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GGeorge in Western Cape province has a rich historical legacy, evident in many of the town’s attractions. Its prime location between the Outeniqua Mountains and Indian Ocean, surrounded by forests and lakes, also allows it to offer a compelling mix of outdoor pursuits, not to mention its collection of world-class golf courses.
George is a popular destination in the southern Cape, and a key access point to the region’s other attractions. As a central hub on the Garden Route, George is the ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of South Africa.
The town has its roots in the late 1700s as an outpost for the provision of timber to the Dutch East India Company’s Cape Colony, which gave rise to a small community of woodcutters, together with a manager, a blacksmith, a wagon maker and their families.
It was only after the second (and permanent) British occupation of the colony in the early 1800s that the town was officially proclaimed. That’s how it came to be named after the reigning British monarch at the time, King George III – it received the name, appropriately enough, on St George’s Day; 23 April 1811.
This history is easily explored in the town through daily tours of its historic buildings and the museums documenting the region’s past – the George Museum and the Outeniqua Transport Museum.
The town’s heritage is also reflected in its numerous townships, such as Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp. Organised tours that explore the history and age-old landmarks of these townships are available.
Given its location surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, it’s not surprising that outdoor leisure pursuits rank highly among George’s key attractions. Nature walks, birdwatching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and horse riding are all within a stone’s throw of the town, capitalising on the area’s natural beauty.
George is also renowned as Western Cape’s golf capital, with numerous world-class courses – tee off at The Links, Montagu or Outeniqua courses at Fancourt (all of them Gary Player-designed), the signature Sally Little course at Kingswood Golf Estate, or the Ernie Els-designed Oubaai Golf Club course for your most picturesque game yet.
The area around George is well-suited to self-drive journeys, especially the scenic Seven Passes route – 7 mountain passes including the beautiful Montagu Pass.
Make sure you stop in at Herold Wines, just beyond the top of Montagu Pass. It’s the first vineyard on the Garden Route to grow, produce and bottle certified wine on the premises, and makes for a wonderful day outing with its informative wine tours.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
George Tourism Office:
Tel: +27 (0)44 801 9299
Email: info@george.gov.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any major South African city to George Airport. If you’re driving from Cape Town (435km away) or Durban (1 250km away), you can take the N2 highway to George (and if you’re driving from Durban, you may want to break your journey overnight on the Wild Coast or in 1 of the charming Eastern Cape towns along the route). From Johannesburg (1 170km away), take the N1 to Colesberg (or Beaufort West – both are interesting places to stop for a night) and then the N9 (or N12, if you go via Beaufort West) to George.
Best time to visit
George has a mild, oceanic climate and so is quite temperate throughout the year. Visit between May and November to see the whales at points along the coast.
Around the area
The Garden Route National Park, canoeing the waterways around Wilderness, whale and dolphin watching along the coast, Secret Elephants Forest Experience in the Knysna Forest, the Dolphin Trail and Otter Trail at Tsitsikamma, canopy tours at Tsitsikamma, black-water tubing at Storms River, ziplining and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.
Tours to do
Historical and township tours in George; wine tours at Herold Wines; golfing and birding tours.
Get around
Self-drive is the most convenient option.
What to pack
Bring your golf clubs, camera and walking shoes – plus a hat and sunscreen. Warm and waterproof clothing is advisable for the winter months between May and October.
What's happening
Check for seasonal events and festivals around George on the listed website.
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South Africa on social media
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