Flights to George land at George Airport (GRJ). The drive from the airport to the city is about 15 minutes. George has a bit of an old school timber village thing going on, which is utterly charming, but also hints at what lies beyond its quiet streets. George is the first town on the Garden Route and your first stop if you are planning to explore South Africa’s little stretch of Eden. It is kind of quaint, but kind of lovely. And when you find out it is the sixth oldest town in South Africa, you feel a strange fondness for it that makes you want to come back again, and again. You will not need a visa for George if you are South African, but international visitors might need a Visitor Visa to visit South Africa.
George is most famous for being the first stop on a road trip up the Garden Route. It is a fabulous town to spend a night in a beautiful cottage and spend a day mountain biking through the lush countryside or on the green at the golf clubs. Fancourt is a fantastic golf club and on every list of the best things to do in George. A day of playing golf in George is a day well spent. The Outeniqua Transport Museum has the largest collection of vintage locomotive trains and is a truly mesmerising day trip if you like old things. If you are interested in adventure activities, there is a paintball centre and other fun activities nearby. And if you fancy a frolic in the fields and lazy drive, Redberry Farm is famous for its strawberry picking and Montagu Pass is a gorgeous mountain drive that leads to Herold Wine Estate, where charcuterie boards and wine are aplenty.
Garden Route Mall is the main shopping mall in George. It is your average mall with retail stores and restaurants. But it also happens to have, what some people claim to be, the best fudge in the country at The Fudgemaster. Outeniqua Farmers’ Market is a delightful little outdoor market with amazing food, lush plants, fresh breads, home made jams, and live entertainment in a nice outdoor setting. As for nightlife, there are a few really cool bars in George that will show a really good night. Shenanigans Irish Pub is the go to for locals and visitors. Things can get wild, but it is also good for a relaxed dinner or couple of laidback drinks. Júus Cocktail Bar is a sleek cocktail bar that does some superb cocktail alchemy, Mujo Bar is a rustic country pub, Robertson Brewing Co. is where you get beer in George, and Shan Sushi makes the best sushi in town.
The best way to get around during your time in George is via the public bus system. It is reliable and operates throughout the city, throughout the day. If you want to explore the areas surrounding George and the Garden Route, renting a car is the best option. There are several car rental agencies at the airport and in the city. Metered taxis are also available if you prefer.
There are many fantastic bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels in George. Oakhurst Hotel is a 4-star treat with its quaint countryside character and luxurious interior, or there is Fairview Historic Homestead that is all gardens and grand elegance. But for something really special, Blue Whale Resort is a beach house on the cliff that is the perfect accommodation for a weekend of wine sunsets and braais on the balcony. And then there is Isibindi Forest Retreat, a collection of ranch style cabins complete with majestic horses and enchanting views. Accommodation in George is bound to be lovely wherever you choose to spend the night.
Direct flights to George currently depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and connecting flights to George depart from most cities in South Africa. FlySafair, Kulula, and Mango are the main domestic airlines offering flights to George. For international flights to George, many of the best airlines offer flights to George.
Spend a night or two at the Tree House overlooking Victoria Bay. The wooden house is situated on the hillside, surrounded by Milkwood trees with magnificent views of the beach and ocean. It is a dream getaway for nature lovers and romance chasers. Since you’re basically in the country, you may as well do something extremely country. A real country treat is a visit to Redberry Farm during strawberry season when you can wander through the strawberry fields and pick your own plump strawberries. There is no better way to see George than from the window of the Outeniqua Power Van. It takes you on a railway ride through the scenic Outeniqua Mountains, passed waterfalls, through tunnels, and onto a beautiful lookout point for an afternoon picnic.
