George - the heart of the Garden Route.
📅 Itinerary
Plan your George trip so that you are there on a Saturday. If your Saturday is not day two, you can switch days around to suit your schedule.
Day1: Enjoy a hike around the Garden Route Dam! This is a 12 km round‑trip, mostly easy terrain hike. It takes about 2.5 hours including stops. Start on gravel road walking across the dam wall, then through open terrain into shady forest, finishing at Pepsi Pools—a natural refreshing swimming spot with bubbly waterfall waters.
In the afternoon head to the Redberry Farm. (Closed on Sundays). Here you can enjoy a variety of activities. Pick‑your‑own strawberry experience along with fun activities for all ages.
Day2: There are two amazing farmers markers every Saturday between 08:00 and 14:00. The Outeniqua Family market is a 10min drive from city centre and the Wild Oats Market is in Sedgefield just a 20 min drive from the Outeniqua Market. Here you can find all things local! Food, coffee, snacks, art, hand made products and off course farm fresh produce for your evening braai! Head to the Outeniqua Market in George First, grab a coffee and breakfast of your choice. Enjoy live music and breathtaking mountain views. After, head to the market in Sedgefield and browse around locally made EVERYTHING.
On your way back head up to the Map of Africa! Located in Wilderness Heights, about 15 km from George, just off the N2 highway toward Knysna. Here you will have two completely different view experiences, one side of the road you will see beautiful maintains and a river (looking like the map of Africa). And on the other side of the road you will see breathtaking ocean views. Here you can also find paragliding for R750 pp. Top tip: bring some snacks from the markets to enjoy as picnic snacks while enjoying this view.
Day3:
Board the Outeniqua PowerVan, a scenic rail trip up the mountains with stunning views of forests, waterfalls, seven tunnels, and native fynbos.
-Duration: ~2.5 hours, including a 30-minute picnic stop.
-Times available at 8 am, 11 am, or 2 pm. Prices: R150 for adults, R130 for children.
In the afternoon, head to Victoria Bay for a beach day, a stroll on the promenade, or watch local surf talent. You can also enjoy an early dinner at Vickies, a restaurant on the beach.
🏨 Accommodation: I highly recommend Buff and Fellow Eco Cabins, Misty Hill Cottage or for more luxury- your choice of accommodation at Fan-court.
🍴 Food Recommendations: Terrace, Mead 101, Elvis Brew, Cafe Serefe (make an appointment in a Thursday evening for the best ribs you have ever had) Hussar Grill, Bossa, Cow Fish, Polpetta, Duttons Cove, Deacon House.
📌Tips: Head over in Summer months, Winter can be wet and cold.