George is a comparatively smaller airport with nearly 250 000 passengers passing through its doors annually.

Situated half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth it is right in the middle of the Garden Route which is a major tourist attraction for foreign visitors.

If you suffer from wanderlust and wish to experience an ideal combination of nature and civilization, then you must visit George. This town is located on South Africa’s East Coast region, on a 10km plateau placed wonderfully between the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountains, and the effervescent Indian Ocean. This would be the perfect destination for you!

One of the attractions of George is the famous Outeniqua Hiking Trail, which takes a good 8 days to traverse. The walk takes you on a 37 kilometres track through the gorgeous Outeniqua Mountains – starting at the Witfontein forest station near George and ending at the Diepwalle forest station near Knysna. You can also go to the Outeniqua Pass at 799m, if you choose. It has interestingly contrasting views of lush greenery and the dry Little Karoo area. Another option is the Seven Passes Road which used to run between George and Knysna.

George is one of the oldest towns of South Africa. It was formerly known as Georgetown in the year’11, after King George III. Anthony Trollope, said that George was the ‘the most beautiful village on the face of the earth’. Today’s George still maintains the grandeur with its oak-lined boulevards set against a mountain backdrop.

While at George, don’t miss taking a ride on Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, which is a narrow-gauged steam-train, which starts from this place and travels through Knysna. Be careful of the place, where the train goes across the River Kaaimans. At this place, water has sliced a deep fissure in the stone, which you’ll come across just a short while, before the river merges with the Indian Ocean. You may like to sample some of the oysters at the Oyster Company while you are in Knysna. You may like to enjoy the kingly meal, along with a glass of local wine, Cuvee Brut.

There are some memorable and historical sights to explore in George. There is a very old English Oak that was planted by Landdrost van Kervel. This national monument is called the Slave Tree because of the enormous lock and chain buried in its trunk. If you admire old buildings, the King Edward VII Library is a classical Edwardian construction well worth seeing. And take a peep at the pulpit in the’42 Dutch Reformed Church of Saints Peter and Paul – it is made of stinkwood, while the pillars and dome of the church are constructed of yellowwood.

Explore the George Museum, to find out about regional history, and to observe a fine collection of musical-instruments. Christina Petronella van Niekerk, a visionary turned her dream into reality but building the First Class School for Girls. It is also a must visit.

Nature lovers should make out for the Van Kervel Nature Reserve. Extend over a land of 9 hectares; the reserve is home to a wide collection of native flora. The town is encircled by many well-off farmlands, main crop being hops. An extraordinary venture would comprise a stopover to one of such hop farms, to discover about agriculture and add an insight into ranch life. You may also take a excursion to Bado Kidogo, an striking parrot farm, or visit the George Crocodile Farm, to get a closer look at the interesting reptiles.

Golfers can enjoy an excellent game at the award-winning Oubaai Golf Course while water enthusiasts can swim, surf, and scuba dive or even take an oceanic excursion to do a bit of whale watching!

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for South Arica?s leading Flight comparison & Booking portal, which includes Alitalia Airlines amongst others.

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