Support Local In The Garden Route

Our Favourite Places to Explore

There is a reason why the Garden Route is also referred to as Eden – a paradise of abundance.

Although there is a special magic between the rustling indigenous trees on the Sanjika Farm, exploring the surrounding areas outside the farm borders brings another sense of adventure and freedom that can only be found in this gem we call home. 

The local community of the Garden Route is a people who flourish alongside our beautiful scenery. From the velvet green mountains, to the lively forests, to the bucket-list beaches – the diversity one finds in what nature has to offer in this area can also be discovered in the vibrant personalities of the precious people who run our local businesses. 

Here are our favourite local places to support and explore when visiting the Garden Route.

  1. The Barn on Montagu | Grocer, Deli + Coffee Shop

This is the closest grocery store to Sanjika Farm and assuredly the coolest artisanal grocer, deli and coffee shop that we have ever seen. Thoughtfully curated, this must-see store will brighten your day with the best breakfast and toasties served while going about your daily shopping. Selling local organic farm produce, handcrafted foods from local entrepreneurs, award-winning Pause roasted coffee, freshly baked sourdough breads and buttery sweet treats  – this bespoke grocer really goes the extra mile to spoil you above and beyond. 

In front of The Barn you will also find the bespoke pizza takeaway spot – Holy Dough. The artisanal sourdough pizzas served here are filled with mouthwatering flavour and beautiful local ingredients to top it all off. 

  1. Outeniqua Brew Co. | Beer Brewery

Nestled behind The Barn on Montagu in Blanco, you will find a unique local beer brewery for those sun-drenched days when you crave that cold beer. This brewery, taproom and distillery call themselves labourers of love and is built on the foundation of supporting local artisans. From Lagers and Pale Ales brewed from locally grown mountainside hops to their own crafted gin and tonic – here you will find a beautiful variety of tasty and refreshing drinks to recharge your taste buds. They also serve delicious food handmade at The Barn and Holy Dough if you want to grab a bite to eat while enjoying a cold one. 

  1. The Terrace | Open Fire Restaurant

Just a few minutes away from the Sanjika Farm, this marvellous modern restaurant is found overlooking the sublime views of the Outeniqua Mountains. Specialising in open fire cooking and wood-fired pizzas, this family space offers true South African favourite dishes with added elegance and flavour. Enjoy a taste of our heritage with pap en vleis, (maize porridge and meat), focaccias and pizzas, and sizzling steaks from the fire, whilst sipping locally brewed beer or your much-needed cappuccino. At this restaurant you will find a festive escape and culinary perfection. 

  1. Prince of Tarts | Bakery Café

This is the most glorious bakery café found right in the heart of George. Upon arrival at this gem of a bakery, you will smell the scrumptious combination of butter and sugar. This fabulous café will awaken your senses with its freshly brewed coffee and quality baked goods. Famous for their handcrafted salted caramel tarts, cheesecakes and carrot cakes – in this vibrant space you can forget about calories and deep dive into an unforgettable world of pure bliss. Everything about Prince of Tarts will make you smile – from the friendly baristas and bakers to the mind-blowing taste of their pastries. 

  1. La Capannina | Mediterranean Restaurant 

This is simply one of our favourite restaurants in George. When it comes to serving quality, freshly made and true delicious food, you can count on this restaurant to always deliver. Combining tradition, local love and innovation, La Capannina has been a special place where people in our community come together since 2002. Specialising in Mediterranean flavours like hearty pasta and pizza with South African twists like their famous Karoo lamb shank – this warm dining atmosphere will immerse your senses in an extraordinary experience that will keep you coming back for more. 

  1. The Pottery | Social Restaurant + Creative Café

Wonki Ware is a famous ceramic brand that has taken South Africa by storm and originated right here in the centre of our home town. In this ceramic factory, you will discover a stunning social restaurant and creative café intentionally designed for all ages. Here you can enjoy their signature cocktails, pizzas and burgers while you get those creative juices flowing as you paint pottery around a table of loved ones. There is a play area with trampolines for the little ones, an incredible store filled with unique crafty products and live music on Thursday and Friday evenings.  

  1. Redberry Farm | Family Strawberry Farm

This memorable family strawberry farm has been a part of the George landscape since 2000. Also just a few minutes away from Sanjika, you can embark on a fun and adventurous outing where the whole family can unwind. Here you can partake in the luxury of picking strawberries, having a bite to eat at one of their various restaurants, taking a ride on the mini train, overlooking the mountains from the giant strawberry or challenging your brain in their fascinating maze – name it and this strawberry farm offers it. 

  1. Herold Wines | Wine Farm

At the foot of Cradock Peak on the Little Karoo’s side, you will find a boutique vineyard and winery tucked away in the small village of Herold. With breathtaking views that will not disappoint, you can taste their bespoke wine range during an exclusive cellar visit, relax during a picnic lunch and walk among the vineyard while observing the local men practising their vine management skills. For added adventure (and if you drive a 4X4), you can head to Herold from Sanjika via the beautiful and thrilling Montagu Pass. Alternatively, driving between the velvet green mountains through the Outeniqua Pass is just as glorious.  

  1. Outeniqua Power Vans | Mountain Train Tours

Have you ever dreamed of gliding through majestic mountains on a train, picnic basket in hand, soaking up sweeping views of paradise? Now that dream can become reality. Climb aboard a vintage rail inspection trolley and relax as it winds its way up the Outeniqua Mountains – through forests and tunnels, past waterfalls, fynbos, proteas, and glimpses of indigenous birds and wildlife. Experiencing the Garden Route from this elevated, bird’s-eye perspective turns a scenic journey into something truly transformative. This is an outing you won’t soon forget.

  • Transnet Transport Museum | 2 Mission Rd | George Central | George
  • powervan.co.za 
  • Bookings are essential | 044 801 8239
  1. Outeniqua Family Market | Saturday Outdoor Market

Another family attraction that has been around entertaining and feeding our local community for years is the infamous Outeniqua Family Market. Open every Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00, here you will find numerous stalls filled with friendly faces ready to spoil you with local artisanal products. You’ll find everything from food options like wonderful fresh produce, baked goodies and traditional Boerekos, to crafty options like local art and secondhand books, handcrafted clothing and even live music. Our personal favourite has to be “The Cheeseman” stall. Embrace the vibrancy of the local community at this market and savour the flavours of the Garden Route.

After reading this article, you might feel inspired to try everything – and unsure where to begin. Don’t worry, you truly can’t go wrong. Each of these places offers unforgettable experiences and beautiful memories waiting to be made.
After all, the name Outeniqua is derived from the Khoisan word meaning “those who bear honey.” No matter which path you choose, you’ll be exploring a land rich with sweetness – quite literally, the land of milk and honey.

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