Kwelanga Country Retreat

At the beginning of European colonisation in South Africa in 1652, timber and the provision of various woods was of paramount importance for the survival of the settlers. Once forest areas near the present Cape Town were exhausted, the search for more timber continued along the coast.

Early woodcutters and their families lived in forest clearings where they evolved into a closely-knit community where intermarriage was common. The men were thin and wiry, but they were also tough and strong with an incredible skill in felling, sawing and handling timber.

From 1772 there was a gradual influx of settlers intent on making a living from the forests. These were mostly descendants of the Dutch settlers. In early days the lives and livelihood of the people revolved around the timber industry and the rich forests in the vicinity and it remained a quiet outpost. It was the dramatic improvement of communications - the roads, rail and air links eclipsing the ox-wagons and coastal steamers of the 19th century - that exposed other charms and resources of the region and resulted in unprecedented growth for the town.

George is the sixth oldest town in South Africa, situated in the beautiful Western Cape Province and is the Capital of the Southern Cape. The town is very centrally situated: halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and centre of the Garden Route - ideal from where to explore the areas many variant and diverse scenic wonders. Situated on a 10 kilometre plateau between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian ocean to the South.

George is the commercial hub of the Western Cape you can find excellent accommodation in George and enjoy all the facilities it has to offer, or reside a few kilometres outside of the town, and enjoy the beautiful mountain terrain or stunning coastal views. Which leave you wanting to return again and again, with a variety of activities to enjoy or simply rest and re-charge, yourself.