Things to do near
Thembalethu
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Shopping Malls
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George (2.3 km from Thembalethu) Conveniently situated near George Airport at the confluence of the N2 highway and Knysna Road, Garden Route Mall is a vibrant regional shopping centre providing locals and visitors a relaxed one-stop shopping experience.
The new elegant shopping centre offers easy access to all entrances from 3 000 parking bays and top-notch security. Shop till you drop at a selection of 125 shops, including big-name brands
such as Woolworths, Truworths, Pick n Pay, Game and Queenspark as well as speciality shops and numerous restaurants.
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sundays and Public Holidays 09:00 - 15:00
Village Marketplaces
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George (3.2 km from Thembalethu) The Outeniqua Farmers’ Market is the home of nearly 80 food and craft stalls, offering visitors a wide range of produce and goods supplied and created by local farmers and craftsmen.
Located opposite the Garden Route Mall on the N2, the market spans a five-hectare site. You'll find everything, from breads to berries, fish to flowers, and everything in between.
The Outeniqua Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 to 14:00.
Golf Courses
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George (3.4 km from Thembalethu) The best short course ever. Distances – 90m to 292m (Total 3001m ) Clubs and carts available to hire
Popular Attractions
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Garden Route (4.6 km from Thembalethu) For a unique eco experience, Outeniqua Power Van rides is the thing to do. Currently this is one of the most popular attractions along the Garden Route.
Enjoy the Garden Route from the comfort of rail buses in exclusive groups. Travel into the Outeniqua Mountains, one of the most scenic railway passes in the country. Experience forests, passes, waterfalls and tunnels. Flora and fauna is prolific along the route.
Trips are made daily between 7:00 and 21:00.
Galleries and Museums
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George (4.8 km from Thembalethu) Take a trip down memory lane at the Outeniqua Transport Museum.
You will be able to see 13 different steam locomotives including a narrow gauge, the Emil Kessler- Johannesburg’s first steam locomotive and the impressive GL Garrett. Also on view are beautiful old carriages such as a coach from the Royal Train of 1947, Paul Kruger’s coach and private saloons.
A photographic exhibition displays stunning photos of South African steam. There’s also train travel poetry and displays of crockery and cutlery previously used on main line trains and station restaurants. Road motor vehicles and a private vintage car collection complete the displays.
Summer season (1 September to 30 April)
Daily excluding Sundays 08:00 – 17:00
Off peak season (1 May to 31 August)
Mon to Friday 08:00 – 16:00
Sat 08:00 – 14:00
Closed Sundays
2 Mission Street, George
+27 (0) 44 801 8288
Galleries and Museums
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George (6.2 km from Thembalethu) Dinner theatre aficionados in George have a new state-of-the-art theatre to visit for good times, delicious food and quality entertainment.
The Kalahari Restaurant and Theatre opened its doors in September 2010 to cater for discerning theatre fans and music lovers in the Garden Route. The 400 seater theatre will stage the latest productions from the main circuit in a warm and friendly environment.
The theatre complex houses a separate bar and a 120-seater family restaurant with an outdoor deck. A beautiful grand piano mounted on a circular stage steals the limelight in the restaurant which also functions as a cocktail bar and entertainment area.
Bookings for shows can be done at the theatre or through Computicket. Patrons are advised to pre-order snack platters and pizzas to enjoy in the theatre.
Beaches
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Victoria Bay (6.4 km from Thembalethu) Set in a stunning cove enclosed by rugged cliffs, Victoria Bay Beach is one of the smallest and most hidden bays on the Garden Route. Travelling from the N2 it is only 3km away, roughly situated between George and Wilderness. A number of cottages are clustered along the beach front. The gently-sloping tiny sandy beach offers safe swimming as well as big waves in deeper water that provide surfers with a long ride.
Golf Courses
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George (7.6 km from Thembalethu) Kingswood is an urban golf estate located in the heart of George. Undoubtedly the Sally Little signature18-hole golf course designed by Danie Obermeyer is the prime attraction, but there are a host of other leisure activities that you can enjoy - all in a setting of breathtaking, natural beauty. Neighbouring Fancourt and George Golf Courses, Kingswood offers spectacular views of the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains. With 850 residential opportunities and family facilities complimenting the experience, Kingswood Golf Estate is truly urban living redefined.
