenrouteadventureguide.com/
Or swim at Myoli and Cola Beaches (lifeguards on duty in season-please note that there are rip currents and swimming is dangerous without the lifeguards) and just up the road, the beautiful Buffalo Bay.

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

Local History & Scenic Drives: The Karatara Loop

🌊 Ruigtevlei & The Karatara River
Welcome to our beautiful suburb of Ruigtevlei. The peaceful river flowing directly in front of the property is the Karatara River. It serves as the primary water supply for the entire town of Sedgefield, with the local pumping station located just at the bottom of our road.

🚗 The 40-Minute Scenic Circular Drive
For a wonderful local excursion, turn left out of our main entrance and head straight to the end of the road. You will reach the tiny hamlet of Barrington at the end of the road (blink and you will miss it!).
Turn left at the T-junction to traverse the highly scenic Karatara Pass, which forms part of the historic Seven Passes Road.
The pass takes you through a pristine pocket of indigenous forest, giving you a true sense of what this entire region looked like centuries ago. Note: There is a short, well-maintained dirt section on this road before you reach the village.

🏡 Discover Historic Karatara Village
Karatara is a small, historically significant forestry village founded in 1941 to house local woodcutter families.
The settlement features a distinct, vintage grid layout.
It is deeply rooted in timber history, indigenous forest management, and its role as a plantation forestry station.
The Return Loop: After exploring this time-capsule village, follow the main road out the other side. Take the first main tarred turn to the left to loop comfortably back toward the house. (an add on is to look out for the Hoogekraal/George signboard (LHS) that takes you to a river close by for all year round swimming). The Hoogekraal pass is spectacular but road surface can vary and at times narrow with spectacular drop-offs and views.

Along the way
Located just 5 kilometres up the road from us, La Bosca is a beautifully situated restaurant serving exceptional Italian and Portuguese delights. It makes for a perfect lunch or dinner stop during your explorations.
Reservations & Specials: Contact or WhatsApp them on 071 613 4407 to book a table or to ask about their daily specials - La Bosca is our closest local restaurant enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
On your return loop you will find Nostalgia farm stall on your right hand side, just after the Hoogekraal signboard. It is a rustic farm-style cafe, bakery, and antique shop nestled in a peaceful setting, famous for hearty farm meals, fresh daily bread, and a treasure trove of vintage antiques and bric-a-brac.

Wild Oats Organic Market.
Wild Oats is not just a market; it is a celebration of the "Slow Town" philosophy. The strict ethos ensures that every vendor is the primary producer, meaning you buy directly from the farmers, bakers, and artisans who created the goods. It bridges the gap between conscious consumers and sustainable, small-scale farming.

Gorgeous Organic & Fresh Produce
Fill your holiday basket with exceptional, ethically sourced farm goods:

• Harvest-Fresh Veggies: Certified organic, biodynamic, and heirloom vegetables picked straight from local soil.

• Artisanal Dairy & Meats: Free-range eggs, pasture-reared meats, and award-winning local cheeses.

• Pantry Staples: Raw fynbos honey, freshly baked sourdough loaves, and homemade preserves.

• Amazingly Delicious Food Stalls - the sour dough cinnamon buns are close to a religious experience.

The food stalls are really outstanding & too many gems to list here-its a must -take own bags if possible.
Come hungry! The market is world-famous for its open-air breakfast experience.

Mozaic Outdoor Market
Conveniently located right next door to Wild Oats, the Mosaic Market offers a high-energy, colourful sensory experience focusing on exceptional local talent. It features a large, undercover layout with an excellent, lively outdoor atmosphere.
This market offers:

• Artisan Crafts: Handcrafted leather goods, unique clothing, local artwork, and intricate curios.

• The Food Court: A massive variety of international street food stalls, including authentic curries, gourmet burgers, and fresh seafood.

Last but not least

So if you are new to the Garden route, some of the must-do items - please Google at your leisure.
Knysna heads and the charter boats and catamarans that take you there, some offering food or drinks.
Golf, golf, golf - between George and Knysna there are several options. Sedgefield has a mashie as does Blackwater’s near the Buffalo bay turn-off.
Jubilee creek and Millwood gold mines - at the end of the Rheenendal road you will find these - the gold mines have not been maintained but Jubilee creek offers an experience of the Knysna forest where you can picnic or try a variety of hikes.
Buffelsbaai/Buffalo bay - the best beach for kids and adults. Body boarding, surfing, supping and often shallow flats for toddlers to dig and gurgle.
Brenton-on-Sea - a scenic drive with viewpoints over the entire lagoon.
Myoli beach - this is the main beach in Sedgefield. There is a lovely beach walk you can do to the East where you will see remarkable sandstone cliffs along the way.
Cloud 9 paragliding - A favourite spot for those in the know - they offer tandem jumps over Sedgefield.
Gerikes point beach hike - this is a gorgeous beach hike to the “Sphynx” rock formation. Lots of abundant sea life. And on the way there you will pass Sedgefield’s own Padel court and Mashie golf.

Some useful links:
Paragliding: https://paraglideafrica.com/products/tandem-paragliding-experience-garden-route-paraglide-africa
Quad bike riding: https://www.wildx.co.za/
Rock climbing: https://www.easterncaperockclimbing.co.za/location/wolwerivier-sedgfield

Further afield you can visit the Knysna Elephant Park, the Wolf Sanctuary,and the beautiful Plettenberg Bay.

RESTAURANTS

Try some of our Sedgefield delectable options..

