George is known as the capital of the Garden Route and Southern Cape, and is the perfect base from which to explore the miles of amazing Garden Route attractions.
George attracts visitors for both business and pleasure as it is a popular town for conferences and holidays. It’s also the commercial hub of the Garden Route. George is found at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountain range and is easily accessible from the N2 highway. Conveniently, it is also about halfway between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and nearby to Knysna and Mossel Bay. George has a small airport as well, simply called the George Airport, about 7km from the city centre. Regular flights are available to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Accommodation Options
About George
Today, George is considered as a large town; however, it has done an excellent job in keeping its really nice and friendly, laidback atmosphere, which is ideal for holiday-makers. It is the sixth oldest town in the country as its beginning was around the early 1800’s, and was originally called Georgetown. It was established as a timber supplier to the Cape Colony. The interesting history of George’s timber industry can be explored in further detail at the George Museum, or you can follow the timber route past several intriguing furniture shops, for example, Touw Meubels, De Steyl and Woodcraft.
Although George is not directly located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, several popular and lovely beaches can be easily reached in a few minutes by road. Surfing is outstanding at Victoria Bay (about 9km from the city) and is a good spot for watching whales and dolphins too, especially between June and November, while a great choice for swimming is Herold’s Bay, with several rock pools and safe tidal swimming conditions. Additional beaches nearby include Glentana, Breakwater Bay, Oubaai, the Blue Whale Resort near Pacaltsdorp and the beaches of Wilderness.
George Attractions
Flora and Natural Gardens
Anyone keen on flora and natural gardens will find George to be a splendid place. It is recognised as one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and is also the largest area of natural forest in the country. Approximately 8,000 plant species can be discovered in and around George, with 70% of the species unique to the area. Fynbos is plentiful, as well as the King Protea and the gorgeous Red Disa. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is a lovely outing and the only botanical garden in South Africa that is indigenous.
Festivals
This large town even has a fair number of very popular festivals if you would like to time your visit with one of them. The George Old Car Show has been happening for a good number of years and hosts thousands of fascinating car models dating from the beginning of their invention to the latest creations. Besides the cars, plenty of entertainment is provided for the whole family. In winter, the George Cheese Festival is definitely worth attending.
Golf
Two of South Africa’s best golf courses are found nearby George. One of them is the ever-popular and highly sophisticated establishment of the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate with Gary Player designed, 18-hole, championship golf courses.
Energetic Activities
George has plenty to offer in terms of adrenaline-pumping and more energetic activities. Arrangements can be made to go abseiling, sandboarding, canyoning, caving (at Oudtshoorn), quad biking, 4×4-ing, dolphin watching, paragliding, deep-sea angling, wave-rafting and wall climbing.
Historical Attractions
Historical attractions include the George Museum, the Slave Tree (one of George’s most well-known landmarks), and the Pacaltsdorp Church, which is the oldest place of worship in the area. If you are keen on locomotives then a stop at the Outeniqua Railway Museum is a definite must. This museum is great fun for children as well, as steam train rides are offered and there is a playground. At one of the town’s oldest and most attractive houses, the Meade House, you can have a light meal at the Conservatory.
Arts and Crafts
Experience some unique South African arts and crafts and do some shopping in George. The Strydom Gallery is highly recommended, and filled with over 160 paintings, sculptures and other varieties of art works, while at the Marklaan Centre you can find additional art treasures and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the renovated 19th century buildings. A farmer’s market is held here as well, on Friday mornings. Another market available is the House of Ngamathuba, just opposite the Wilderness Hotel. Recently, the biggest shopping centre along the Garden Route was built in George. It’s called the Garden Route Mall and it has an excellent selection of shops.
Families
Families have lots to do in George. They can pick strawberries at Red Berry Farm, take a trip on the Outeniqua Power Van into the Outeniqua Mountains, visit the Bado Kidogo (bird breeding farm) or tour the Silver Lily Cheese Farm for an excellent session of cheese tasting. Thembalethu is a wonderful cultural experience focusing on various Xhosa traditions, such as song and dance, foods and drinks and crafts and rituals. Just up the road from George is also the huge Garden Route Dam that an ideal spot for a picnic or for just soaking up the absolute beauty of the area.
Mountain Passes
With the Outeniqua Mountains just a step away you will find several mountain passes with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Two of the most popular are the Outeniqua and Montagu Passes, while the Seven Passes Road is the original link between George and Knysna, and it makes its way through indigenous forest. The Seven Passes Route will also take you on a fascinating journey past Edwardian bridges, farmlands and steep ravines.
