The town of George in the Western Cape Province in South Africa is known as “The Gateway to the Garden Route”. George is the sixth oldest town in South Africa. It is located in the Cape Wildflower Floral area situated below the splendid Outeniqua mountain range, set slightly inland but within easy reach of the Garden Route coastal areas.
The surrounding scenery is spectacular with its environs of an extraordinary combination of mountains, wild flowers, forests, rivers and affluent farmlands.
The town of George was officially founded in 1811 by the British, who named it after the then reigning King George III however, in fact, the town had already been started in 1776 when the Dutch East India Company established a timber supply base. To begin with George grew very slowly due to its inaccessibility, but in 1847 the Outeniqua Pass was opened enabling easier access to the areas inland for trade and subsequent fast growth of the town.
The town itself is extremely charming with wide streets and many historical landmarks including an ancient English Oak tree called “The Slave Tree” which is a national monument, planted in 1811 by Landrost Van Kervel and given this name because of the chain and lock embedded in its trunk. Also of interest is the King Edward VII Library building, believed to be one of the best examples of Edwardian Architecture in George.
Visitors will find a variety of places to go and interesting things to experience in George and surrounding areas. Tourists can visit The Khulani Xhosa Village where you can experience traditional Xhosa singing, dancing and storytelling as well as Xhosa crafts.
The whole family will enjoy a trip on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe a traditional steam train which winds through forests and along the coastal area and which leaves from the Outeniqua Rail Museum well worth a visit with its children’s playground and steam train rides at the Saki Macozoma Fairground.
There are many other places of interest in the area and activities to please every taste. Accommodation in George and surrounding areas is plentiful and varied and includes hotels, Guest Houses, self catering as well as Bed & Breakfasts. Tours and Safaris are also available.
