George – Self drive tour of the area

• By: Editor
• On: 06/Oct/2008
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

George, South Africa, which was founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1776, had a huge timber manufacturing industry employing many of the local people. The town derived its present day name from the British occupation of the Cape, and the timber industry kept its status as the principal export industry in the area.

Today, George is a centre for banking and financial services, it has its own University and conference facilities, and the shopping is second to none with the famous Garden Route Shopping Centre.

George is located 420km from Cape Town on the N2 national road to the east, and 330 km from Port Elizabeth to the west. George has a typical Mediterranean climate; with warm hot summers and mild winters. Most of the rainfall occurs in winter and early spring. A short drive from George, just 8km or so, brings you to the wonderful Victoria Bay. It’s a great place to relax in, and the bay is popular with surfers.

What to see and do in the George Region…

Perhaps the best way you can experience and explore the George area is by hiring a car. George Airport is located just 7km from the city, and flights arrive here from all the main South African Airports such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Positioned on the N2 national road, the city can be easily reached, and driving is the best way to see the area and to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Garden Route and surrounding regions.

If you’re a golfer, a visit to George is a must. The area has some beautiful and challenging courses, at Le Grande George, Oubaai, and the renowned Fancourt Golf Estate, which has hosted the Presidents Cup in the past.

There are some noted historical landmarks in the George area as well. An old English oak tree, the Slave Tree, is fascinating to see as it symbolises the slaves’ struggle for freedom in South Africa. This tree was planted in 1811 and has a large chain and lock embossed in it, and recently has been designated a National monument.

Tsitsikamma National Park…

Tsitsikamma is defined as being a 'place of much water', and as the name suggests, this National Park is a coastal reserve on the Garden Route. Renowned for its stunning sea views, forest walks, and sparkling coastal vistas, it’s well worth a visit. It covers almost 80km of coastline and is bordered by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Following the Otter Trail, dolphin viewing and whale watching is to be enjoyed here in abundance, along with deep sea fishing. It’s located about 170km from George, and road access is via the N2, through Kynsna and Plettenburg Bay.

Find out more about Tsitsikamma National Park.

Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Train Drive…

This is a fun way to explore the Garden Route by steam train between the George and Knysna areas. The train route is a scheduled journey on the Outeniqualand Preserved Railway. You can sit back and enjoy the ride in the midst of  stunning scenery. The train line was declared a preserved line in 1993. However due to major flooding in the area, and subsequent mudslides, meant that part of the line had to be closed. It runs between George and Hartenbos presently. The train departs from Outeniqua Transport Museum, and the museum itself is well worth a visit if you are interested in steam trains and carriages, and the history of the locomotive industry in the George area.

Find out more about the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe.

The Garden Route…

No visit  to George would be complete without taking the Garden Route! This is a magnificent and scenic route covering part of the southern coast of South Africa, along the N2 road. The route covers an area from Mossel Bay to the Storms River in the extreme eastern area of the Western Cape. George is the major city on the route. The route covers approximately 200km, and fittingly, George is known as the gateway to the famous route. The area is positioned between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.

The Garden Route is a wonderful drive, and as the road runs parallel to the coastline, you can take in the stunning views of the bays, beaches and the Indian Ocean. The majestic mountains tower above you as you drive along the Garden Route, and you’ll see plenty of lakes and rivers, natural forests and wonderful flower and plantlife as you take the route.

You will also pass through many towns of character, which mould in with the natural beauty of the area. Adding to this, the wide array of leisure activity options available to you such as boating, deep sea fishing, hiking, diving, absailing and general exploring, make the Garden Route an indispenable part of your visit to George. 

When exploring the Garden Route why not take a trip to the Cango Caves near the town of Oudtshoorn? You can also visit one of the many ostrich farms that make up the local industry there. And perhaps take a ride on one of the ostriches!

Find out more about the Garden Route.

The Montagu Pass…

The road between George and Oudtshoorn offers a splendid view of the surrounding areas from the mountains. Given ‘’listed’’ status as a National Monument in 1972, it’s a very safe gravel road for motorists to travel on, with a distance of 10km. It has many winds and turns up to the summit and has wonderful views from here.

So, if you’re based in the George area, and wish to take a self drive tour of the location, why not book car hire George Airport or you can organise your car hire South Africa from a number of other locations.

If you have any comments or questions, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Just drop us a line in the comment box below.