George is a much smaller airport with about 250 000 people travelling in and out of it every year.
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.
Are you suffering from Wanderlust? Do you want a perfect blend of nature and civilization? Then head for George. The town is situated on the East Coast of South Africa on a ten kilometre plateau sandwiched delightfully between the awe-inspiring Outeniqua Mountains and the sparkling Indian Ocean. Just the perfect place for you!
Outeniqua Hiking Trail is one of the most popular destinations of South Africa, which takes almost 8 days to cross This journey takes you on a 37 km track, through the outstanding Outeniqua Mountains, which start at Witfontein forest station located near George, and end at Diepwalle forest station, near Knysna. You may also choose to go through the Outeniqua Pass, which is 799 meters long. This journey offers fascinatingly complementary views of the abundant greenery and the arid little Karoo area. Yet another alternative is the Seven Passes Road, which ran 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 several outstanding. Historical places of interest to see in George. You will see an antique English Oak, which was planted by Landdrost van Kervel. This is a national monument known as Slave Tree, due to the huge lock and chain, which is embedded in its trunk. If you have a high regard for historic buildings, then King Edward VII Library is a traditional Edwardian building worth seeing. Also take a glance at the podium of the Dutch Reformed Church of St. Peter and Paul, built in’42. It is built from stinkwood, the pillars and church dome are made of yellowwood.
Visit the George Museum, to learn about local history and to see a fine set of musical instruments. The First Class School for Girls was a dream turned into reality by the visionary Christina Petronella van Niekerk.
Nature lovers must visit Van Kervel Nature Reserve, which is spread over an area of 9 hectares. It supports a wide variety of regional flora. The town is bordered by the rich farmlands, whose major crop is the hops. You can enjoy a unique excursion to one of the hop harms, and learn about the farming; and get to understand farm life. You may even take a trip to the Bado Kidogo, which is a wonderful parrot farm; or visit the George Crocodile Farm to take a closer look at the captivating reptiles.
Those who love golf can tee a ball at the famous Oubaai Golf Course, while the lovers of water can enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, scuba diving or may be go on an oceanic excursion to enjoy some 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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