The United States of America might have the legendary Route 66 ─ a path of epic road trips stretching over more than 4 000 kilometres. But we can certainly crow about our renowned Route 62. Meandering across more than 850 kilometres, it forms the gateway from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. This route is arguably the longest wine route in the world and the scenic alternative to the N2. To keep your plans for your next road trip on track, TravelGround rounded up a few exciting stops and overnight stays along the R62!
Adventure in Robertson
About two hours from Cape Town, you’ll enter Robertson ─ home to the annual Wacky Wine Weekend and the first stop on our R62 road trip. This tranquil town offers a bunch of gourmet restaurants and cosy cafés, but this time we’re focussing on the adrenaline junkies.
If you’re a daredevil or you’ve always wanted to see the beautiful Boland from above, stop at the Robertson Airfield. This unmanned airfield plays host to Skydive Robertson ─ a popular skydiving spot for newbies and pros. With tandem skydive, ground school training, traditional static line progression and modern accelerated freefall training, you’ll definitely find your fix! This exhilarating experience is available on weekends and public holidays and it’s wise to pack some snacks as you’ll probably want to stay a while. Read more …
Stay in Robertson
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Camping | Backpackers | Lodge
Merry in Montagu
This picturesque town is famous for its museums, historic buildings and heavenly hot springs. You’ll also find an eatery around every corner with Origin coffee and homemade treats earning Rambling Rose Farmstall and Coffee Shop the top spot. But for a bit more excitement, we recommend a tractor trip at Protea Farm!
This farm is set in the Koo Valley just outside of Montagu and is an absolute favourite with its tractor trips. These trips ascend the Langeberg Mountain, reaching a height of 1 500 metres above sea level. On the way up, you’ll be in awe of the views over the Koo Valley and Robertson Valley from the top. Once you’ve reached the tip, a mountain hut awaits where you can enjoy a glass of sherry before descending the mountain. Traditional potjiekos cooked on an open fire is also available, offering a relaxing end to an exceptional outing. Read more …
Stay in Montagu
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Camping
Wine and Dine in Barrydale
Our next stop is Barrydale ─ a charming town on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo. With numerous coffee shops, art galleries and novelty shops, this town is worth more than just a quick drive through. That’s why we’ve picked two pit stops in Barrydale!
With its delicious milkshakes, Diesel & Cremé will be an oasis after a long drive ─ they even offer flavours such as red velvet and Oreo! This vintage diner boasts a unique dining experience and you can even book a stay at The Karoo Moon Motel on the same premises. Read more …
What would this wine route be without a stop at a much sought-after wine farm? Joubert-Tradauw Cellar, a small wine cellar outside of Barrydale, will surely sweep you off your feet with their hospitality, decadent lunches and laid-back wine tasting. During summer, the vines are heavy with juicy grapes and in autumn the estate is painted in a vivid palette of green, rusty orange, red and purple. Their Proe van die Karoo tapas offer an exquisite spread of seasonal produce and baked breads pairing elegantly with your wine. It’s time to dine among ancient oaks and let your senses go wild! Read more …
Stay in Barrydale
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Lodge
Chill in Calitzdorp
Calitzdorp is known as the port capital of South Africa and is surrounded by fruit farms, ostrich ranches and wine estates. It’s a gem of a town offering an abundance of trails for hiking, mountain-biking and 4×4. But after a few hours on the road or a long week at the office, you’ll need more than just special scenery to unwind.
The solution? Calitzdorp Hot Springs! This spa is a natural hot spring with a mineral-rich warm outdoor pool, hot indoor Roman bath and two cold water swimming pools. There’s plenty to do for the whole family with tennis, hiking, and bird-watching on site. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a springbok wandering the grounds at dusk and dawn. Day visitors are permitted by prior arrangement or you can stay overnight to make proper use of this little piece of paradise! Read more …
Stay in Calitzdorp
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Camping
Out and About in Oudtshoorn
Besides the world-famous Cango Caves, many wine farms and several restaurants, a trip through this Klein Karoo town won’t be complete without popping in on a ostrich farm ─ after all, Oudtshoorn is our country’s ostrich capital!
Highgate Ostrich Show Farm is a family-friendly farm near Oudtshoorn offering different experiences ─ from handling an egg and playing with downy chicks, to indulging in meals at their on-site restaurant and browsing through ostrich products at the gift shop. Remember to wear comfortable clothes, put on some sunblock and pack your camera! Read more …
Stay in Oudtshoorn
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Camping | Backpackers | Lodge
Other towns along Route 62
Worcester | McGregor | Bonnievale | Ladismith | De Rust
So, turn up the music and start your engines ─ it’s time to hit Route 62!
Feature image: Vineyards along Route 62 (BigStock)
