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Guide to George, South Africa
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GeorgeOne of South Africa's chief coastal cities along the Garden Route, George is uninspiring to say the least. If it were not for its culinary specialties and its churches, visitors to the region would pass over this grid for the nation's wilds inland - which, evidently, is more or less what people take George for - accessibility. Also, in addition to playing gateway to South Africa's southern forests, the city is close enough to others of its kind so as not to appear an isolated singularity upon the map. If you're not looking to be swept off your feet and would be content with an average array of museums, gardens, and galleries, George is quite capable of satisfying such needs. But people seek spectacle. This is why Cape Town and Johannesburg are the continent's southerly high rollers. One can argue for George on the basis that its visitor volume is all but untraceable among the nation's most popular regional capitals. If some measure of tranquility is a characteristic you'd like in your South African destination, you're guaranteed a morsel at the least, further enhanced by the absolutely remarkable climate offered by the mixture of both the valley and the ocean. 'Tis true the dimmer, more subdued stars are always given less attention, something which has proven hard to undue. Whatever the case may be, George is an appealing alternative to the all-too-common; one worth the time, effort - and stopovers - to see.
When to go:
A combination of the ocean and its geographical location makes George prone to transformative winters, but overall you will rarely come across severe shifts in temperature, and its annual climate is far from resembling that of the Antarctic. Summers are much more enjoyable on the southern tip of the African continent than in its central and northern regions - perhaps this is why vacationers often opt for South Africa and Madagascar over Egypt and Niger.
Getting there and around:
George Airport is accessible from the capitals Cape Town and Johannesburg, both which are frequented by international carriers from Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. For the transfer between airport and city, we recommend taxis for their speed and convenience. Guided tours are provided by Eco Afrika, a service which traverses George and the surrounding landscape. This is ideal for those who enjoy hands-off tourism; otherwise for more self-reliant means you can rent a vehicle or hire taxis.
Attractions:
Is it entirely possible to amuse yourself with George's own sites, but an activity sought-out by many visiting the city has little to do with George. The Choo-Tjoe Steam Train offers a journey via rail through the Garden Route (en route to Knysna) that allows visitors majestic views at a relatively slow pace (for a locomotive). The Outeniqua Railway Museum is a great addition to one's itinerary. You're likely to pay a high premium for a taxi ride to its grounds, so a private car (and a map) is all but a must.
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