Location: South Africa » Western Cape » Garden Route » GeorgeGeorge - The western gateway to the Garden Route George lies at the some 10 kilometres away from the sea at the foot of the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains. The beginnings of the town date back to the year 1776, when the Dutch-East Indian Trading Company established here one of its timber supply bases. George was officially only founded in 1811 by the British who named the place after the then king George III. Initially George grew very slowly, mainly because roads viable for ox wagons were missing in the hardly accessible Outeniqua Mountains. Only with the opening of the Outeniqua Pass in the year 1847, trade with the inland could develop and George began to flourish Today, George has about 130.000 people and is the administrative and economic centre of the Garden Route with an air of prosperity about it. A modern airport (8 kilometres out of town) links it to the net of South African Airways. George is fast developing into South Africas golf paradise. Three of South Africas "top ten" golf courses are to be found in George. Particularly popular is the enormous Fancourt Golf Estate with its 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. In the huge park grounds also lie a golf academy, an exclusive hotel, a conference centre, a couple of restaurants and a great number of sporting facilities. GEORGE (Including Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay) The town is situated in a scenic environment between the OUteniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, within easy driving distance of all the Garden Route’s major attractions – this makes George an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas – even the Little Karoo with it’s silent beauty. GENERAL INFORMATION How to get there Mossel Bay 54 km, Oudtshoorn 59 km, Knysna 71 km, Cape Town 438 km, Beaufort West 258 km. Altitude: 221 m above sea level Average Rainfall: 71,5 mm per year Average Temperatures: Summer 22°c; winter 20°c Banks Absa, Boland, First National Bank, NBS, Nedbank, Permanent, Saambou, Standard Dams The Garden Route Dam supplies the town with water Rivers Camfersdrift River, Kat, Malgas, Mitchells, Schaapkop HISTORICAL VIEW Church of St Peter and St Paul The oldest exisiting Roman Catholic Church in South Africa Drostdy Graceful old building at the top of York street which houses the museum George Museum Exhibits depict the history of the timber industry. On display is old timber tools and implements, a yellowwood woodcutter’s cottage and and outdoor selection of labeled indigenous trees. The fairy painting by Ruby Reeves, a large collection of mechanical instruments and massive printing presses can also be viewed. Old Slave Tree In fron the Old Library. This famous landmark has a chain embedded in it’s gnarled trunk, with the remains of a heavy lock still attached to it. It is told that slaves were chained to the tree before being auctioned. Outeniqua Railway Museum Only National Railway Museum in South Africa. Locomotives, PWI equipment, coaches and road transport items are some of the exhibits on display. NATURE Montagu Pass This pass, declared a National Monument, offers spectacular views. Completed in 1848 under the guidance of Henry Fancourt White. It took him and 250 convicts only 4 years to complete this arduous task. Seven Passes Road Original road between George and Knysna, winding through indigenous forests, crossing Edwardian bridges and affording dwellers a mosaic experience of the country side. Timber Route The route starts at the George Museum with it’s extensive wood exhibition and takes you to some of the finest wood and furniture factories. ATTRACTIONS Annual Events Garden Route expo – February Art Festival – March Internat Veteran Tennis Tournament – March / April Billabong Junior Surfing Competition Castle Lite Half Marathon and Marathon – April Cape Quad Surfing Competition – June Eco Step Outdoor Festival South Cape Art Exhibition Far Hills Half Marathon – July Grasveld Goud Kultuurweek Flower Show – September Rose Show Wild Flower Show – October Lions train trip to Campher Choo-Tjoe Steam Train Race – November Festival of Lights Palm Tyres Half Marathon Herold’s Bay Festival – December Bado Kidogo Bird breeding farm. Observe 150 different bird species and 400 varieties Crocodile Farm Breeding farm. Feeding time 15:00 every day Dutch Reformed Church Beautiful yellowwood pillars and dome and a carved stinkwood pulpit Farmlands Animal Farm Catering especially for children – pony rides and cuddly animals. Herold’s Bay 18 km southwest of George, the beautiful seaside resort of Herold’s Bay offers safe bathing and a tidal pool. Herold’s Bay is popular for it’s fine beaches and it’s excellent fishing spots. Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Lovers of steam trains can enjoy a sentimental steam train ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. The train follows the scenic coastal route between George and Knysna. Daily except on Sundatys and certain public Holidays. St Mark’s Cathedral With it’s beautiful strained glass windows, this is one of the smallest Anglican Cathedrals in South Africa. 
