Things To Do
in George

Smoked or grilled snoek is a traditional Cape favorite; fresh local fish and mussels are available at seaside stalls and many restaurants along the Garden Route.

Must-Try!

A Cape Malay spiced minced meat bake with an egg custard topping — commonly on menus at traditional restaurants and guesthouses.

A sweet, sticky sponge pudding served warm with custard or ice cream; a common dessert at local eateries and bakeries.

Cured, spiced dried meat sold at markets and delis — an easy snack for hikes and drives.

Weekend markets (check local listings for days) selling fresh produce, baked goods, preserves and snacks — great for sampling local flavors and buying picnic supplies.

Seasonal stalls and small vendors near popular beaches offering grilled seafood, coffee and quick bites during summer and holiday periods.

A polite hello and brief handshake is common; English and Afrikaans are widely used — a simple 'Hello' or 'Goeie dag' in Afrikaans is appreciated.

South Africa is culturally diverse—be respectful of different languages, religions and backgrounds and avoid political or apartheid-era remarks unless in sensitive, informed contexts.

Casual dress is common in coastal towns; modesty is advised when visiting religious sites. Public displays of rowdy behavior are frowned upon.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in informal settlements or when photographing children; be considerate of privacy and local sensitivities.

Tipping around 10%–15% in restaurants is customary when service isn't included; small change or rounding up is normal for taxi drivers and café servers, and tip porters or guides for good service.

South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry some cash for small vendors, markets and rural areas. Contactless payments and mobile apps are increasingly common but check before relying on them.

December–February brings warm to hot conditions ideal for beaches, swimming and outdoor activities; holiday season can be busy with higher accommodation rates and congested coastal roads.

March–May offers mild weather, fewer crowds and clear skies — excellent for hiking, scenic drives and photography as temperatures cool.

June–August is cooler and wetter with occasional storms in the mountains; good for dramatic landscapes, whale watching nearby and quieter visitor numbers, but bring warm layers and rain gear.

September–November brings blooming fynbos, warmer days and good conditions for outdoor activities; spring flowers and fresh greenery make it a beautiful time to explore.

A significant portion of the local population speaks Afrikaans, with cultural traditions reflected in food, festivals and daily life.

English is widely used for business, tourism and official matters, making it easy for international visitors to communicate.

The town and surrounding areas are home to diverse communities with rich cultural heritage, contributing to the social and cultural fabric of George.

George attracts domestic tourists, retirees and seasonal visitors, especially during summer and holiday periods.

The coastline around Victoria Bay and nearby beaches is popular with surfers of all levels; surf schools are available for lessons.

World-class golf courses in and around George attract golf tourism, with scenic fairways set against mountain backdrops.

Like much of South Africa, rugby and cricket are popular community and school sports with local clubs and matches during their respective seasons.

The Outeniqua region’s trails attract mountain bikers and trail runners seeking varied terrain and scenic routes.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants, with salads, vegetable stews, quiches and vegetarian mains; mention dietary needs when ordering as menus vary.

Vegan choices are increasing but can be limited outside bigger towns—look for plant-based sections on menus or choose salads, vegetable-based dishes and ask about dairy-free options.

Halal-specific eateries are fewer; ask restaurants about meat sourcing and consider seafood, vegetarian dishes or bring snacks if you require certified halal food.

English is widely spoken—clearly communicate allergies to staff. Carry medication for severe allergies and consider choosing reputable sit-down restaurants over street vendors if you have serious concerns.