South Africa continues to shine brighter on the world’s tourism radar with each passing year, with cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg attracting massive global attention.
However, the country has far more to offer than its most popular tourist cities.
At this year’s FAME Week Africa convention, George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism showcased the region as a prime holiday destination and filming location.
Here, Travel News Blitz writer Zach Heynes guides you through why this scenic part of South Africa is well worth visiting.
Discovering George, Wilderness and Uniondale
George, Wilderness and Uniondale are three nearby towns in South Africa’s Western Cape, a province characterised by its diverse scenic offerings.
Their locations, all within 1.5 hours of each other, offer a taste of the Garden Route (George and Wilderness) and Klein Karoo (Uniondale).
Thus, despite their close proximity, visitors can go “from one extreme to the other” during their travels, exchanging green coastal scenes for a vast, semi-desert charm.
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George - the Garden Route’s primary hub
George was established in 1811, making it one of South Africa’s oldest towns.
Once serving as a timbering outpost fitting for its lush forests, it continued to grow into an agricultural and tourism hub, positioned between the bigger cities of Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and Cape Town.
Outdoor activities are what the city is best known for, considering its unique positioning between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains.
It is also a must-visit location for any golfing enthusiasts.
As one of the Garden Route’s most prominent stops, George has a full calendar of events to experience, with major highlights including the George Old Car Show, George Agricultural Show, Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge, and the Vic Bay Quad.
Wilderness - a scenic coast of natural beauty
Also along the Garden Route, Wilderness is a small coastal village located between George and Knysna.
It is characterised by its recreational outdoor activities and natural scenery and is a destination where the biggest adventurers and thrill-seekers will be
Explore the picturesque landscapes from all perspectives, whether you’re paragliding through the skies, rafting through mountainous rivers, or trotting along the horse trails.
Some especially jaw-dropping sites include the majestic Map of Africa viewpoint, the Outeniqua Pass, and the Garden Route Botanical Gardens.
Even if the great outdoors isn’t entirely your thing, Wilderness has a bustling arts and cultural scene, from an impressive range of art galleries to the Wilderness Arts Festival.
Uniondale - welcome to the Klein Karoo
Uniondale is truly what you would call “off the beaten track”.
The small town features rugged landscapes and vast, semi-desert plains, and it boasts a particular geological significance as part of the primordial plains.
If you’re looking for a bucket-list-worthy stop, Uniondale offers passage through to the biggest wilderness area in South Africa, Baviaanskloof, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Another staple of the town is its agricultural community, known for aloe products sourced from the region's succulents.
Otherwise, Uniondale’s rich history is captured through museums, statues and attractions, like the Uniondale Fort.
But perhaps the most unique attribute of this town is the bone-chilling legend of the Ghost of Uniondale, a phantom hitchhiker who might just accompany your travels.
Much more to explore
While this has offered a brief introduction to the region, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
The unique blend of natural wonder, historical significance, and cultural expression makes these three towns and their surrounding areas a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
If a trip to George, Wilderness and Uniondale has shot up your agenda, be sure to explore more details about each town’s offerings here.
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