If the Southern Cape is one of South Africa's most attractive regions, the Sedgefield-Knysna coastal stretch is undoubtedly the heart of the Garden Route. Nestled between the coastal mountain range and the lakes, lined with spacious beaches and lush with vegetation the two urban areas (Sedgefield and Knysna) are among South Africa's most popular vacation and retirement places.
Historically the forests, the lakes and the surrounding agricultural areas constituted the base of the local economy: timber and wood-processing, fishing and a diversity of agricultural products. Yet over the past few decades, tourism and the retirement industry have become the dominant sectors, with Sedgefield still offering vast tracts of under-utilised land close to the sea. The strength of the local economy lies in the diversity of tourism attractions and the range of tourist activities -from mere sightseeing and overnight accommodation to golfing, fishing, hiking, camping, gliding, swimming and many other types of sport. At the same time, Knysna has continuously strengthened its role and significance as a centre for artists and crafters, with the stream of tourists a major stimulant.

Basic Facts
(Knysna-Sedgefield mid-2003)

Population 53 700
(+1 200 p.a.)
Households 15 300
Local labour supply 22 000
(+ 550 p.a.)
African share in the local population 31,9%
Estimated number of
overnight tourists 2002 440 000
long distance day visitors 325 000
regional day visitors 78 000
Total no. of "beds" available locally 7 400
Gross Regional Product R1 100 mill

Tourism share = 35% of the GRP;
42% of employment

Households with %
radio access 80,0
TV access 68,0
computer 16,4
refrigerator 64,5
cellphone access 60,7
Informal dwellings/shacks 24,7 of houses
Flush toilets in dwellings 67,8
Matriculation or higher educational 35,5
level as percentage
of post-school age

Wolfgang Thomas