George is a city
in South Africa's Western Cape Province. It has a population of approximately
104,700 and is the administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route.
George is a popular holiday and conference centre.
The city is very centrally
situated: halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and centre of the
Garden Route. It is situated on a 10 kilometre plateau between the majestic
Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south.
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean
climate, with warm summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the
highest rainfall regions in South Africa. Most rain falls in the winter
and spring months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean.
Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending on whether
one enjoys a peaceful retreat during the winter months, or a bustling holiday
destination during the summer.
Railway
over the mountains
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe:
One of the most popular day
tours along the Garden Route is a trip on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, a historical
train pulled by a steam engine. The ride goes through breathtaking landscape
with stunning views of fern-covered mountain tops, wide river plains with
crystal-clear water, swamps, lagoons, endless sand beaches and the deep-blue
sea. The three-hour ride starts in George, goes through Wilderness
over the much photographed arch-bridge at the Kaaimans River and ends -
after crossing the lagoon - in Knysna.
The building of the railway
line over the Outeniqua Mountains, between George and Oudtshoorn, was a
colossal task. The track was literally blasted out of solid rock, and seven
tunnels were excavated.
A start on the railway line
was made in December 1908 from the George side and in 1911 from the Oudtshoorn
side. At one stage some 2 500 workers were employed. During April 1913
this most scenic railway line was completed. Sir David de Villiers Graaff
performed the official opening on 6th August 1913. The line was built at
the enormous cost of £465 000.
Outeniqua
Backpackers - Budget Hostel Accommodation, GEORGE Outeniqua
Backpackers in the Garden Route South Africa is well known for It's budget
backpacking and youth hostel travel hospitality. Outeniqua Backpackers
is located in George is close to the George Airport. The Garden Route
(between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth) is a mosaic of silent, mysterious
forests, sweeping lakes, unspoilt beaches, narrow winding passes..and the
breathtaking Outeniqua mountains, a tourist paradise. Outeniqua Backpackers
is a prime location as George has the world's second most temperate climate.
The Garden Route promises to be an all-year round sunshine, beach experience.
Acorn
Guest House, GEORGE Warm, welcoming and capturing
a bygone era with flair, Colin and Esther offer true South African hospitality,
in the heart of George and the Garden Route. The interior is a delight,
with a mixture of auction and flea market finds from around the world -
from oriental carpets, silver, original art to fine junk - not just another
hotel room! The breakfast is delicious, from freshly squeezed orange
juice, wonderful sweet South African fruit in all... Warm, welcoming and
capturing a bygone era with flair, Colin and Esther offer true South African
hospitality, in the heart of George and the Garden Route. All our
en-suite bedrooms are furnished with a unique sense of style, exquisite
linen and 100% extra fine cotton sheets!
Ambleside
Country House, Guesthouse/B&B, GEORGE Ambleside is a 4-Star luxury
guest house with 8 luxury and standard rooms for 20 persons, situated in
countryside famous for Hops and Strawberries, (The Outeniqua Country Hop
Tourist Route) only a short drive to George centre and George Airport.
Extensive gardens, heated swimming pool, putting green, and a high standard
of service, quiet and privacy make Ambleside your perfect choice.
NOTE : The LINKS Golf Course, a world-class course in Fancourt and venue
for the 2003 Presidents Cup is open to the public - also in Fancourt, the
new Bramble Hill Course only R120 per round. The guest house offers
the highest standards of hospitality and service, including business services,
fax, internet and copying, and secretarial services.
Aziza
Guest House, GEORGE AZIZA Guesthouse is a newly
redesigned and renovated guesthouse that opened early 2006 in George, the
heart of the Garden Route. Situated in a quiet, up-market suburb, guests
can relax in the tranquillity of a lush subtropical garden and be refreshed
around the sparkling swimming pool. Assurance of lasting memories of a
delicious breakfast, served on the superb terrace, with the Outeniqua Mountains
as a back drop. AZIZA Guesthouse, meaning “gorgeous, precious and
darling” in various African languages, holds Africa dear. Its guests may
be happy to know that they are also indirectly contributing to its future
since a percentage of the income will go towards supporting a project in
a local township.