We have already mentioned La Bosca down the road (who can also deliver), but should you want to travel into Sedgefield there are many offerings that we can recommend. Sedgefield is not known for fine dining, but there is plenty of very tasty food with a down to earth attitude. We have listed these with the current contact numbers but these may have changed so please Google check if they do not work. You should be able to download up to date menu’s as well.

Montecello - 044 343 1780 - very wide menu - known for outstanding Espetada and Rump steak.They also have great seafood, pasta, pizza....and the heavenly frozen cheesecake (you get the idea) Been there forever and if you go you will see why. Bookings essential.

Pili Pili - 044 343 3087- if you thought Montecello was local, this laid back beachside eatery is a popular choice for those who enjoy barefoot beach sand, wooden benches & variable service. The kids will have fun playing on the dunes. Great for summer sunsets, ice cold beer, sushi, pizza and spicy hot chicken

Texas Grill - 044 001 1938 - modern take on steakhouse fare - yes more steak and pizza and so on. Arguably the best French fries in Sedgefield.

Upstairs at Rosies - 064 651 6517 - you may get the idea that Sedgefield folk have steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner - but I must mention Rosies as the faithful maintain this is the place for meat! There are also options for non meat eaters - situated above the golf mashie course and Padel court.

Mr Kaai - 074 756 8103 - cheap and cheerful fish ‘n chips and more - they say the best in the Southern Cape - you’ll have to tell me what you think.

Moonshine Runners Diner - 044 343 2526. Vegan, Vegetarian, meat and seafood....and pizza. Wholesome, tasty food with large portions.

VDM Bistro - 060 738 3693 - Quirky and fun - I have not been so see online for comments.

Captain’s Cook - 071 252 4796 - newish seafood restaurant - unlicensed so BYOB - Sedgefield needed a dedicated seafood restaurant and by all accounts this is the place.

Wilderness - further afield but worth it if you are after some culinary delights..

The Girls on the Square - 044 877 0445 - this is subjective but we LOVE the girls. The best prawns on the Garden Route,the legendary Girls sauce, the varied fish choices.... Owner Roxy has built up a loyal following over many years and succeeds with a large,varied menu and great wine list.

Mozambik -072 4516162. Budget friendly Portuguese fare with buzzy vibe and fun service

Pomodoro - 044 8771403. Italian favourite. Great traditional fare and great place to people watch

Ilali 044 877 0808. Upmarket eatery with tapas style small plates preferred. Great decor and staff.

Outdoor fun with kids - more about entertainment than food

Riverdeck - N2 turn right at Buffalo Bay turn-off and on RHS. Has LOTS for kids to do and kayaks and pedalos - possibly more fun in Summer but the view over the Goukamma river is very special.

Blackwaters - N2 turn left opposite the Buffalo turn-off - mashie golf course and large rolling lawns in garden type setting with the Goukamma beyond. Great place to eat while the kids play.

Buffalo bay and wildside the former is our best kids beach with beach shack restaurant while Wildside offers an on-the-beach seafood speciality dining experience amidst crashing wave and beach haze.

The Farm - this is situated on Simola hill - lots for the little ones to do while you sip great coffee.

Thesen Island has quite a few restaurants around a central play area for kids - see Tapas and Oysters.

Knysna places to eat and hang out

Il de Pain - 044 302 5705. A Knysna staple on Thesen Island that has been around forever. Outstanding bakery, exceptional breakfasts and lunches and the best Pasteis de Nata I’ve had. Closed Mondays.

Tapas and Oysters - 044 3827916 - a fun vibey Tapas restaurant on Thesen Island with live music, sushi and global food options. Great for fun entertainment with your food. Convenient outdoor play area for kids.

34 Degrees South -044 382 7331. At the Waterfront on the waters edge, excellent all round food and HUGE menu. Excellent staff and tourist vibe and reliable quality despite the large available array.

Drydock - 044 382 7310. Sister to 34 Degrees. Smaller menu covering Sushi, Steak, Seafood and some house specialities. GREAT for sundowners with great views and occasional live music.

Cafe Mario - 044 382 8250. Another favourite speciality Italian dishes in cosy setting.

East Head cafe - 044 384 0933. Day-time local favourite on the Knysna Heads with unforgettable views and unfussy consistently good food. Fantastic burgers, fish and cake. Sit outside if weather permits for best view.

Piza E Vino - 083 227 6211. Great location right on the Knysna heads. A popular choice for many who want pizza or pasta in awesome location with views.

Knysna...further afield

Belividere (worth visiting for the history and ye olde feeling)

Oak Leaf Cafe - 066 141 5204. Day-time delicious home-style cooking for all dietary requirements. Has the best vegan and vegetarian options in the area as well as extremely tasty cakes and bakes. Lovely fireplace inside for cold days along with sunny outside options.

The Bell Tavern - 044 124 0170. Claims to be Knysna’s smallest bar. Specialises in pub grub. A firm favourite for some who like the battered hake, seasonal curries and pies. Sometimes the service is a bit slow, but the setting is very quaint in Belvidere Manor.

Brenton-on-Sea (worth the drive as many photo opportunities and view points)

Butterfly Blue - 044 630 0601. Belongs to same group who have Ilali in Wilderness. Can be hit and miss. Food is generally varied and when its good its very good. Gorgeous weeping sea views towards Buffalo bay make it very worthwhile. The sun sets over the sea in Summer. Interior is modern and airy with heating for chilly Winter evenings.