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Photo credit: In Toto Retreat
About this place
In Toto Retreat is a solar-powered, contemporary four-star guesthouse on the shores of the Swartvlei Lagoon in The Island Conservancy of Sedgefield, on the Garden Route between George and Knysna. The six individually styled suites and garden rooms each tell a local story: the Swartvlei Suite with 180 degree views over the lagoon, the Goliath Heron Suite where herons, cormorants and egrets jostle in the towering gums, the Seahorse Suite named for the Knysna seahorses of the lagoon, the self-catering Strelitzia Studio, the Yellowwood Room honouring the giant indigenous forests, and the Outeniqua Room, a nod to the mountains. There is a heated pool in the central courtyard, wifi across the property, braai facilities and free parking.
The birding is the point: take the retreat's canoes onto the Swartvlei to find African Fish Eagle, Goliath, Grey and Purple Herons, egrets, cormorants, Red-knobbed Coot and Little Grebe; watch sunbirds and Cape White-eye in the garden; stroll along Swartvlei Beach to Gericke's Point for breeding African Black Oystercatcher and Hartlaub's Gull; and visit the Rondevlei and Malachite bird hides of the Garden Route National Park just 10 km away, where African Spoonbill and Greater Flamingo are possibilities. The Goukamma Nature Reserve, Groenvlei and Platbank add Knysna Turaco, Giant Kingfisher and Malachite Kingfisher. In Toto Retreat is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.
Amenities
Lake view
Bed linen
Wifi
Braai area
Swimming pool
Garden
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Availability
Any room
Any available room
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 3
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September 2026
October 2026
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A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 3
King, twin on request · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious upstairs suite with sweeping 180 degree views of the Swartvlei Lagoon from the balcony. King-size bed (twin on request), en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming services, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,600 per night
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious garden-view room honouring the giant indigenous yellowwood forests of the area, with a king-size bed and walk-in closet. Bathroom with a couple shower, two basins and a bath. Flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,200 per night
King, twin optional · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious garden-view room named for the Outeniqua mountains, with a king-size bed (twin optional) and a comfortable reading chair. Bathroom with shower and bath combination. Flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,200 per night
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Ground floor suite named for the Knysna seahorses of the lagoon, opening onto the central courtyard and pool, with a private patio. King-size bed, en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,400 per night
King plus sleeper couch · 3 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious ground floor studio with a private patio and braai, a king-size bed and sleeper couch, en-suite shower, and a fully equipped kitchenette for optional self-catering. Flat screen TV with streaming and wifi. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,400 per night
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
Spacious suite with partial Swartvlei Lagoon views, the forested dune and stunning sunsets from the balcony, and herons, cormorants and egrets jostling in the towering gum trees. King-size bed, en-suite bath and shower, flat screen TV with streaming, wifi, kettle and bar fridge. Bed and breakfast.
R 2,600 per night
Nature
What lives at In Toto Retreat
16 birds recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Sedgefield
Sedgefield is a beautiful destination in Western Cape, offering visitors access to local amenities, natural attractions, and the authentic character of South African life.
See more places in SedgefieldImportant information
Frequently asked questions
Where is In Toto Retreat located?
In Toto Retreat is in Sedgefield. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at In Toto Retreat?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
How many guests can In Toto Retreat accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 3 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
What causes does a booking at In Toto Retreat support?
A portion of every booking at In Toto Retreat contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book In Toto Retreat?
Select your dates on the In Toto Retreat property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
Book your stay
fromR 2,200/ night
Book on Spekboom. Request to book. You are not charged until the host accepts.
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Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.