George is the largest city in the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of the Western Cape characterized by mountainous scenery and breathtaking coastline. Explore George, discovering its historical sights and sophisticated city centre, before trekking into the rest of the region.
Visit some of George’s historical sites to learn about the city’s past. The Dutch East India company established a woodcutters’ outpost here in the late 18th century that became the town of George in 1811.
Walk down York Street and look for St. Mark’s Cathedral, built in 1850, and King Edward VII Library, an elegant example of Edwardian architecture. Outside the library is the Slave Tree, which was planted at the founding of George and is so called because of the chain and lock around the trunk.
Learn about the timber industry that the city was built on in George Museum. Alternatively, explore the Outeniqua Transport Museum to see historic train engines and vintage cars.
Take your family to Redberry Farm, a fun park and farm where visitors can pick strawberries and travel in a mini train. Ride out onto the pond in a bubble ball or paddle boat and get lost in a vast hedge maze.
Tee off in some of the best golf courses in the country. Fancourt and the George Golf Club are particularly acclaimed for their spectacular 18-hole challenges.
Enjoy George’s scenic location next to the Outeniqua Mountains and put on your hiking boots. Follow one of the walking trails outside the city. Cradock Peak and George Peak are demanding walks with rewarding views at the end.
Fly into George Airport from Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. Rent a car at the airport for flexibility when travelling in George and the surrounding area.
George is a pleasant and exciting destination throughout the year. The summer months in George are lively and hot, and the town is usually packed with visitors to the Garden Route. Come in the milder shoulder months for opportunities to spot wildlife in the nearby ocean.
