George, Garden Route
Lying in a fertile, rich valley, surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, forests, rivers and prosperous farmlands, George lies just 420 km from Cape Town and 320 km from Port Elizabeth, making it a perfect stopover from which to explore the Garden Route.
Regarded as the administrative capital of the Southern Cape, George is a rather big town with a sophisticated infrastructure. It has redressed its former image of an industrial town to that of a major tourist mecca - not hard to do when you have two of the top ten golf courses in South Africa, theatres, a wide expanse of forest, rivers and the Indian Ocean on your doorstep.
If history is to be believed, then this beautiful part of the world was only explored in 1688, well after Dias had landed in Mossel Bay in 1488, in the hope of finding meat and fresh water. To the Khoi people, who lived in this rich valley, the region was known as Outeniqualand - the ‘land of milk and honey’ - which aptly describes this lush and green paradise. A settlement was established here in 1811 and named George Town after the reigning monarch of England at the time.
George has always been an easy-going hamlet, with a laidback approach that allows one to easily enjoy the beauty of the natural setting. Hikes in and around George provide a number of wonderful views over George and the coast and expose one to the indigenous fynbos of the area. These include the three routes of the Groene Weide forest walks, starting at Saasveld College at the northern point of one of the golf courses and George Peak and Cradock’s Peak trails, difficult walks but worth it for the sheer magnetism of the views.
Fondly known as ‘cold and wet’, after their car registration - CAW - George is anything but. The moderate climate makes George ideal for outdoor adventure all year round and activities include: fishing, hang-gliding, diving, water skiing, cycling, canoeing, climbing, sailing, windsurfing and surfing.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) George
Fancourt Bramble Hill Golf Course
Fancourt has four golf courses to offer the golfing visitor. All the courses are renowned for their amazing year round condition and the attention to detail that is shown. Bramble Hill offers a good mix of the estate's other three courses. The course is a public 'Pay for Play' facility and has been designed to... more information
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course
Fancourt has four golf courses to offer the golfing visitor. All the courses are renowned for their amazing year round condition and the attention to detail that is shown. With two 18-hole parkland courses, The Montagu, that took shape under master golfer Gary Player, worldclass conditioning... more information
Fancourt Outeniqua Golf Course
Fancourt has four golf courses to offer the golfing visitor. All the courses are renowned for their amazing year round condition and the attention to detail that is shown. With two 18-hole parkland courses The Outeniqua , that took shape under master golfer Gary Player, worldclass conditioning... more information
Fancourt The Links Golf Course
Fancourt has four golf courses to offer the golfing visitor. All the courses are renowned for their amazing year round condition and the attention to detail that is shown. Unique to South Africa, The Links golf course was officially opened in November 2000, by owner Dr Hasso Plattner and course designer... more information
George Golf Club
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua mountains, George Golf Club is among the oldest courses in the country. George country club has for many years maintained a worthy rating amongst the top ten golf courses in South Africa. Currently rated 7th in the country, some rate it as... more information
Oubaai Golf Course
Situated only 8 kilometres from George, in the design of the Oubaai 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Driving Range, Ernie Els and his team have taken full advantage of the spectacular site they are working with. The Golf Course at Oubaai is a Links layout where veld grasses line the lush... more information
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe
One of the few remaining steam trains in the country. Steam enthusiasts are in their element and everyone enjoys the splendid views of lakes, forests, beaches and cliffs on the train's coastal route between George and Knysna. One-way 3 hour trip, Monday to Friday and ... more information
Outeniqua Nature Reserve
Not far from George on the Garden Route, the Outeniqua Nature Reserve lies in the heart of the Outeniqua Mountains, its 38 000 hectares divided up over the impressively solid barrier that separates the high rainfall, and subsequent abundance of the Garden Route, from the miraculously contrasting and arid Little Karoo ... more information
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Things To Do in George
Quad Biking in the Garden Route
Where: George
How much (per person): On Request
Only five minutes from George in the Garden Route you can experience the thrill of driving your own quad through beautiful scenery while hav ... more information
Pick Strawberries at Red Berry Farm
Where: George
How much (per person): not specified
Pick your own strawberries at Red Berry Farm in George! You can pick strawberries, eat them, drink them all day long, while enjoying the won ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in George
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On Holiday in George
• George Map
• George Accommodation
• George Hotels
• Garden Route Accommodation
• Garden Route Hotels
• Western Cape Accommodation
Visiting George?
Also see Things To Do in Garden Route or check out Things To Do in Garden Route to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to the Garden Route
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Garden Route Search by Map
- Garden Route Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring the Garden Route
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
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