George

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The Slave Tree on York Street. The tree was the site of slave auctions in the town prior to the abolition of slavery in the Cape 19 years after it was planted.
George Saw Mill in the first half of the 20th century.
Montagu Pass
Southern right whale breaches off the coast
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe
St Mark's Cathedral

George

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13 Days / 12 Nights

South Africa and Kenya :12 Nights Tour Package ...

Johannesburg (1N) → Cape Town (3N) → George (3N) → Sun City (2N) → Nairobi (1N) → Masai Mara (2N)

$ 3,921
4% off
$3,739/person
8 Days / 7 Nights

8 Day South Africa Itinerary with Garden Route

Cape Town(2N) → George(3N) → Sun City(1N) → Knysna(0N) → Johannesburg(1N)

$ 1,384
12% off
$1,215/person
10 Days / 9 Nights

South Africa Tour Package with Sundowner Cruise

Cape Town(2N) → George(3N) → Sun City(1N) → Victoria Falls(2N) → Johannesburg(1N)

$1,443/person
11 Days / 10 Nights

Family South Africa Wildlife Tour Package

Johannesburg(1N) → Kruger National Park(2N) → Sun City(2N) → George(2N) → Cape Town(3N)

$ 1,878
16% off
$1,575/person
13 Days / 12 Nights

South Africa Tour with Mauritius - Helicopter Ride

Johannesburg (1N) → Sun City (2N) → George (3N) → Cape Town (3N) → Mauritius (3N)

$2,636/person
8 Days / 7 Nights

Best of South Africa: Knysna, Sun City, Cape To...

Sun City(2N) → George(2N) → Cape Town(3N)

$ 1,164
7% off
$1,074/person
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George Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - September Read More

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"Garden Route Gateway and Natural Beauty"

George Tourism

George is the second largest city in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and it has a mix of city-like amenities and a small-town atmosphere. It's located in the heart of the Garden Route, surrounded by the beautiful Outeniqua Mountain range. The city is renowned for its stunning beaches and magnificent forests, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding.

George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa. It preserves its history through landmarks like the Dutch Reformed Mother Church and Outeniqua Transport Museum. The city also offers a vibrant culture, delicious food, and exciting adventures, making it a great destination for travellers. Nearby places like Wilderness and Uniondale provide contrasting landscapes, from lush coastal beauty to semi-desert charm in the Klein Karoo region.

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Must Know Before You Travel to George

  • Local Transportation: Having a car in George is recommended for convenience, but travellers can also utilize local taxis or car hire services to get around. York Street is the main artery.
  • Hiking Safety: It is advised not to hike alone in George. Consider booking a nature site guide or sticking to access-controlled areas like the Garden Route National Park for a safer experience.
  • Water Quality: The tap water in George is safe for drinking and other everyday uses.
  • Nearby Destinations: Travelers can explore nearby attractions such as Oudtshoorn, known for ostrich farms and the Cango Caves, or enjoy scenic spots along the Garden Route, including Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna.
  • Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Train: The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, a vintage steam train running between George and Mossel Bay, is a must-try.
  • Festivals: Visitors to George can plan their trips around popular festivals such as the George Strawberry Festival in September, Southern Cape Old Car Show in April, and George Old Car Show in February for added entertainment during their stay.
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Shopping in George

  • Shopping in George offers a variety of unique items, including handcrafted souvenirs, African artwork, and local handicrafts.
  • George is known as the Shopping Mecca of the Garden Route, with the biggest shopping centre, Garden Route Mall, attracting visitors from surrounding regions.
  • Outeniqua Farmer's Market is a vibrant shopping destination in George, offering a variety of local produce and artisanal products.
  • Visitors can explore the Montagu Gift Emporium for locally-made gifts.
  • Other shopping options in George include York Mall, George Mall, Eden Meander Lifestyle Centre, George City Centre, George Arts Theatre Flea Market, and Garden Route Botanical Garden Nursery, each offering its charm and variety of goods.
  • One can also head to Myoli Beach Curio Market for local crafts, while the Old Gaol Shop offers unique gifts like handmade pottery and art.
  • The Lilies Shopping Centre and Redberry Farm cater to various needs, and Brown’s Beach Market Square showcases local arts and crafts.

Nightlife in George

George city centre is vibrant, with pubs like The Bench and Tap That Craft Bar offering craft beers and live music. For a relaxed atmosphere, George Brew Crafters serves locally-brewed beers. The York Street area is also a great spot for pubs and restaurants, providing a mix of entertainment and dining. George's nightlife ensures a good time with options for live music, craft beers, and more.

History of George

George, a city in South Africa's Western Cape province, has a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century. It began as a timber station established in 1776 by the Dutch East India Company. In 1811, it became an official town named after King George III of England. Throughout the 19th century, George grew as an agricultural and timber centre, benefiting from the introduction of the railway. In the 20th century, the city saw further development, becoming a vibrant and diverse community. Today, George is admired for its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and mix of history and modernity, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals.

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Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

15 Best Beaches in George
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Nearby Places

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How to Reach George

How to Reach Overview

To reach the park from nearby cities, you can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to George Airport (GRJ) in about 1 hour and 50 minutes or 50 minutes, respectively. Alternatively, take the well-connected N2 highway by car for a 4.5 to 5-hour journey from Cape Town, or opt for bus travel with popular providers like Intercape and Greyhound, taking about 6-7 hours from Cape Town and 14-15 hours from Johannesburg. While rail travel is available through Oudtshoorn, it may take longer.

How to reach George by flight

George Airport (GRJ) serves as the primary air gateway to the city. It offers domestic flights to and from major South African cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. A flight from Johannesburg to George takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and from Cape Town to George, it takes about 50 minutes. These flights cost between $160 - $350 for a round trip. Flights can be booked through AirLink, CemAir, and FlySafair.

How to reach George by road

George is well-connected by road. From Cape Town, it is approximately 400 kilometres (about 248 miles) away, and the journey takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by car. The N2 highway is the main route to reach the city from both Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

How to reach George by train

While George does not have a railway station with direct connections to major cities, the nearby town of Oudtshoorn, about 60 kilometres (approximately 37 miles) away, has a railway station serviced by the Shosholoza Meyl train service from major cities. However, train travel to George may not be the most efficient option, as it can take longer than other modes of transport.

How to reach George by bus

Travelers can take popular bus service providers like Intercape and Greyhound. The journey from Cape Town takes about 6-7 hours, while from Johannesburg, it takes approximately 14-15 hours, with fares starting at around 500-800 ZAR from Cape Town and 1,000-1,200 ZAR from Johannesburg

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Nearby Destinations for Packages

Knysna

Cape Town

Mossel Bay

Oudtshoorn

Plettenberg Bay

Johannesburg

Durban

Pretoria

Port Elizabeth

Hermanus

Stellenbosch

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