Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Bird-watching: The lakes around George are home to many different bird species. TheMalachite Bird Hide is situated at the northern shore of Langvlei and over 250 species of birdshave been recorded here.Montagu Pass: The Montagu Pass through the Outeniqua Mountains behind George wasopened in the late 1840s and offers some of the most spectacular views in South Africa. Thepass is a national monument.Outeniqua Choo-Choo: The steam train, the only one still in operation in the country, datesfrom 1928. The service runs twice daily from George to Knysna and back and takes travellersalong the coast, over numerous lakes and through attractive wooded ravines. It is the perfectcombination of history and nature.Outeniqua Nature Reserve: The reserve is home to a rich variety of plant life that sustains awide variety of animal species. Various hiking trails have been mapped out.Outeniqua Power Van: If you prefer more modern machinery, a guided tour in the motorisedrail trolley that runs between George and Oudtshoorn is the option for you. The route windsup the Outeniqua Mountains and you can appreciate the splendorous beauty from the comfortand safety of the power van.Seven Passes Road: The road goes through seven passes past George and Knysna, windingthrough indigenous forests. Plan your journey to include several stops to admire themagnificent scenery.Southern Cape Herbarium: The herbarium displays lovely examples of local flora. The annualWild Flower Show is hosted here in October.Whales: Victoria Bay lies 9 km east of George and whales are often spotted in the surf.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREChurches: St Mark’s Anglican Cathedral, built in 1850, is the smallest cathedral in theSouthern Hemisphere. George also has one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in SouthAfrica (dating from 1848), and a Dutch Reformed Church (1843).George Museum: The museum is situated in Courtenay Street and focuses on George’stimber industry and the history of George.George Timber Route: This route was created to allow people to visit several of the importantattractions in George on foot. The attractions are mainly related to the town’s timber historyand include the special old trees of the town, as well as several timber stores. The attractionsincluded are the George Museum, the Big Outeniqua Yellowwood, York Street Interiors, theMagnolia Tree, Old Oak Tree, Touw Meubels, the Giant Magnolia Tree, Norfolk Island Pines,the Gum Tree, the Tibouchina Tree, Houseman’s Furniture, the Big Oak Tree, WoodcraftFurniture, the Cape Ash Tree, Witfontein, the Saasveld Forestry School and De SteylFurniture.Old Oak Tree: This tree is one of George’s famous landmarks. It was planted in 1811 and hasan old iron lock embedded in the trunk. Said to have been the place where slaves were soldin the past, some people refer to it as the Slave Tree. It is also reputedly the largest oak in theSouthern Hemisphere.110