George is a popular destination for holidaymakers and travellers. The city has an abundance of stunning viewpoints and opportunities for exploration.
George, nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, is a popular destination for holidaymakers and travellers. The second largest city in the Western Cape and a jewel of the Garden Route, George is known for its stunning natural fauna and diverse cultural heritage.
George is home to the Garden Route Botanical Garden and is filled with picturesque hiking trails and lookout points. If you love sea & sand, you’ll enjoy the pristine golden beaches that stretch along its coastline, offering the perfect opportunity for relaxing strolls at sunrise and sunset as well as great swimming, snorkelling and swimming. The coastal pathways are a great way to relax and watch the surfers tackle the warm Indian Ocean waves.
George is also home to lush forests, dense with indigenous vegetation. They’re great places for bird watching and for those who love the peace and tranquillity that nature offers. Guided walks through the forests allow visitors to learn about the indigenous foliage.
George has an abundance of breathtaking viewpoints and ample opportunities for exploration. The landscape of this Garden Route city makes it the perfect setting for a serene and magical holiday destination.
Let’s explore some of the most iconic scenic drives and lookout points in and around George…
The Seven Passes Road
The Seven Passes Road winds through the Outeniqua Mountains, connecting the towns of Knysna and George. The road gets its name from the seven mountain passes that it crosses. This scenic route is an absolute feast for the eyes. Travellers on this road will pass picture-perfect farmhouses, romantic old bridges, rural settlements, cows grazing and an abundance of fynbos and forests. The route is known to be one of the most beautiful mountain passes in South Africa.
If you appreciate majestic mountain views, the Outeniqua Mountain range will provide a mesmerising backdrop to your drive. There are numerous scenic lookout points to picnic and take photos at, and at which to create lasting memories. Take a hike through one of the numerous trails through these mountains, each leading to vantage points with stunning panoramic vistas.
Kaaiman’s River Pass
The famous Kaaimans River Pass is a short and curvy mountain pass with steep and sharp bends. The pass connects George in the west with Wilderness in the east. On this scenic drive, you’ll travel along majestic mountains, driving along the glistening amber-coloured waters of the Kaaimans River. The famous Dolphin Point is found along this pass. Dolphin Pass has long been a favourite of tourists. It offers 270-degree views of the surroundings, including the best panoramic views of Wilderness Beach.
Dolphin’s Point
Dolphin’s Point offers breathtaking views all the way to Sedgefield. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see the Knysna Heads. During whale season a variety of whales and dolphins can be spotted from the lookout point.
Situated on a rocky outcrop, the high lookout point is perfectly positioned, making it easily accessible from both sides of the road.
The Outeniqua Pass
The Outeniqua Pass has been ranked as one of the most scenic road passes in the world. It’s not only been hailed as having spectacular scenery but the pass has been hailed as extremely safe and modern in its engineering. The summit of the road is reached after 14 km and has numerous striking viewpoints of the mystical coastline and the rugged Outeniqua Mountains. Through valleys, around and over mountains, and past indigenous forests, this relatively short drive is filled with picture opportunities.
Montagu Pass
The Montagu Pass was once the only route to get to George and Oudtshoorn. It is both a historical and tourist attraction. The pass is narrow and steep and is a popular scenic drive. Many visitors take the opportunity to hike and cycle along its picturesque roads through the Outeniqua Mountains. The pass was completed in 1848 and lays claim to be the oldest unaltered pass still in use in South Africa. In 1972, this pass was named a National Monument.
Enjoy mountain scenery, quaint bridges and small villages. The pass is embedded in South Africa’s travel heritage and will add a touch of adventure to your trip.
For a holiday filled with adventure and exploration, visit George and take scenic drives through these mountain passes. Hello Garden Route has got you covered if you’re wondering where to stay and what to do during your holiday. Visit our website and have a look at our various holiday accommodations in and around the city of George.
