Located in the heart of the Garden Route, George is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Garden Route” due to its central location and excellent transport links. George has plenty to offer visitors, from its charming old town to its beautiful natural scenery, and friendly people.
George is named after the British Monarch, George III and is the largest town on the Garden Route and the second largest in the Western Cape. George serves as a hub for shopping, dining, outdoor adventure and entertainment. George is surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountain range, extensive forests, and pristine coastline, and is perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It’s also home to several prestigious golf courses and offers easy access to nearby nature reserves and hiking trails.
One of the popular attractions in George is the Outeniqua Transport Museum, which celebrates the town’s railway history. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives and carriages, as well as learn about the history of the railway in South Africa. The Saturday Outeniqua Family Food Market and Redberry Farm are our favourite attractions for families. Redberry Farm is a strawberry farm where you can pick your own berries. Experience everything strawberry, artisan food stalls, a restaurant, a giant maze, a miniature replica train (for kids of all ages) and outdoor activities at one of George’s favourite family destinations.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, George is an excellent destination for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. The George Dam is ideal for long walks, mountain bike rides, jogging and paddling. The town is also home to several excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to spend time on your holiday.
George airport offers a convenient travel option between Cape Town (55 min) and Johannesburg (1 hr 50 min). There are several scenic and historic drives in the area. The historic gravel Montagu Pass between George and Oudtshoorn (a National Monument since 1972), winds its way up the mountain through the indigenous fynbos and offers breathtaking views. The Seven Passes starts in George and goes all the way through to Knysna, offering spectacular views of the forest up close.
Victoria Bay
Nestled between two coastal outcrops on the way into George from Wilderness, is Victory Bay. This quaint little bay is a top-rated beach and surf spot, popular throughout the year. On Most hot days, you will find the beach busy with locals as it is one of the safer beaches to swim at in the area. There are several accommodation establishments right on the rocky section of the shoreline, a surf shop and a restaurant. Vic Bay as it is known to the locals is also a great spot to fish, and the small pier above a tidal pool is often busy with expectant fishermen. Surf lessons are a fun activity for visitors to the area.
Kaaimans River
Just outside George, on the way to Wilderness, you will find the Kaaimans River. It’s easy to miss, as the turn-off is at the bottom of the steep N2 pass on the way to Wilderness, but it is really worth exploring. The estuary is unique as the old Outeniqua Choo Tjoe rail bridge (now closed), crosses the mouth. Kaaimans River area is great for paddling, swimming, fishing, walking dogs and SUP-boarding.
Kaaimans Adventures is based here, set in a privately owned Nature Reserve and offering kayak rentals, guided birding/nature walks, trail walks, picnics and meals. Hire a canoe and paddle up the gorge to experience the Kaaimans River Waterfall, a highlight of the area.
Distances:
- Cape Town to George (via N2) – 4 hr 40 min (428 km)
- Gqeberha to George (via N2) – 3 hr 49 min (324 km)
- Gqeberha to George (via N2 and R62) – 4 hr 2 min (356 km)
Nearby Destinations:
- Oudtshoorn
- Mossel Bay
- Wilderness
- Sedgefield
- Knysna
- Plettenberg Bay
- Tsitsikamma Village / Storms River Mouth