They say only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out the car window. One could venture a guess that freedom might have something to do with it. Sometimes we just need to switch our minds off, fire up our two-wheelers and let the open road guide our souls for a few days. That’s why TravelGround has put together the perfect Klein Karoo-Garden Route motorcycle road trip from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay for all the free spirits in need of a short and sweet holiday stint. If you’re craving a fresh ocean breeze, Karoo hospitality and the freedom of the open road, this is the road trip for you!
Pit Stop in Oudtshoorn
We kick-off our two-wheeler adventure in Cape Town with a 420 kilometre stretch along the world-renowned Route 62. This gorgeous tarmac will introduce you to the beating heart of the Klein Karoo and all its hidden highways and byways. Head east on the N1 to Worcester, take the R60 to Montagu and there you’ll find Route 62 ─ one of the longest wine routes in the world.
Ronnie’s Sex Shop
As you’re cruising along the inland road of Route 62, a small, yet prominent, white building catches your eye. Ominous at first glance, the red letters on the side read ‘Ronnie’s Sex Shop’. Don’t let the name fool you ─ this little pub has grown to be a biker’s oasis in the Karoo. Ronnie’s Sex Shop is a staple for every weary traveller in need of refreshment and a recharge. Many years ago, Ronnie planned on opening a fresh produce roadside stall, but his friends took to the little building one night and painted ‘Ronnie’s Sex Shop’ on the side of the wall as a prank, and soon a pub emerged. This establishment has seen many a traveller over the years and has certainly become a institution for any biker that happens upon the mountainous Route 62.
Cape Ruby
Calitzdorp is one of the Klein Karoo’s quaint little havens and is best known as the port capital of South Africa. Despite it being the smallest winemaking region in South Africa, Calitzdorp Wine Route has become a charming niche among tourists from all over the world visiting this town to get a taste of its top-quality wines, produced mainly by Boplaas, De Krans, Axe Hill and Calitzdorp Cellar. So, if you need a little pick-me-up from the long road, or just need to warm your belly on a cold day, pull your steel stallion up to the Calitzdorp Wine Route and enjoy some Karoo warmth in a glass.
We reckon you’ll be a little wiped out after a long day on the road, but don’t fret, because TravelGround has got you covered with top accommodations in Oudtshoorn. We also recommend you spend a whole day in this lovely Klein Karoo town so you can truly experience the magnificence of what Oudtshoorn has to offer. The possibilities are endless!
Stay in Oudtshoorn
Self-catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Camping | Backpackers | Lodge
Play in Oudtshoorn
Cango Wildlife Ranch | Safari Ostrich Farm | Cango Caves | Swartberg Pass
A Night in Knysna
After a long stretch on the first day of your Klein Karoo-Garden Route motorcycle tour, you deserve a day of slowly cruising on the 120 kilometre road between Oudtshoorn and Knysna while taking your time to bask in the unspoilt beauty of the Karoo. The journey continues over the Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, via George and Wilderness. There are lots of cafés and viewpoints along the way, especially on the Victoria Bay Bridge. Be sure to keep your camera close ─ the picturesque scenes of this route are truly uncanny!
Knysna Charters Oyster Tour
If there’s one thing you can’t skip when visiting Knysna, it’s hitting the waters of the bright blue Knysna lagoon. Throw some wine and fresh oysters in the mix, and you’ve got yourself a proper Knysna experience! Knysna Charters Oyster Tour offers the ultimate oyster experience on the spectacular Knysna Lagoon, teaching you everything there is to know about this beloved delicacy. Find out the real difference between wild and cultivated oysters, and top it all of with a glass of white wine and the magnificent Knysna Heads in the background.
Mitchell’s Brewery Tasting
If you’re looking for a lager than life beer-tasting experience to ale your thirsty needs, Mitchell’s Brewery is certainly the place to be. After all, what is a two-wheeler road trip without some hopped refreshments? Mitchell’s Brewery is known as South Africa’s first craft beer brewery, brewing small quantities of craft beer in Knysna since 1983. From the crisp, clean taste of a lightly hopped lager, to a dark, smoky stout with a creamy finish ─ Mitchell’s Brewery has a beer for every belly!
No Garden Route tour is complete without a night in Knysna. The scenic splendour of this Eden-like Garden Route town will have you dreaming blues and greens for many weeks to come!
Stay in Knysna
Self-catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Backpackers | Lodge
Play in Knysna
Garden Route National Park | The Motorcycle Room | Knysna Heads
The Only Way is Plettenberg Bay
It comes as no surprise that Plettenberg Bay is one of the top tourist towns the Garden Route has to offer. This little town holds very different meanings for different people. Some find it to be a leisurely holiday spot where lazy days on sandy beaches are the norm. Others see it as their yearly nightlife and high-season cocktail circuit, while early risers and thrill seekers visit this area for a forest hike, parachuting or bungee-jumping. All in all, Plettenberg Bay is every traveller’s paradise!
Bloukrans Bridge Bungee
There’s nothing like the warm blood rush pumping through your veins while hanging by your ankles, dangling from the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump. Once you’ve planted your feet on the edge of Bloukrans Bridge Bungee’s platform, there’s nothing that can hold you back. This is certainly an experience worth taking off your helmet for!
Hog Hollow Horse Trails
Every biker has a duty to trade in his motorcycle for the original two-wheeler at least once. At Hog Hollow Horse Trails you can temporarily exchange your chopper’s roar and rumble for a gentle gallop through the forests, mountains and valleys of the breathtaking Tsitsikamma. Hog Hollow offers various trails, including picnic and wine farm trails. If you feel like you deserve a bit more luxury after a few days on the open road, you can always opt for the comfort of Hog Hollows 16-seater carriage with a glass of local wine to round off a spectacular Garden Route stay.
Your Klein Karoo-Garden Route motorcycle road trip can’t possibly be complete without spending a night or two at one of TravelGround’s stupendous Plettenberg Bay accommodation options. So click here to book your stay in Plettenberg Bay.
Stay in Plettenberg Bay
Self-catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel | Camping | Backpackers | Lodge
Play in Plettenberg Bay
Monkeyland | Robberg Nature Reserve | Birds of Eden
Once you’ve hit the long and winding road on the back of a two-wheeler, you’ll finally understand why the old saying still rings true ─ there’s no turning back once your knees hit the breeze!
Featured Image: Bigstock
