Summer In George

December 13, 2021

There’s a reason that tourists, from both near and far, flock to George and the neighbouring areas for the summer season. The weather is beautiful, it’s surrounded by the restoring sea, mountains, woodland and farmland, and there is so much to do to keep the whole family content.

Whether you’re an adventure junky, enjoy quiet culture, or like to immerse yourself in local heritage, there’s an activity or hidden gem for everyone. Here is our list of the best things to do on the Garden Route.

Summer 2021

There are a number of exciting activities lined up for summer in George. The Christmas markets provide an opportunity to shop for unique and interesting gifts for loved ones, and you’ll likely be able to tick most people off your list, without having to venture into the high street shops or malls. George Botanical Gardens provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing day out. It’s family and dog friendly, and nature is in abundance. Bird watchers will be captivated by the different species that flit around the gardens and there are plenty of tranquil spaces to settle down for a picnic. This summer, there are some wonderful evening events planned, where you can catch a glimpse of the interesting nocturnal residents, enjoy carols by candlelight, take in a movie, or sip on wine while hearing about the venue’s plans for 2022.

If you’re keen to take in some live music, don’t miss out on the new famous faces of George, The Wessos, who will be performing at George Botanical Gardens with some of the songs from their debut album. Veteran singer-songwriter, Jannie du Toit, is well known on the Afrikaans music circuit, and fans will appreciate his pre-Christmas performance at George Arts Theatre.

For the more active people, there are trail runs galore. The traditional XMAS Trail Fest around the Berg River Dam is an absolutely stunning route and will prepare you for the upcoming festive feasts. There are also some crazy, fun trails, including a beer run, a beach run and even a full moon run for the night owls. Whatever your level of fitness, there are some amazing trails offering spectacular scenery and great vibes.

Kids will be excited to know that The Noddy Christmas Party is coming to George. Step Aside Farm is hosting the show and a fairyland has been built at the farm for Santa and the Noddy family. George Arts Theatre will be raising hair with a pantomime adventure for kids and adults alike. “Rapanzal – The Pantomime” will be playing throughout December.

All-year-round Culture

George has such an incredible heritage that you don’t need to go far to get your fill. Here is our list of some of the activities you can undertake to experience true George history. However, all the towns around George also have a unique culture that is worth exploring.

Art & Galleries ~ Crouse Art Gallery, The Art Shop, René Scribante Gallery and Cape Palette Art & Picture Framing are just some of the wonderful galleries you can visit, each offering a unique exhibit of sculptures and paintings. The staff in all these galleries are knowledgeable and passionate, and art lovers will be enthralled by each piece on display.

Historical Walk ~ Pacaltsdorp, the home of Mooikloof, is steeped in history. Learn more about the fascinating tales of yesteryear, taking you back 200 years. There is so much to know about the ancient sites of Pacaltsdorp. The whole family will be enriched by the stories of this community that was once populated by the Outeniqua Khoikhoi tribe.

Museums ~ With free entry to both George Museum and the Outeniqua Transport Museum, they are definitely worth taking the time to visit. George Museum offers an interesting selection of local artwork, furniture, artefacts and antiques, and a very unique timber display. The interactive display for children will provide entertainment for the younger ones, and adults will be enraptured by the history behind George’s lumber industry. The transport museum is a popular attraction, showcasing the history of Transnet. Both adults and kids will love the vast display of vintage locomotives, cars, fire engines and wagons, and there is even a plane to explore.

All-year-round Activities

Fishing ~ This is an activity that definitely appeals to many, which can be embraced by the whole family, and Garden Route fishing is some of the best in South Africa. Recreational fishers will love the opportunity to cast their lines, mere minutes from Mooikloof, at Gwaing River Mouth. There is also an abundance of rock and surf fishing opportunities around George, and beyond. For boat lovers, there are plenty of places to go dam fishing and for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know that many businesses offer fantastic deep-sea expeditions.

Golf ~ George is blessed with one of the most celebrated courses in South Africa – Fancourt. This beautiful estate is perfectly located at the foot of the stunning Outeniqua mountains and features three Gary Player designed golf courses. Fancourt recently won ‘South Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2021’ in the World Golf Awards and welcomes golfing enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels.

Coastal ~ There is an extensive range of things to do at and on the big blue, in both George and the nearby coastal towns. From more relaxed activities such as sunbathing on the beautiful endless stretches of beach, to river cruises and whale watching, to something every thrill-seeker has on their bucket list; Great White Shark cage diving.

Land-based ~ There are plenty of activities inland, some of which are just a few kilometres from Mooikloof. Shopping addicts will love the Garden Route Mall and inner-city shops, offering both high-street brands and boutique stores. When you’re keen to venture out and have someone else do the cooking, you’ll find a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants, fine-dining, takeaways and wine farms providing a range of cuisines to suit all tastebuds and all ages. And for animal lovers, there are reserves that offer encounters with lots of different animals. George itself has both a wildlife park, and a reptile and bird park, where the little ones will be entertained for hours.

All-year-round Adventures

There is an abundance of activities for all ages, some of which are available both in George and beyond. We have created a quick list of where you can experience these thrilling adventures.

Our Boschkloof and Kloofsig Developments

Boschkloof homes have almost sold out, and our Kloofsig development is selling fast. The houses and apartments in these developments offer multiple options, to suit your budget.

Each property has been built to our acclaimed high standards and is ready to move into, offering a built-in oven, light-fittings and all come fibre-ready. The houses boast garden space to enjoy soaking up some rays, a garage, with prices starting at R1,100,000 for two bedrooms, and one bathroom. Two-bedroom / two-bathroom, and three-bedroom, two-bathroom houses are also available.

There are three apartment options to choose from: one-bedroom, one-bathroom at R750,000, two-bedroom, one-bathroom at R990,000 and, the largest of our offerings, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom at R1,020,000. All the apartments come with a generous balcony or stoep, with an inviting built-in braai, featuring a stainless steel cover.

Buy now

Check out our recent blogs to get advice on the buying process, which make the endeavour as smooth as possible. When buying a Mooikloof house or apartment, there is no transfer duty.

Mooikloof offers access to all the best that Garden Route has to offer and our properties are selling quick. There’s never been a better time to invest in a Mooikloof home.