Golf Courses
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George (7.7 km from Thembalethu) Set in the heart of the Garden Route, the George Golf Club course is a beautifully manicured, 72 par course with 18 holes and bent greens. The course rating for men is either 70 (club – 5774m) or 72 (championship – 6100m), while that for the ladies is 72 (5188m).Visitors are welcome daily, with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, which are reserved for members and their guests. Booking for golf is essential. Please note that no group bookings are allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Caddies and motorised golf carts are available for hire at the Pro Shop, as well as clubs and trolleys. Golf carts must be booked well in advance due to a small fleet of carts available at the club. The Pro Shop also sells golfing equipment.
Popular Attractions
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Wilderness (7.9 km from Thembalethu) Map of Africa in Wilderness lookout point is situated near Hoekwil. The setting of the river flowing around the hill makes the view look like a map of Africa. It is also a very popular paragliding spot, and has spectacular views of the Wilderness beaches.
One can reach the Map of Africa lookout point via a clearly marked turn-off from the N2. This is a well-maintained gravel road. A great outing on a beautiful day.
Beaches
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Wilderness (9.5 km from Thembalethu) Wilderness Beach is unspoilt, safe and breathtakingly beautiful. Warm Indian Ocean waves break onto this golden sandy beach that stretches for seemingly endless kilometres. Time almost stands still as the hours slip by while you wander and enjoy this coastal Eden and its creatures. It's a good spot for whale and dolphin watching.
Hiking Trail
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George (9.8 km from Thembalethu) The 2.2 km Forest Buzzard Trail starts from Witfontein Forestry Station just outside George. This easy circular route through pine plantations and indigenous forest passes a cascading waterfall. Dogs are welcome if they are on a leash.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.2 km
Golf Courses
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Herolds Bay (9.8 km from Thembalethu) Situated on a spectacular stretch of coastline near Herolds Bay, Oubaai Golf Course offers a championship layout just 10 km from George Airport.
Boasting the first Ernie Els signature course in South Africa, the design presents a challenge to all golfers and is a tribute to South Africa’s much-loved player. It is rated by Els as one of his favourite courses on the planet.
The traditional Links layout has nine holes out and nine holes back with a unique two-tee operation. The signature hole on the course is the par-3 17th framed by the ocean and with the green below.
Oubaai Golf Course is known for its high quality golfing and exceptional service. Visitors keep returning to this challenging and enjoyable course with great views and memorable experiences.
Mountain Biking Trails
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Fancourt (10 km from Thembalethu) Fancourt, the Garden Route’s top leisure and lifestyle destination, has introduced a scenic mountain bike trail to offer its guests yet another invigorating outdoor leisure pursuit. Designed with safety in mind, the trail follows a central route through the property, and offers individuals and families a fun way to explore the spectacular estate.
Mountain Bikes will be available for hire at the Sports & Leisure Centre, which will be open from 06:00 to 21:00 each day. A leisurely 35 minute cycle will take guests along a scenic 10 km route through the resort, with the starting point in front of the Fancourt Clubhouse, coinciding with the starting point for the existing Leisure Trails.
The route then winds down to Bramble Hill and then over a scenic path across part of The Links golf course. Here it follows a bush trail, heading back to Bramble Hill and ending off again at the Fancourt Clubhouse.
Golf Courses
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George (10.2 km from Thembalethu) Fancourt’s Montagu Golf Course is a much loved Parkland course that is frequently ranked as the number-one golf course in South Africa. Recently it had a major revamp with numerous holes being redesigned and two new additions.
The course never gets cramped and there is more than enough time to appreciate the Fancourt golfing experience as it is restricted to members, their guests and resort visitors. It is recommended to book your desired tee time however.
Serious players and anyone in need of secret training can warm up before playing on the full-length range as well as the chipping and bunker practice area. A handicap certificate, soft spikes and appropriate golf attire is required. Golf carts are available for hire, weather permitting.