Duttons
Cove Sea View Lodge, B&B Lodge/Self-Catering, GEORGE Dutton's Cove, a beautiful
sea-view lodge, is situated in the heart of the Garden Route. We are just
7km from the George Airport and are dramatically situated, overlooking
a sweep of pristine beach and rocky outcrops. Our age-old lodge are equipped
with all the modern facilities of today's contemporary lifestyle. Natural
materials and textures in neutral earthy tones complement the architectural
style. Our 13 uniquely decorated bed and breakfast units with spectacular
beach views and private grass areas, offer unparalleled privacy and tranquility.
To delight the palate, we also have a restaurant on site serving traditional
South African food, complemented by a balanced choice of wines. We
also have self-catering units available.
Fairview
Historic Homestead, Guesthouse/B&B, GEORGE Welcome
to Fairview Historic Homestead (built Circa 1870). A Victorian Cape-Colonial
style home and National Monument in George. Extensive restoration
and refurbishment of the historic homestead ensured it's original splendour
and elegance was recaptured for our guests to enjoy. Polished wooden
floors, brass and iron four-poster beds, rare antique furnishings and high-ceilinged
rooms lend warmth and character to this gracious homestead and historic
icon in George. Fairview's beautiful gardens may be our guests' biggest
joy and extra special care is taken of a varied and unique flora and fynbos
collection endemic to George and the Western Cape.
Fourways
Guesthouse, GEORGE Set
in a large, peaceful garden in the leafy outskirts of George, Fourways
offers spacious, comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality and a high
level of personal service. All 3 rooms (2 suites, each with a separate
lounge, and one large twin) open onto a sunny stoep and overlook the pool
with uninterrupted views of the Outeniqua mountains beyond. Each
has its own private entrance, full ensuite bathroom, bar fridge, coffee/tea-making
facilities, TV/radio/CD player, hairdryer and ceiling fan. Start
the morning with a hearty English or continental breakfast before setting
off for a day’s exploration of the many attractions of the capital of the
Garden Route and its environs.
Far
Hills Country Hotel, GEORGE The Far Hills Country Hotel
is ideally located along the Garden Route between the quaint town of George
and the still rugged and serene Wilderness. Offering 54 luxurious
rooms and suites, each with its own private view of the mountains and set
in lush landscaped gardens. Our de luxe Suites feature cosy fireplaces,
private bars and individually appointed interiors. Far Hills Country
Hotel offers you not only the finest in a la carte dining and a comprehensively
stocked wine cellar offering a selection of the finest Cape wines to choose
from, but also the unique and intimate Shiyokutsu, the Sushi and Teppanyaki
bar offering you authentic Japanese cuisine. We offer a number of
conference and function rooms for any occasion. Our largest venue seating
150 people. Far Hills Country Hotel – purveyors of the finest hospitality!
Protea
Hotel King George, GEORGE The Protea Hotel King George,
renowned for old-fashioned attention and service, overlooks the famous
George Golf Course. Stylishly designed rooms and luxury suites offer superb
accommodation, all amenities and services offer comfort for both holiday
and business travellers. Conference facilities are available for up to
300 delegates. This upmarket hotel is merely a ten minute leisurely
drive from the George airport, three minutes from the CBD and a short drive
from the beach. Protea Hotel King George provides affordable elegance on
the doorstep of all the Garden Route has to offer. The Fairway Terrace
Restaurant & Patio seats 110 and the Rex Tavern, 80 GUESTS. There
are two swimming pools and a kiddies playground. The hotel also has a terrace
overlooking the George golf course and the spectacular Outeniqua mountain
range.
The
French Lodge International, GEORGE This small and exclusive
hotel combines superb hospitality with the easy ambience of African style
and comfort. Situated in the middle of George, the luxury and sublime service
of the hotel cater to the discerning traveller to George and the Garden
Route. Imbued with the warm rich tones of Africa, The French Lodge International
meets the needs of the 21st Century in a relaxed and restful atmosphere.
George is at the center of Nature´s `Garden Route´ and nestles
at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. Our airport connects you to and
from all the main centers in South Africa and main roads and rail, link
with the Klein Karoo hinterland.
6
Tarlyn Mews, Self-Catering Holiday Home, GEORGE A modern, luxurious self
catering 3 bedroom house (sleeps 6 people) Overlooks Kingswood Golf Estate
with magnificent mountain and sunset views. It is ideal for the keen
golfer as it is 700 meters from Kingswood clubhouse and 4km from George
Golf course and only 10km from Fancourt Golf Estate. It consists
of 2 double bedrooms and 1 twin bedroom. The main bedroom has a full en-suite
bathroom and the other bedrooms share another full bathroom. The
house has a large open-plan living area with a gas fireplace. There is
DSTV in the lounge and main bedroom and a DVD player with a link to the
main bedroom. The main bedroom has airconditioning and there is underfloor
heating throughout the house. The kitchen has a gas/electric stove and
there is a covered patio with a gas/wood braai.
