Situated off Madiba Drive on the outskirts of George, the campus is nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with outstanding views of fynbos and indigenous forest. It was originally built by the Department of Agriculture in 1932, to train foresters because of its proximity to indigenous forest, plantations and subsidiary industries in George. It is now equally popular for botanists, naturalists and explorers.
Today, the laid-back and relaxed campus boasts modern residence facilities, new gym facilities, a swimming pool, rugby stadium, football and cricket fields, tennis and squash courts, mountain bike and hiking trails, and many other sports facilities at the foot of the same majestic mountains, making it an ideal study haven for any nature lover or sport enthusiast.
How close is the campus to George and amenities?
The campus is 6.5km from George with a university shuttle service enabling movement between the two. The ever-expanding city stands at a major crossroads between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn to the west, Gqeberha to the north and Cape Town to the south along the N2, and is therefore a major stopping point for most public transport.
What’s George like?
George is a historic town, just inland off the N2 at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, with the breath-taking Outeniqua Pass that winds up steep gradients, to the hop-growing area of Waboomskraal at the top, and onto Oudtshoorn on the other side in the Karoo.
George is the second-largest city in the Western Cape and it is the regional and economic hub of the southern Cape/Garden Route. Much of the town is laid out in city-block fashion, east/west and north/south, making it very easy to find your way about.
What’s the weather like?
George and its surrounding areas and seaside resorts, including Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay, are blessed with a Mediterranean climate and mild sea temperatures, making outdoor activities possible all year round. Summer temperatures average 26°C and winter temperatures 14°C in the daytime.
Best ways to get around
Car, taxi, bus, and Uber.
Is it vibey?
The region is a major destination for local and international visitors, which it an eclectic, vibey atmosphere. It caters for the younger generation thanks to an increasing number of students who have moved to George to study.
Where to shop
The largest shopping mall in the region is the Garden Route Mall, but there are many smaller shopping centres and precincts in central George and suburbs. There are many interesting shops, galleries, hobby and music shops etc. within walking distance in the town centre. As the municipality’s motto goes, “It is a town for all reasons”.
Eating out
George has over 100 restaurants and cafés, according to your taste and budget. Here are a few to get your taste buds dancing: Travel Bugs, Grumpy Griller, Spur, Krust Café, 101 Meade Street, Café Chino’s, Texas Grill and Foo Bar Café.
Best nightlife and live music venues
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Ten Pin Bowling Alley
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Juus Cocktail Bar
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Shenanigans Irish Pub
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Canta Libra Pub
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Omnia Entertainment
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Q8 Bar and Lounge
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Robertson Brewing Co. Pub Restaurant
Things to do and places to visit
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Garden Route Botanical Garden borders the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, from where you can hike or take a walk around the two dams that originally formed the town’s first water supply.
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The Outeniqua Country Hop Route meanders from Herold’s Bay through Geelhoutboom and Blanco area, and has arts and crafts, hikes, golf, strawberry, dairy and hops farms and eateries.
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Hiking, mountain biking, road biking, birdwatching and for botanists, the indigenous fynbos.
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Drive scenic passes including the Montagu Pass and Seven Passes Road.
Best beaches
The Garden Route is home to some of the best and well-known beaches in South Africa, the closest to George being Herold’s Bay with its tidal pools and Victoria Bay which is a popular beach for surfers.
More places to visit
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South – Mossel Bay (51km) has many attractions and is not only known for its archaeology, rich history and pristine blue flag beaches, but also for great adventure opportunities.
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North – A visit to Wilderness (16km) is a must with its quaint village atmosphere, unique shopping centre, pubs, restaurants, Touw River estuary, beach, nature reserve, hikes, swimming and long beach walks. Look out for evening and weekend markets.
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Sedgefield (38km) is famous for its Saturday morning Wild Oats market, beaches, birdlife, and hiking trails.
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Knysna (68km) is nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon with the Knysna Heads in the distance. Much of the town can be visited on foot from Main Street to Knysna Waterfront and Thesen Island.
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Plettenberg Bay (94km) is a real holiday town renowned for its beautiful beaches and sweeping vistas. While in Plett (as it is known locally), visit the attractive and rugged Robberg Nature Reserve and its vibrant town centre. A little further down the road at The Crags you can visit the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the world’s only multi-species, free roaming primate sanctuary, and Birds of Eden with over 220 species of birds.
As a dynamic African institution located at the foot of the continent, we extend our warmest welcome to students from South Africa and around the world. For a life-changing experience, join the Nelson Mandela University family and start writing your own study adventure story.