Stretching between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Route 62 offers a wonderfully scenic and much more laidback alternative to the relentless hustle and bustle of the N2 highway along the coast.
It would take the best part of an entire end-of-year school holiday to experience everything this 850 km route has going for it. Every kilometre has something different to admire, whether it’s the spellbinding mountain scenery of the inland Western Cape, the dazzling variety of wineries, the tranquil Klein Karoo or the quaintest of quaint farming towns.
The balmy climate and fertile soils all along the route have given rise to the longest wine route in South Africa, and possibly the world. There are no less than 40 different wine farms to visit, with most offering a comfy and usually charming place to rest your head for the evening. You can choose from dozens of accommodation options, ranging from rustic offerings such as Keisie Cottages amongst the mountains outside Montagu, to the inimitably stylish Coach House at Val du Charron estate near Wellington.
The route is awash with opportunities for adventure. The mountains are blessed with countless spectacular hiking, horse riding, mountain bike and 4×4 trails, whilst other possibilities include a superb rafting trip on the Breede River with Rafting Route 62, aerial thrills with Ceres Zipline Adventures and ostrich riding in Oudtshoorn. You can also tick off game at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve between Montagu and Barrydale, or the luxurious Buffelsdrift Game Lodge outside Oudtshoorn.
The towns aren’t short of culture either, with friendly residents always willing to point in you to the nearest museum, monument or arts and crafts shop.
Route 62 has all the ingredients for the ultimate road trip, but if you do start feeling like you’re missing out on the attractions of the Garden Route, it’s an easy hop down to the N2, with George, Knysna, Wilderness and Plett all readily accessible.
For everything to see, do and experience on Route 62, visit the official website at www.route62.co.za.