George is in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It is the main gateway to the beautiful Garden Route.
It is the sixth oldest town in South Africa and is halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Cradled by the Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, George is an ideal town from which to explore the area's many scenic attractions – be it on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train, on walks and hikes on the George and Cradock Peaks, on a boat fishing, or pushing a cart across the golf courses at Fancourt. Rich in historical landmarks, such as the Slave Tree and the King Edward VII Library, George retains a small-town character without compromising on a sophisticated infrastructure.
Preferably by car. York street is the main artery. There are permanent speed cameras; York Street Outside Duggies on Courtney Street (driving towards Knysna) At the robots (traffic lights) outside Pick n Pay on Courtney Street (driving towards George away from Knysna) In York Street close to Mei Ling (Taiwanese Restaurant) On way to Wilderness there are 2 cameras as you come around the turn past Far Hills Hotel In season, over Christmas (December and early January) and Easter (April), however, there are temporary manned speed cameras everywhere. Driving between George and Knysna there are permanent speed cameras in the Kaaimans River Pass.
George Museum, York Street. An interesting museum about the area Free. (updated Nov 2025) Outeniqua Transport Museum, 2 Mission Str, ☏ +27 44 801-8288. A impressive transport museum displaying trains, cars and other transport-related exhibits. A must-do for all the transport lovers. Free. (updated Nov 2025) Moederkerk - "Mother church" in Afrikaans.
Go on the Outeniqua Powervan up the Outeniqua Mountains. It takes you from the Outeniqua Transport Museum 720 m up into the Outeniqua mountains for incredible views. About 2h30 with a picnic brake. 250 Rands (Novembre 2025). Enjoy nature and historic trail rides with environmentally friendly motorcycle and quad bikes Experience the historic Attakwas Ox wagon Pass Route (National Monument) Ride on a private eco game reserve Explore the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains (Nature Conservation Area) Go hiking Lots of trails are available around George. Have a look at https://georgetrails.org.za/ for all the trails.
Mexican food at Coyote Caktus which also serves excellent pizza. Enjoy a delicious "wonderpatat" at the Lila's Arms restaurant in Blanco, a suburb of George. George also has a Spur restaurant and McDonald's. The Upstairs at Harry's is also an excellent coffee shop. The new Garden Route mall, St George's Square and the Pick 'n Pay shopping centres also contain various restaurants. For a more Eastern taste there is a Mai Ling Taiwanese Restaurant.
There are numerous fine drinking and dining holes along this stretch of the Garden Route. Bongos in Wilderness Village overlooks the lovely beach.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, George typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 8 rainy days.
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