  
Accommodation in and around Kwazulu Natal Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Tilletudlem is renowned for its tranquility and beauty. Situated in the beautiful Dargle region of the Midlands, whether you are here to fly fish on one of our magnificent dams, walk the mountains or simply let us spoil you with excellent cuisine and... More
Engeleni Lodge & Mayfly Cottage accommodation in Kwazulu Natal A soul rejuvenating experience and a wonderfully warm welcome awaits you at this destination. Situated on a working dairy farm called Prosper, nestled in the Kamberg Valley, with sweeping, panoramic views of the Ukhahlumba Drakensburg World Heritage ... More
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Having been one of the originators of the Country House movement in the 1980's, Richard and Mouse then travelled overseas working and absorbing the "foodie" world with a view to opening Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse - their intimate gour... More
Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Jozini Tiger lodge is situated along the banks of the picturesque Jozini dam of KwaZulu Natal. Situated in the heart of the Kingdom of the Zulu with its rich heritage and untamed natural beauty, Tiger Lodge is an exciting holiday destination... More
Wiley Trout Club accommodation in Kwazulu Natal High in the hills of picturesque East Griqualand is Hermon Farm, home to the Wiley Trout Club. This scenic 48 hectare dam is mature, with a well established ecosystem and varies from 1 to 5.5m deep. Weed beds, drop offs and channels offer superb op... More
Castleburn accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Nestled among the foothills of the southern Drakensberg, this scenic mountain resort offers the ideal getaway for those in search of nature’s beauty and peace.With Lake Madingofani at its feet, Castleburn lures eland, reedbuck and numerous bird... More
Thendele Hutted Camp (Royal Natal National Park) accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Thendele hutted camp is situated in one of the most picturesque settings in the country with a view of the world famous amphitheatre from every chalet. The camp nestles below the brooding sandstone cliffs of Dooley among yellowwood forests and protea... More
Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve™, the premier wild-trout flyfishing destination in Southern Africa, is a registered site of Conservation Significance (site no 49). Home to prolific wildlife and waterfowl, it has been called “one of the most... More
Glenrock Game & Trout accommodation in Kwazulu Natal The property is a large (820 ha) Highveld Farm, only 2 hours drive from Durban. It is between Mooi River and Greytown off... More
Brackenburn Trout Retreat accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Well appointed, newly-built self catering cottage for six overlooking a dam. Little Mooi river frontage. Set in the beautiful Kamberg Valley, in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Peacefull and private. Fully serviced, bed line... More
Sheltered Vale Cottages accommodation in Kwazulu Natal In the majestic Kamberg Valley, on the quieter side of the Midlands Meander, lie Sheltered Vale Cottages.We offer you tranquillity amongst wildlife and scenic beauty on our 3,000-acre estate.Just 6 kilometres from Rosetta, on tar all the way to your ... More
Lake Naverone accommodation in Kwazulu Natal In a valley among the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg – a World Heritage Site – lies a secluded lake, a natural sanctuary far from the distractions of modern life. This is where Paul and Jenny van Tichelen chose to set their dr... More
Pile-Inn Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Sue and Ian Pile, look forward to welcoming you to our quaint B&B. Pile-Inn B&B recently attained Semi Finalist with the AA Travel Guides, based purely on guest comments! We offer 4 cozy and comfortable bedrooms, all en suite, of which two ar... More
Heronmoor Retreat accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Nestled in a tranquil valley in the Kamberg region and enjoying stunning views of Giant’s Castle and the Drakensberg, Heronmoor is the perfect place to take a break or stop over on the way to Durban. Our luxury self-catering accommodation makes... More
Balele Caravan Park & Recreation Resort accommodation in Kwazulu Natal Only 50Km from Newcastle and Vryheid lies Utrecht a unique town situated within a Game Park The Balele Caravan Park is situated within the Balele Community Game Park on the banks of the Utrecht Town Dam. The camp site overloo... More
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