Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route
The Groenvlei Lake is known for its diverse bird life and is one of the best venues for large-mouth black bass angling. (Image adapted). © Tracks4Africa
Groenvlei Lake has no rocks, points or drop-offs to speak of, structure here is water grass or reeds, and lots of it. (Image adapted). © Tracks4AfricaGroenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route
Just 5 km east of the holiday town of Sedgefield you will find a unique lake, Groenvlei, sometimes referred to as Lake Pleasant. The lake is not large, maybe 4 km long and 1 km wide, it is also not deep, the maximum depth being around 3 metres with very few deep sections which go up to 5 metres deep. It covers an area in excess of 3 square kilometres and of all the Garden Route lakes, Groenvlei is the most unique. The word Groen is the Afrikaans word for green and this is one of the lakes peculiarities. The water in the lake is clear but has an aquamarine appearance which is caused by the reflection of sunlight on green algae against the light coloured lake floor and the greenery in and around the lake. Another point which makes the lake unique is that it is a fresh water lake which has no recognisable inlet or outlet. It is said that the water seeps up from subterranean channels via springs and is slightly saline. Depending on rainfall and evaporation, the levels in the lake can fluctuate by nearly 2 metres.
The lake is known for its diverse bird life and is one of the best venues for large-mouth black bass angling. The banks of Groenvlei are heavily reeded with fen grass, which in centuries past was trampled by grazing hippos in particular and thirsty wild life like elephant, buffalo, eland and bushbuck which came to drink at the lake. Since these animals no longer roam freely in the area, these reeds appear to be encroaching on the lake. This makes the lake difficult to access in parts except at the few boat jetties and from the lawn near the caravan park, but despite this the lake is still a very popular and pleasant place to swim.
For the angler the lake also stocks Black Bass, Mozambique Tilapia and Carp which can be caught from small electric powered boats only. The decision to introduce these species was taken before the long term consequences of this action could be understood. Sunfish were introduced to feed the Bass and Mosquito fish to eat the mosquito larvae. These imported fish have the potential to destroy the lakes ecosystem. Groenvlei has no rocks, points or drop-offs to speak of, structure here is water grass or reeds, and lots of it. There are also random patches of grass in other parts of the lake including the centre.
The annual Garden Route Bass Classic is held at Groenvlei in late April each year.
Accommodation Near Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route
Kiewietjie Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
5km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteKiewietjie Cottage offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Sedgefield and offers guests three comfortable furnished self-catering units. The 2 bedroom units have a view on th …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elfransa Beach Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
5.1km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteElfranse Beach Cottage provides self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Situated on the front row of Myoli Beach, 150m from the main swimming area and whale-watching platform. This 90 square meter two-bedroom Sedgefield cottage is... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
40 Montage Village
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
6.4km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route40 Montage Village offers self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. This is the perfect holiday house (8 sleeper) to spend a relaxed carefree holiday. Overlooking a bird sanctuary and in a secure complex this modern holiday house is central …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oribaai (Oppibaai & Bydibaai)
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
13.3km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteThe Beach Cottage has 3 units available - Oribaai / Oppibaai & Bydibaai in Buffelsbaai that is located in the heart of the Garden Route, 15km from Knysna and Sedgefield. This isolated tranquil village only 200 houses allowed, has supreme safe beaches... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
13.5km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteCliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elephant Rest Forest Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
15.6km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteElephant Rest is a private, self catering, tranquil getaway retreat experience. Situated on the edge of the awesome Lawnwood indigenous forest. Experience the peace and beauty of nature, abundant bird life, close to mountain biking, hikes, waterfalls... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
16.2km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteOyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Salt River Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
17.2km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteSalt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
17.4km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden RouteLagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
18km from Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route36 Ridge Dr Knysna is a stylish self catering holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Perched on the hillside of Paradise/Knysna Heights, it is only a few minutes drive from the town centre with its endless array of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Groenvlei, Sedgefield (2.31km)
- Smutsville (3.57km)
- Groenvallei (3.61km)
- Cola Beach (3.94km)
- Ruigtevlei (Sedgefield) (4.16km)
- Sedgehill (Sedgefield) (4.63km)
- Myoli Beach (Sedgefield) (4.79km)
- Sedgefield (4.84km)
- The Island (Sedgefield) (7.44km)
- Karatara (11.24km)
- Rheenendal (11.38km)
- Buffels Bay (12.97km)
- Phantom Acres (13.59km)
- Belvidere Estate, Knysna (14.39km)
- Rondevlei (16.54km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon - Sedgefield, Garden Route (5.83km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (7.55km)
- Wild Oats Community Farmers Market - Sedgefield, Western Cape (7.83km)
- Swartvlei - Wilderness National Park, Garden Route (10.20km)
- Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route (10.63km)
- Wilderness National Park - nr George, Garden Route (15.02km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (17.52km)
- Bo-Langvlei - Wilderness, Garden Route (17.92km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (18.65km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (19.06km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (19.18km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (19.35km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (19.45km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (19.73km)