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Accommodation Options
- About George
-
About George
Today, George is considered as a large town; however, it has done an excellent job in keeping its really nice and friendly, laidback atmosphere, which is ideal for holiday-makers. It is the sixth oldest town in the country as its beginning was around the early 1800’s, and was originally called Georgetown. It was established as a timber supplier to the Cape Colony. The interesting history of George’s timber industry can be explored in further detail at the George Museum, or you can follow the timber route past several intriguing furniture shops, for example, Touw Meubels, De Steyl and Woodcraft.
Although George is not directly located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, several popular and lovely beaches can be easily reached in a few minutes by road. Surfing is outstanding at Victoria Bay (about 9km from the city) and is a good spot for watching whales and dolphins too, especially between June and November, while a great choice for swimming is Herold’s Bay, with several rock pools and safe tidal swimming conditions. Additional beaches nearby include Glentana, Breakwater Bay, Oubaai, the Blue Whale Resort near Pacaltsdorp and the beaches of Wilderness.
- Attractions
-
George Attractions
Flora and Natural Gardens
Anyone keen on flora and natural gardens will find George to be a splendid place. It is recognised as one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and is also the largest area of natural forest in the country. Approximately 8,000 plant species can be discovered in and around George, with 70% of the species unique to the area. Fynbos is plentiful, as well as the King Protea and the gorgeous Red Disa. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is a lovely outing and the only botanical garden in South Africa that is indigenous.
Festivals
This large town even has a fair number of very popular festivals if you would like to time your visit with one of them. The George Old Car Show has been happening for a good number of years and hosts thousands of fascinating car models dating from the beginning of their invention to the latest creations. Besides the cars, plenty of entertainment is provided for the whole family. In winter, the George Cheese Festival is definitely worth attending.
Golf
Two of South Africa’s best golf courses are found nearby George. One of them is the ever-popular and highly sophisticated establishment of the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate with Gary Player designed, 18-hole, championship golf courses.
Energetic Activities
George has plenty to offer in terms of adrenaline-pumping and more energetic activities. Arrangements can be made to go abseiling, sandboarding, canyoning, caving (at Oudtshoorn), quad biking, 4×4-ing, dolphin watching, paragliding, deep-sea angling, wave-rafting and wall climbing.
Historical Attractions
Historical attractions include the George Museum, the Slave Tree (one of George’s most well-known landmarks), and the Pacaltsdorp Church, which is the oldest place of worship in the area. If you are keen on locomotives then a stop at the Outeniqua Railway Museum is a definite must. This museum is great fun for children as well, as steam train rides are offered and there is a playground. At one of the town’s oldest and most attractive houses, the Meade House, you can have a light meal at the Conservatory.
Arts and Crafts
Experience some unique South African arts and crafts and do some shopping in George. The Strydom Gallery is highly recommended, and filled with over 160 paintings, sculptures and other varieties of art works, while at the Marklaan Centre you can find additional art treasures and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the renovated 19th century buildings. A farmer’s market is held here as well, on Friday mornings. Another market available is the House of Ngamathuba, just opposite the Wilderness Hotel. Recently, the biggest shopping centre along the Garden Route was built in George. It’s called the Garden Route Mall and it has an excellent selection of shops.
Families
Families have lots to do in George. They can pick strawberries at Red Berry Farm, take a trip on the Outeniqua Power Van into the Outeniqua Mountains, visit the Bado Kidogo (bird breeding farm) or tour the Silver Lily Cheese Farm for an excellent session of cheese tasting. Thembalethu is a wonderful cultural experience focusing on various Xhosa traditions, such as song and dance, foods and drinks and crafts and rituals. Just up the road from George is also the huge Garden Route Dam that an ideal spot for a picnic or for just soaking up the absolute beauty of the area.
Mountain Passes
With the Outeniqua Mountains just a step away you will find several mountain passes with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Two of the most popular are the Outeniqua and Montagu Passes, while the Seven Passes Road is the original link between George and Knysna, and it makes its way through indigenous forest. The Seven Passes Route will also take you on a fascinating journey past Edwardian bridges, farmlands and steep ravines.
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-
Enquire Now
Along with the mentioned attractions and many more, George also has no shortage of excellent restaurants and wonderful places to stay. This, together with its comfortable oceanic climate, makes George a place that has much to offer its visitors.
Give us a call if you are thinking of staying in George, as we can always get excellent prices for accommodation, and only recommend the best, the loveliest and the most interesting places to stay.
