George · Garden Route
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 region 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.
Join the George parkrun on Saturdays at the Botanical Gardens at 49 Caledon Street — a short stroll from the guest house. Enjoy country pleasures on the Outeniqua Country Hop Route: winding up from Herolds Bay on the R404, through strawberry and herb farms, cheese and candle making, a dairy farm, horse riding and mountain biking. Drive up the Outeniqua Pass, explore the hops and flower farms of Waboomskraal, and complete the route via the historic Montagu Pass to Herold, where the Herold Wines cellar and 4x4 routes await.
George is especially known for its wealth of wildflowers, and the red George lily (Cyrtanthus elatus), unique to the Southern Cape, figures prominently on the George municipal logo.
Highlights nearby
Redberry Farm
Pick your own strawberries or enjoy a meal at one of the artisanal eateries. Home to the largest hedge maze in the southern hemisphere — and the Strawberry Express miniature steam train will have the kids going full steam ahead!
redberryfarm.co.za →
Quad Biking
Something a little more adventurous than a 4x4? There is nothing better than quad biking, with exciting locations all over the Garden Route. An excellent choice for parties and team-building events.
wildx.co.za →
Museum & Power Van
The Outeniqua Transport Museum houses a large collection of steam locomotives from the glorious age of steam. It is also the departure point for the Outeniqua Power Van — a motorised trolley offering trips deep into the Outeniqua Mountains, with hike-and-lunch combos at Herold Wines.
powervan.co.za →
Botanical Gardens
The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is within walking distance from Caledon 23 — a conservation and education hub showcasing indigenous vegetation with the Outeniqua Mountains as backdrop. Onsite garden café and monthly concerts; parkrun every Saturday.
botanicalgarden.org.za →
Herold Wines
The perfect destination for an outing or weekend getaway, accessed via the scenic and historic Montagu Pass, constructed by engineer Sir Henry Fancourt-White, winding up through the mountains above George.
Garden Route Golf
Fancourt, Oubaai, George Golf Club, Kingswood, Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Simola and more — some of the finest golf in South Africa is on our doorstep.
Read more →George Climate
The 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, with most rain falling in the winter and spring months, brought by the humid sea winds from the Indian Ocean.