Family holidays in the summer are as South African as sunny skies and braaivleis, it seems. Our family waited until early-January each year — when the ‘Vaalies’ have gone home, my folks used to say — to make our annual pilgrimage up to the Garden Route town of Sedgefield. The drive seemed to last roughly half my young lifetime (although in reality it’s only about five hours), but it was always worth it.

We’d stay in a self-catering chalet at the Montmere Holiday Resort and spend the next week or so on an idyllic family holiday. Fishing, sailing, boogie-boarding, sand-castles, rock pools, pizza, braais, trampolines… it’s the stuff of dreams for an outdoorsy 10-year-old.

My wife and I spent a mini-honeymoon in Sedgefield a few years back (but not at the family resort!), and it was heartening to see the town is still one of the gems of the Garden Route. A little bigger, perhaps, but still a laid-back place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s spared the crowds of nearby Knysna.

With my rose-tinted glasses on, it certainly ranks high on my list of top spots for a family holiday. If you go, make sure you…

Stay at…
Well, your choice is really between the family-friendly lakeside resorts, or a self-catering holiday cottage either on the lake or closer towards the lagoon mouth. The resorts are ideal for hassle-free family escapes, but they can be crowded in the peak season. Private cottages are a better bet for couples, or if you don’t appreciate the sound of shrieking kids that aren’t your own.

Click here for a range of accommodation options.

Eat at…
Sedgefield isn’t known for its culinary prowess, but Trattoria Da Vinci is perhaps your best bet. Although unlikely to win any design awards, the restaurant serves up excellent wood-fired pizza as well as freshly made pasta.

Stock up at…
The Wild Oats Farmer's Market has become a Garden Route institution, with over 60 stalls offering the finest local farm produce, home-baked goodies, plants and flowers. You can either enjoy an outdoor breakfast at the market, or fill up your picnic basket for later. Wild Oats takes place every Saturday morning, year-round. Look for the sign near the Engen.

Swim at…
The town boasts five beaches, but perhaps your best bet is the aptly-titled Sedgefield Beach. You can either swim in the waves, or enjoy the river where the lagoon meets the sea. Just watch out for the currents, which can be strong when the tide is running. There’s no shortage of sand for building castles and mermaids.

The area's stunning lakes are also good for swimming, but access can be a problem unless you’re staying at one of the resorts. The Lakes are also ideal for fishing and boating, but remember that the wind can pick up considerably in the afternoon.

Explore…
Turn left off the N2 a short way outside of town (on the road towards Wilderness) to head for the parking lot for Gericke's Point. Often known as ‘Lion Rock’ — it’s shaped like a resting lion — the Point is a wonderful place for kids to explore. With rock pools and overhangs, it’s best to visit at low tide when there’s bound to be a few critters left behind. Remember to wear shoes to protect against the sharp rocks, and you can even snorkel in the larger rock pools when the tide is out. Don't even think about swimming off the rocks though… apart from some nasty currents, the Point is also known for being sharky.

Remember that…
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe no longer runs past Sedgefield on its way to George. The line outside Wilderness was washed away in heavy storms in 2006, and for the foreseeable future this Garden Route icon will only run from George to Mossel Bay.

Childhood holidays are a pretty good benchmark for the travels that follow, so make this summer one to remember. Click here to browse over 7000 places to stay across SA. To find out more on Sedgefield and surrounds, visit www.tourismsedgefield.co.za.

Where is your favourite holiday spot? Post your comments below or drop me a mail with your favourite family holiday spot, and the special spots to stay, eat and explore…

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