After exploring Cape Town, embarking on a road trip to discover more of South Africa offers a chance to appreciate breathtaking landscapes. While the Garden Route via the N2 is popular, the Route 62 through the Western Cape’s wine region provides a scenic alternative.
Travel Tip: Allocate ample time to soak in the picturesque views, savor local cuisine, and taste the delicious wines along the way.
Culinary Delights on Route 62
To begin the Route 62 journey, take the N1 out of Cape Town towards Paarl in the heart of the renowned Cape Winelands, close to Stellenbosch. The stunning backdrop of mountains and vineyards makes the drive a delightful experience. For a lunch stop, Spier Wine Farm is highly recommended, offering a charming outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy a cheese platter and a glass of wine beside a serene dam shaded by ancient trees. Food enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit Franschhoek, known as the Food Capital of South Africa.
Exploration Time
To truly appreciate the trip, consider staying overnight in the area to fully explore. From Franschhoek, you can head straight to Worcester or choose to explore nearby towns such as Tulbagh and Ceres. Tulbagh, known for its restored historic houses post an earthquake, offers a dining experience at the renowned Paddagang restaurant, serving authentic South African cuisine. A short drive away is Ceres, famous for its fruit farms, with a scenic route on the R46 through striking mountains.
Commencement of Route 62
Retrace your steps via the R43 to Worcester, considered the official start of Route 62. Worcester is a vibrant town with unique attractions like Die Klein Plaasie, a living museum showcasing traditional farm life.
Heading out from Worcester, make a stop at Rooiberg before reaching Robertson. Here, you’ll find a beautiful winery, a quality restaurant offering light meals, and a farm stall with local produce. The vineyards around Robertson are among the most stunning in the Cape Winelands, deserving extra time for exploration. For a break from driving, consider hiking or horse-riding.
Hot Springs Excursion
Continuing from Robertson through Ashton, known for its canning factories, witness a shift from the wine industry to fruit and vegetable production. The road becomes narrower as you progress, leading to Montagu, famed for its Hot Springs, dried fruit, and olives. Enjoy a unique tractor ride up the mountain in Montagu or explore the local farm stalls offering fresh produce.
Barrydale, a popular stopover town between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town, offers a step back in time with its relaxed atmosphere. The onward journey to Ladysmith presents desert-like landscapes, a drastic contrast to the lush scenery experienced earlier.
Encounter with Ostriches
Route 62 proceeds through Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port capital, where a visit to a port cellar is recommended. The route then leads to Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farms and the captivating Cango Caves. Explore ostrich farms to learn about these intriguing birds.
From Oudtshoorn, two routes await – travel to George to rejoin the N2 for the Garden Route towards Port Elizabeth, or continue on Route 62 through the Langeberg region and fruit farms. This quieter route merges with the N2 near Humansdorp, leading you to your final destination – Port Elizabeth.
