George is the biggest town along the Garden Route and is also known as the capital of the Garden Route. It lies at the feet of the Outeniqua Mountains that are about 1590 meters high and was established in 1811. 

To travel to the interior of the country you will need to drive along either the Montagu or the Outeniqua Pass. Both passes were built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War.

 Surfers all over the world know Victoria Bay and the mountains are also very popular in the hiking fraternity. Sights to see are the St. Marks Cathedral (smallest Cathedral in South Africa) and the old library in York Street. A historic landmark is the Old slave tree under which salves used to be sold.

George, the administrative capital of the South Western Cape, is also the sixth oldest town in South Africa. It was formerly known as George Town, named after the reigning English monarch, King George III. This town was declared a drostdy by the Earl of Caledon on 23 April 1811. George gained municipal status in 1837.  George is located halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

George has many historical landmarks. An old English Oak tree planted by Landdrost van Kervel, is called the Slave Tree because of the very large chain and lock embedded in the trunk. The Slave Tree has been declared a national monument.

The First Class School for girls was started by Christina Petronella van Niekerk, a "New Age" woman with progressive visions for the future. This was in contrast to the conservative ideas held by most of the population of George.

The King Edward VII Library building was built in the Edwardian style of architecture. There are several historic churches in George, and the oldest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa, St Peter & St Paul, is located in George.

The Outeniqua Transport Museum is unique in South Africa, as it contains a replica of an old train station. There are locomotives and old motor vehicles on display. George Museum provides information about the history of the printing press and timber industry in George.

Activities in and around George:

On a visit to George, an absolute must, is a trip on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam hauled train which operates a route between Knysna and George. For nature lovers, the Outeniqua Nature Reserve offers many hiking trails and walks.

Just 18 km east of the city, one can visit the beautiful Herold’s Bay Beach resort. Accommodation is available in the form of holiday bungalows. It is a popular destination for fishing, swimming and whale or dolphin viewing. Victoria Bay, which is only 9km from George is another popular spot for surfing, swimming and whale watching.

George is also known for its golf clubs. The Fancourt Golf Club and Estate is world-famous, and hosts the SA Presidents Cup tournament annually, which sees international golfing stars in attendance. For more informal and less serious golfing, George also offers several “short”golf courses, which are shorter in distance compared to normal golf courses.

Please visit:   Knysna - Plettenberg Bay - Mossel Bay - Port Elizabeth - George - Tsitsikamma Park - Wilderness - Oudtshoorn - Otter Trail - Cango Caves

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