This busy Southern Cape capital offers excellent Garden Route accommodation and conferencing facilities. Its country hospitality and central position make George an ideal base for a wide variety of activities. George, South Africa, is the 6th oldest town in the country and is named after King George III.
Visitors on a Garden Route holiday can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Outeniqua Mountains and just 10 minutes away is the warm Indian Ocean. Although retaining its traditional charm, this country town has a well equipped infrastructure with sophisticated banking, transport, shopping and sporting facilities.
There are numerous George conference venues and associated team building opportunities. George is located in the triangle between Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route. It is about a 4 hour drive from Cape Town.
George Airport is very busy with scheduled flights from major centres in the country, and services the whole of the Garden Route.
George Accommodation
George accommodation is plentiful and varied. From a first class golf resort and 5 star hotel to homely bed & breakfasts or cottages in the mountains, there is somewhere for every kind of traveller. For a George holiday or Garden Route conference, this town is ideally situated.
Visitors can be accommodated in the beautiful countryside or in town. Numerous Garden Route guest houses in George provide great service and amenities. Delegates can enjoy a number of excellent Garden Route attractions and inland, at Oudtshoorn, see the Cango Caves. Families and those on a budget will find holiday resorts and self catering accommodation in scenic areas around
George and also within 15 minutes drive at Victoria Bay or Herolds Bay which are on the coast. Camping, caravanning and backpacking establishments are also found locally.
George Attractions
George is a popular Garden Route holiday and conferencing destination, it has wonderful weather and lush scenery and there is always plenty to see and do locally, and inland along Route 62.
Climate
George has a steady and warm climate and seldom experiences harsh weather conditions. It's a fabulous winter retreat, especially from May to July and a year-round holiday destination.
Golf
On a George golfing holiday, visitors will find 6 world class courses either in an upmarket resort setting or at the local Country Club. There are several others in this region within a 1 hour radius.
Hiking
Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the forests, mountains, lakes and wild flowers (fynbos and proteas), there are many trails to choose from including one of the oldest and most popular, the Outeniqua Trail. History History buffs can enjoy rambles in and around town; there is a walking tour with a map and other sights around this historic Garden Route town. Outeniqua
Choo-Tjoe
One of the last remaining steam train routes, travelling between George and Mossel Bay, and not to be missed on a Garden Route holiday. Visitors at either end can also see 2 of the largest museums in this area.
Business and education
George is the administrative capital of the Southern Cape and has one of the 7 campuses of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Those looking for a George conference venue will find a number of options and plenty of accommodation. George Airport is connected to all major cities in South Africa by scheduled flights and is the main airport for the Garden Route.
George Activities
Steeped in history, this Garden Route town is a year round destination and ideal for sightseeing and fantastic outdoor activities locally or at the sea, which is just a 10 minute drive away.
This George travel guide to activities in the area offers ideas on what to do:
Local is lovely
Visitors on a George holiday can enjoy wine tastings and tours, cheese tasting tours and state-of-the-art dairy farm tours or the Milkwood Village Friday Night Market. Other delightful treats can include luscious cream teas and fresh country air on a strawberry picking farm, stopping at various farmstalls for fresh produce, or refreshments and children's activities on a local protea farm.
Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and Power Van
A top George attraction - this wonderful steam train travels between George (Outeniqua Transport Museum) and Mossel Bay (Dias Museum Complex). Visitors will journey through tunnels, over passes and see magnificent countryside. Picnics can be taken along.
Art and Craft
For culture there is the George Arts Theatre (also the starting point for walking tours) or visitors can take in a number of Art Galleries and local craft outlets often combined with a tea garden and organic or fresh farm produce.
History
This area has numerous landmarks and National Monuments; many can be seen on a walking route through George with the aid of a local map guide on a Garden Route holiday. Highlights include: Local churches, George Museum, King Edward VII Library, The Slave Tree, Outeniqua Transport Museum (miniature steam train ride for kids), Pacaltsdorp Church.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Hikers will be in their element here with the amazing variety of trails and stunning views. There are 8 different trails in and around George or Montagu Pass, also 7 hikes in the Wilderness National Park. One of the most famous is the Outeniqua Trail, a 7 day adventure above Wilderness and Knysna. Other outdoor adventures include; mountain bike trails, canoeing down the Kaaimans River or abseiling in the gorge, quad biking.
Natural Wonders
George falls within the world renowned Cape Wild Flower Kingdom with spectacular fynbos and many other indigenous plants. Special outings include: Outeniqua Nature Reserve (Khoisan Rock Art), Garden Route Botanical Garden, Seven Passes Road (old road to Knysna through indigenous forest), The Montagu Pass - now a National Monument, and the Succulent Karoo.
Animal Encounters
For a Garden Route safari there are a number of game reserves where large game such as Elephant, Lion and Rhino can be seen. Other exciting choices include: Elephant rides, horse safaris and trails, the Bado Kidogo Bird Farm and nature walks.
Golf
For a definitive golfing holiday there are several 18-hole championship golf courses in George and nearby in Herolds Bay with designs by Gary Player and Ernie Els amongst others. There are another 6 within a 1 hour drive. Short courses are also available in George.
Book your Garden Route holiday today with a Siyabona Africa Consultant!
