Area Info & Things to Do
Situated approximately 430 kilometres from Cape Town, George is widely regarded as the hub of the Southern Cape Region, and an ideal base from which to explore the Southern Cape, Garden Route and Little Karoo. George is easily accessible with a good road network and George Airport, which links the Southern Cape and Little Karoo hinterland to the major centres of South Africa. It is the business hub of the region and offers a variety of conference facilities, restaurants, tourist attractions and activities.
George offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Parkruns are growing in popularity countrywide. Join the George parkrun on Saturdays at the Botanical Gardens, at 49 Caledon Street. Click George Parkrun for more information.
Enjoy country pleasures while exploring the Outeniqua Country Hop Route. The Outeniqua Hop Route also features excellent accommodation and restaurants. Winding up from the delightful Herolds Bay on the R404, turning off through farmlands to explore strawberry and herb farms and partake in cheese and candlemaking, while children and adults alike enjoy the dairy farm, horse riding and mountain biking.
The more energetic can play serious or amateur golf, walk or cycle the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Blanco still retains the quaintness of an old-fashioned village with diverse cultures and budding entrepreneurs. Drive up the Outeniqua Pass and explore the hops and flower farms of Waboomskraal. Complete the route by exploring the old Montagu Pass, constructed by engineer Sir Henry Fancourt-White, to Herold.
Visit the Herold Wines cellar and the 4 x 4 routes. Herold Wines is the perfect destination for an outing or weekend getaway in the Garden Route, accessed via the scenic and historic Montagu Pass, which winds its way up through the mountains above George in the Southern Cape.
George is especially known for its wealth of wildflowers, and the red George lily ( Cyrtanthus elatus ), which is unique to the Southern Cape, figures prominently on the George municipal logo.
George Climate
George’s mild Mediterranean type climate makes it possible to participate in outdoor activities throughout the year. Summer temperatures average 26°C and winter temperatures average 14°C in the daytime. It is one of the highest rainfall regions in South Africa. Most rain falls in the winter and spring months, brought by the humid sea winds from the Indian Ocean.
Redberry Farm
Pick your own strawberries or enjoy a meal at one of the artisanal eateries on the farm.
Redberry Farm is also home to the largest Hedge Maze in the southern hemisphere!
The Strawberry Express is one activity that will have the kids going full steam ahead! The track of this miniature steam train is approximately 900 metres long and will take you along through the strawberry fields and into tunnels. Loads of fun!
Quad Biking
If you’re not quite ready to jump onto the back of a motorbike but want something a little more adventurous than a 4×4 there’s really nothing better than quad biking.
Choose from exciting locations all over the Garden Route.
An excellent, fun choice for parties and team building events.
Museum & Power Van
The Outeniqua Transport Museum houses a large collection of steam locomotives and carriages dating back to the glorious age of steam.
The museum is also the departure and arrival point for the Outeniqua Power Van, a motorized trolley which offers trips deep into the Outeniqua Mountains.
Experience the Powervan in a unique way with Wide Open Spaces; a journey on the train, a hike in the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains and lunch at Herold Wines.
Botanical Gardens
The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is within walking distance from Caledon 23 Guest House. A parkrun is held there every Saturday.
The Gardens have become a conservation and environmental education hub for the Southern Cape of South Africa.
It showcases a plethora of indigenous vegetation with the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains as backdrop. An onsite garden cafe is available and concerts are held monthly.