In and Around
Without going too far, there’s plenty to see and do around George, no matter what your specific quirk or interest. From treetops to subterranean caves, lighthouses, rail rides and more, here are seven of the best ways to spend a day out of George.
PLAYING TARZAN AND JANE
For children of all ages, Wilderness Nature Reserve has the ultimate tree swinging experience. With 74 aerial platforms linked by bridges, rope swings and zip lines, this is an adrenaline pumping experience for the whole family. There’s also a new zip line that’s over 200 m long and that allows you to fly through the trees over the Timberlake organic village, just like Tarzan would. No matter what your age or stage of adventure, there are tree swinging courses for everyone, as long as you have a sense of adventure and a strong heart.
Tel: +27 78 251 4458, Web: www.acrobranch.co.za
GOING UNDERGROUNDThe Cango Caves are Africa’s only show caves, and they are vast. They are located just 90 km from George, near Oudtshoorn, and are open daily (except for Christmas Day). On offer is an underground wonder world of stalagmites and stalactites that have created fantastical limestone sculptures in the cave system. With names like the Drum Chamber, the Bridal and Fairyland chambers, and the Rainbow Chamber, you can’t help but be enchanted by this otherworldly experience where the temperature remains a constant and humid 18°C.
Tel: +27 44 272 7410, Web: www.cango-caves.co.za
OLD WORLD CART RIDES
Just a few kilometres inland from Klein Brak, at Ruiterbos, is Outeniqua Moon. It’s a unique Percheron stud and guest farm owned by people who have an unbridled passion for these magnificent heavy draft horses. There are 16 Percherons on the farm and guests can go on morning cart rides around the area, drawn by Percherons of course. It is a fabulous day trip out in the country, and Outeniqua Moon also serves delicious lunches. If you visit, you are guaranteed to be captivated by these magnificent horses that are rarer than rhinos.
Tel: +27 82 564 9782, Web: www.outeniquamoon.co.za
GOING TO GOLF
George is golf central. So if this is your game, you will have landed in Nirvana. Most famous is the Gary Player designed Fancourt, and there is also Ernie Els’s Oubaai as a start. Add to this Kingswood, George Golf Course, Goose Valley and Lagoon Bay, and golfers are spoiled for choice. Move a little further from George on a day trip to Pinnacle Point and Mossel Bay Golf Club or to Pezula, Simola and Knysna Golf Club in Knysna, as well as Plettenberg Bay Golf Club. That’s surely a long enough list to keep the keenest golfer occupied for a very long time.
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POWER IN A VAN
It’s a unique rail and eco experience unlike any other. The Outeniqua Powervan is a bright red rail carriage that takes up to 20 guests at a time on rail trips into the mountains surrounding George. Not only is the rail experience unusual, but being able to stop in the countryside to enjoy the majestic mountain views and the fauna and flora makes for an invigorating day trip out of town. The Powervan has been operating since 1999 and follows strict safety and rail regulations, so gather friends, pack a picnic, and head for the hills.
Tel: +27 44 801 8239, Web: www.georgetourism.org.za
HOOF IT ALONG A HORSE TRAIL
If you love the outdoors in the cool, calm, on-the-back-of-a-horse way, then meandering the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains may be the ideal way to spend a leisurely day. En route you and your charge can cool off in mountain streams if the day heats up, and at the end of your ride you will be served light snacks and refreshments to replenish your energy. Riders are also welcome at Bozzola Equestria, just inland from the town of Little Brak.Tel: +27 44 696 6882 or +27 72 895 9408, Web: www.ruiterbos.com
VISIT CAPE ST BLAIZE
Cape St Blaize has been shining since 1864. It is an elegant, white lighthouse in the Victorian style that until the 1970s worked on a windup mechanism. This meant that the lighthouse keeper had to wind the clockwork system every three hours to keep the lens of the light turning by night. Now the light is automated, but lighthouse keepers are still resident to man the radios and do meteorological readings. Visiting a lighthouse is a nostalgic experience and a taste of a bygone era. South Africa is one of the few countries that still employs lighthouse keepers, so before they are gone for good, consider going to meet one.
Tel: +27 44 690 3015; open Monday to Friday 10h00 to 12h00 and 12h30 to 17h00.
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