Route 62, the iconic 850km highway journey from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, is one of the world’s most exhilarating and scenic road trips. It offers a unique experience that takes visitors on a journey through time and space, winding through breathtaking landscapes and charming towns on and off the beaten path.
A Journey Through the Breede River Valley
The route begins in Worcester, the largest Breede River Valley town known for its wine estates and fruit orchards. The valley is surrounded by majestic mountains, providing a beautiful vineyard backdrop. It is highly recommended that you pay for a trip to the Worcester Wine and Olive Route. Enjoy a scenic journey down the valley while stopping to sample some of the finest olives and wines the area offers. The valley’s fertile soils and Mediterranean climate make it ideal for cultivating some of the country’s most renowned grapes and olives.
The picturesque town of Robertson is well-known for its Victorian architecture and peaceful nature. A visit to the Robertson Wine Valley, home to some of the most acclaimed wineries in the area, is an absolute need for anybody interested in partaking in a wine-tasting excursion. Take a stroll down the oak-lined streets and admire the beautiful Victorian houses. The town’s rich history is evident in the preserved heritage buildings, which are a testament to the town’s past as a hub for farming and trading.
Montagu, a charming town known for its hot springs, majestic mountains, and unique rock formations, is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and bird-watching. It is highly recommended that you include the Montagu Nature Garden on your list of locations to travel to. After a long day of traveling, Montagu Springs is the ideal destination for unwinding and recharging after arriving at your destination. The town’s natural hot springs have been a popular destination for centuries, offering visitors a chance to experience the healing properties of the thermal waters.
A Journey Through Art and Culture
The little little hamlet of Barrydale is well-known for the breathtaking scenery, unique cafes, and art galleries it has. Make it a point to stop by the Magpie Art Collective so you may take in the work of some of the area’s talented artists. Breathtaking mountains and vineyards encircle the town, and a trip across the Tradouw Pass is an absolute need if you want to see it all. The region’s rugged terrain and unique flora and fauna have inspired many artists and writers throughout history, and the town’s galleries and museums are a testament to this.
Ladysmith is a scenic village in South Africa that is well-known for its orchards, vineyards, and the legendary mountain pass of Seweweekspoort. The Seweweekspoort is an excellent hiking destination and has some of the region’s most breathtaking vistas. A journey to Ladysmith is only worthwhile once it includes a stop at the cheese factory, where one can taste some of the finest cheeses in the surrounding area. The buildings and landmarks maintained around the town provide a look into the role that the city played in the past as a commercial center. These structures and landmarks are clear evidence of the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
A Journey Through Nature and Wildlife
Oudtshoorn is known as the world’s ostrich capital and allows tourists to get up and personal with these fascinating animals. Make a detour to The Cango Caves to get an up-close look at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cave’s interior. It is also highly advised that you visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch, which is home to some of the most unique and exotic creatures found anywhere in the world. The town’s distinct topography and temperature have turned it into a sanctuary for a wide variety of flora and wildlife, and the natural reserves in the city provide tourists with the opportunity to investigate this rich biodiversity up close and personal.
The little village of Calitzdorp is well-known for the stunning vineyards that surround it, as well as the renowned Calitzdorp port wine. The town is hemmed in on all sides by the Swartberg Mountains, which provide a breathtaking background for the vineyards. Visit the Boplaas Vineyards, where they produce some of the region’s finest wines and ports, and taste some of them for yourself. The Gamkaberg Nature Reserve in Calitzdorp is an absolute must-see because it allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the intriguing and one-of-a-kind flora and wildlife found in the Klein Karoo.
Traveling via Cape Town and on to the Eastern Cape area of South Africa via Route 62 is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that provides tourists with the opportunity to learn about the region’s numerous and varied cultures and cities and scenery. From the fertile valleys of Worcester to the rugged mountains of Calitzdorp, the journey takes visitors through time and space, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history, culture, and biodiversity.
