Family things to do this tourism month

GEORGE NEWS - "Nature has made an enchanting abode of this beautiful place."

"Le Vaillant wrote these words in the 18th century upon the Outeniqua mountains' foothills, and they still ring true today. Our family visited George and found it nothing short of magical.

"Our exploration started with a drive up the winding Montagu Pass to Herold Wines. Here we sat down with Nico, the winemaker, while we snacked on their impressive cheese platter and the kids played happily on the lawn.

"Upon visiting Redberry Farm we discovered they offer strawberry picking year-round. The kids got to potter around in a boat, rode a miniature train and went on a treasure hunt in their gigantic hedge maze.

"A guided tour through the Garden Route Botanical Garden opened our eyes. Where I used to see unkempt lawn, we discovered an experiment in nature taking back domesticated land. We rubbed leaves and smelt flowers in the tactile and scent garden before exploring the medicinal value of plants.

"In Wilderness, we ate bratwurst at Timberlake Organic Village and monkeyed around on the Acrobranch course. The children loved the three ziplines! We hired a kayak and headed up the Touws river. I was thrilled to see Knysna loeries crash-landing into unsuspecting trees, their wings aflame as they fell through the sky. My six-year-old daughter lay back in our kayak, the sun shining on her face as she let her little hands dance through the water. An almost supernatural silence closed in around us as if to freeze the moment. Even the busiest of minds could find peace here.