George – Things to do in George
George is ideally situated in the coastal region that features a Mediterranean Maritime climate, having relatively warm summer months, along with mild to cold winter months. It really is one of the richest rainfall places, most of which comes about in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds coming from the Indian Ocean. Any time of the year will be a good time for visiting the area, depending on if one enjoys a quiet vacation during the winter months, or a busy trip during the summer.
George is actually the 6th oldest town in South Africa positioned somewhere around 430 kilometres away from Cape Town. It is widely considered to be the hub of the Southern Cape Region, and an excellent base from which to explore the Southern Cape and Little Karoo. George is easily accessible using a good road network and George Airport which links the Southern Cape and Little Karoo hinterland to the major centres of South Africa.
George features a sophisticated infrastructure with banks, conference facilities, businesses and shopping chains including the newly completed Garden Route Shopping Centre, transport and sporting facilities, though preserving its small town feeling. The town is also a significant overnight accommodation centre. George has a number of world-class golf courses, some designed by legendary golfers. One of these are Oubaai and Le Grande George. The most well-known is Fancourt Golf Estate, which hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003 and it is often the host to high-profile golfing competitions.
George can often be used as a base to discover the Tsitsikamma National Park. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is South Africa's last scheduled mixed steam train service and works on the Outeniqualand Preserved Railway between George and Knysnaon the Garden Route. Opened in 1928 and announced a preserved line in July 1993, this specific train winds its way all over charming surroundings. The Garden Route Botanical Garden can be found at the top of Caledon Street. The Garden Route displays the most well known continuous natural forest area in South Africa, covering some 650 km².
George has a whole lot to offer the visitor with its city-like infrastructure however not neglecting its little town origins.