George, nestled in a fertile valley along the Garden Route and surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, forests, rivers, and farmlands, lies 420 km from Cape Town and 320 km from Port Elizabeth, making it an ideal stopover for travellers. As the administrative capital of the Southern Cape, George has evolved from an industrial hub into a sought-after tourist destination, boasting top golf courses, theatres, and easy access to natural beauty and the Indian Ocean. First explored in 1688 and settled in 1811, George was named after the British monarch of the time and was known to the indigenous Khoi people as Outeniqualand – the ‘land of milk and honey’. With its relaxed charm, George offers scenic hikes like the Groene Weide forest walks and more challenging routes to George Peak and Cradock's Peak, revealing sweeping views and native fynbos. Despite its nickname 'Cold and Wet' from the CAW number plate, the town enjoys a mild, pleasant climate perfect for year-round activities such as fishing, hiking, hang-gliding, diving, water sports, and more.