Boscia
Farm Stay, Self-Catering Chalets, GEORGE Pleasant farmland surrounds
and great views provide for the beautiful atmosphere of Boscia's self-catering
chalets. Comfortable (with luxuries) and affordable, these units are ideal
for those seeking peace and quiet. The genuine hospitality on offer
is matched only by the beautiful setting next to the large dam, where fishing
and bird watching provide peaceful tranquillity. The perfect starting point
from which to explore and experience the Outeniqua countryside, while upmarket
restaurants, golfing and the town centre of George are only minutes away.
Easy access from all main roads, with the George Airport and the fabulous
beaches of the Garden Route within ten to fifteen minutes drive.
Boscia is the perfect base from which to explore, visit and enjoy..
Duttons
Cove Sea View Lodge, Lodge/Self-Catering, GEORGE Dutton's Cove, a beautiful
sea-view lodge, is situated in the heart of the Garden Route. We are just
7km from the George Airport and are dramatically situated, overlooking
a sweep of pristine beach and rocky outcrops. Our age-old lodge are equipped
with all the modern facilities of today's contemporary lifestyle. Natural
materials and textures in neutral earthy tones complement the architectural
style. Our 13 uniquely decorated bed and breakfast units with spectacular
beach views and private grass areas, offer unparalleled privacy and tranquility.
To delight the palate, we also have a restaurant on site serving traditional
South African food, complemented by a balanced choice of wines. We
also have self-catering units available.
Heynike
House, Self-Catering Holiday Rental Home, GEORGE Spacious well appointed
home, able to accommodate 6 people. Lovely relaxing garden and surroundings.
Fully equiped kitchen + outside braai/entertainment area. Situated
close to Fancourt. easy access to a wide variety of golf courses. Comfortable
home with all facilities and well maintained garden. Your home away
from home. Within walking distance of restaurants, Spar and gym. Close
to Rugby stadium and George city centre. George is at the centre
of Nature’s ‘Garden Route’ and nestles at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Our airport connects you to and from all the main centres in South Africa
and main roads and rail, link with the Klein Karoo hinterland.
Mountain
View Lodge, Self-Catering Apartments, GEORGE Mountain View Lodge is situated
in the picturous city of George the jewel of the Garden Route. We offer
accredited Self Catering accommodation in luxury apartments and in addition
offer Bed and Breakfast. Our Units are tastefully furnished and include
all one would need for an unforgettable home away from home. Our
Garden speaks of peace and tranquillity and guests could enjoy our sparkling
pool and the kids could get rid of their energy on our jungle gym and trampoline.
At night one could make use of their own private “Braai” area and enjoy
a drink at the MVL Pub, a challenge on the pool table could earn you a
couple of frostys. Light snacks are available from the menu.
Sidwell
House, Self-Catering House, GEORGE Your own self Catering Guest
House. Sleeps 8 persons. Children welcome. Small pets can be accommodated
by prior arrangement. A private and upmarket self catering Guest
House in George. This unique and private guest house is opposite Fancourt
- Outeniqua Golf Course in Heatherpark. Ideal for golf enthusiasts as Sidwell
House is close to various championship golf courses and can accommodate
2 fourballs or 4 couples. It is also an ideal stay for one or 2 families
as it is close to major shopping centers, including the newly built upmarket
GARDEN ROUTE MALL, George Central Business District, tea gardens, animal
touch and feed farms for children and pristine beaches. Ten minutes from
George International Airport.
Utopia
Village, Self-Catering Holiday Chalets, GEORGE Why would you want to visit
Utopia? If you're a young girl with a dream to get married in the
midst of pure nature, you can come and meet your knight in shining armour,
at the altar. If you just want to wind down and get away from everyday
rat-race, come and visit us! Here you can "spill over", go on walking trials
on the farm, meet our Nguni cattle, game and emu's and enjoy the birdwatching!
Or you can go fishing in our dams, or at the sea 4km from here. A number
of attractions are nearby as you can see along the line. We look forward
seeing you! The Chapel with its ancient-looking characteristics gives
you a serene, peaceful feeling. Whether you want a Medieval, rustic wedding
or an all white, luxury theme, this is the venue for you.
Railway
over the mountains
