Welcome in the Garden Route!
Explore the green oasis that is George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and surrounds, and enjoy an unforgettable holiday with us!
Message from our District Mayor, Marais Kruger:
Welcome to the beautiful Garden Route! Whether you’re visiting or a proud local, I wish you a joyful holiday filled with rest, adventure and special family moments. Please enjoy our region responsibly and use water sparingly as our dam levels this year remain under pressure. Stay safe and enjoy your time with us!
George Mayor Browen Johnson says:
I extend my heartfelt festive wishes to all residents and visitors of George. As we celebrate with loved ones, we remember those facing loss or hardship and hold them in our prayers. May this season bring peace and joy, and may 2026 offer renewed opportunity, growth and prosperity for our entire community.
Garden Route Top Picks
Our Holiday Guide proudly features this year's Top Picks - exceptional local businesses celebrated by our community. Each one was voted a winner in Group Editors' Best of Readers' Choice Awards this year, selected by our readers as a standout choice for the season. From trusted favourites to inspiring newcomers, these businesses represent the very best our towns have to offer, making your holiday shopping and celebrating truly special.
Click here to view our Top Picks for 2025!
The ultimate Holiday Bucket List
Discover the magic of the season with our Holiday Bucket List — your go-to guide for must-do experiences, can’t-miss sights, and memorable moments across the entire Garden Route region . From festive events and local adventures to unique shops and seasonal treats, this curated list highlights the very best things to see, do, experience, and explore. Whether you're creating new traditions or checking off longtime favourites , our bucket list is designed to help you make the most of this holiday.
Tick off this year's Bucket List items here!
• Conville: 044 803 3300
• George: 044 803 4400
• Herold: 044 888 1600
• Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9100
• Thembalethu: 044 802 8900
• Wilderness: 044 877 0011
• Crime Stop: 08600 10111
• Emergencies: 044 801 6300
• General: 044 801 6360
• George Hospital: 044 802 4528
• George Hospital Emergency Unit: 044 802 4478
• Mediclinic Geneva: 044 803 2000
• Mediclinic George: 044 803 200
• ER24: 084 124 | 082 372 5290
• Frontier Medix: 074 991 0911
• Metro Ambulance: 044 802 2500
• Injured birds: 082 493 1298
• Injured sea birds: 082 364 3382
• Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin), George: 072 084 1374
• Sentiara by Salomé Bruyns: 076 202 0043
• SPCA emergencies: 082 378 7348
• SPCA general: 044 878 1990
browse even more holiday spots
Click on the images to browse through everything you need to know about your holiday in the sunny Mossel Bay and Hessequa, or your escape to the tranquil and unique Greater Karoo region with all its charm.
More Group Editors Publications & Online Platforms
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