George, Western Cape
George in Western Cape province has a rich historical legacy, evident in many of the town's attractions. Its prime location between the Outeniqua Mountains and Indian Ocean, surrounded by forests and lakes, also allows it to offer a compelling mix of outdoor pursuits, not to mention its collection of world-class golf courses.
George is a popular destination in the southern Cape, and a key access point to the region's other attractions. As a central hub on the Garden Route, George is the ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of South Africa.
The town has its roots in the late 1700s as an outpost for the provision of timber to the Dutch East India Company's Cape Colony, which gave rise to a small community of woodcutters, together with a manager, a blacksmith, a wagon maker and their families.
It was only after the second (and permanent) British occupation of the colony in the early 1800s that the town was officially proclaimed. That's how it came to be named after the reigning British monarch at the time, King George III - it received the name, appropriately enough, on St George's Day; 23 April 1811.
This history is easily explored in the town through daily tours of its historic buildings and the museums documenting the region's past - the George Museum and the Outeniqua Transport Museum.
The town's heritage is also reflected in its numerous townships, such as Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp. Organised tours that explore the history and age-old landmarks of these townships are available.
Given its location surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, it's not surprising that outdoor leisure pursuits rank highly among George's key attractions. Nature walks, birdwatching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and horse riding are all within a stone's throw of the town, capitalising on the area's natural beauty.
George is also renowned as Western Cape's golf capital, with numerous world-class courses - tee off at The Links, Montagu or Outeniqua courses at Fancourt (all of them Gary Player-designed), the signature Sally Little course at Kingswood Golf Estate, or the Ernie Els-designed Oubaai Golf Club course for your most picturesque game yet.
The area around George is well-suited to self-drive journeys, especially the scenic Seven Passes route - 7 mountain passes including the beautiful Montagu Pass.
Make sure you stop in at Herold Wines, just beyond the top of Montagu Pass. It's the first vineyard on the Garden Route to grow, produce and bottle certified wine on the premises, and makes for a wonderful day outing with its informative wine tours.
Best time to visit - George has a mild, oceanic climate and so is quite temperate throughout the year. Visit between May and November to see the whales at points along the coast.
The Garden Route National Park, canoeing the waterways around Wilderness, whale and dolphin watching along the coast, Secret Elephants Forest Experience in the Knysna Forest, the Dolphin Trail and Otter Trail at Tsitsikamma, canopy tours at Tsitsikamma, black-water tubing at Storms River, ziplining and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.
Tours to do - Historical and township tours in George; wine tours at Herold Wines; golfing and birding tours.
Bring your golf clubs, camera and walking shoes - plus a hat and sunscreen. Warm and waterproof clothing is advisable for the winter months between May and October.
Fancourt, South Africa's premier lifestyle resort, is nestled in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route, 7 km from George Airport. The resort lies on 613 hectares of pristine countryside sheltered by the Outeniqua Mountains. The Fancourt Hotel offers the discerning visitor 115 luxurious rooms and suites.
Fancourt is home of some of the world's most spectacular and rewarding golf courses. There are three Gary Player designer courses, each with its own unique character and allure. The Links, measuring up to the highest international standards is Fancourt's flagship course. The Montagu course is an experience not to be missed. With its rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers, even the most experienced golfers will find themselves challenged. For those who prefer a parklands course, the Outeniqua course offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests that are sure to leave you astonished. Whether you're a seasoned golf pro or a novice, Fancourt's golf courses offer something for everyone.
Montagu - RANKED 5TH IN SOUTH AFRICA'S TOP 100 COURSES
Fancourt's Montagu golf course has gained a world-renowned reputation as one of the best 18-hole parkland courses. The Montagu is well-known for superb conditioning and fast-paced firm greens. This magnificent course has some of the best aesthetics in South Africa.
Outeniqua - RANKED 23RD IN SOUTH AFRICA'S TOP 100 COURSES
The Outeniqua golf course provides a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience. While it offers a constantly changing terrain, it presents sufficient challenges to keep golfers engaged. This beautiful course is named after the mountains that paints its backdrop.
The Links - RANKED 2ND IN SOUTH AFRICA'S TOP 100 COURSES
The design of the course was modelled on the links courses of the British Isles and, unsurprisingly, Gary Player has described it as his greatest ever feat as a course designer.
