If you’re starting off in Cape Town and heading for Port Elizabeth, Cape Route 62 offers a shorter, more scenic alternative to the N2 highway.
This scenic route passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Rawsonville, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Wellington, and Paarl. It also includes the Langkloof towns of Misgund, Louterwater, Krakeel, Joubertina and Kareedouw.
Also known as the Mountain Route, Route 62 offers majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards, and orchards, as well as a multitude of attractions. There are several mountain passes on Cape Route 62, including Michell’s Pass near Ceres, Bain’s Kloof Pass near Wellington, Gydo Pass due north of Ceres up the Skurweberg, Tulbagh Kloof (after the town of Tulbagh), Prince Alfred’s Pass (after Prince Alfred) from Knysna to Uniondale, Tradouw Pass near Barrydale, Garcia’s Pass from Riversdale to Ladismith, Cogmans Kloof, from Ashton to Montagu and Swartberg Pass from Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert.
The easily accessible towns, nestled along the valleys, all offer ample opportunity for discovery. From visits to wineries and game reserves, tribal art, cultural tours, museums and for the more adventurous: hiking trails and mountain climbing, 4×4 routes, canoeing, horse riding, even ostrich riding, fishing, and caving.
For more information, call +27 (0)82 871 9730 or visit www.route62.co.za.
Kids will love…
The Burgundy Gherkin Pizzeria – Montagu
Tel: +27 (0)23 614 3734
Pizzas and pasta and an indoor children’s area.
Route 62 Restaurant and Farm Stall (Die Kloof Padstal) – Montagu
Tel: +27 (0)23 614 2209
A playground, well-priced meals, a children’s menu and bowls of fresh water for your pets.
The Cango Caves – Oudtshoorn
Tel: +27 (0)44 272 7410
One of the world’s great natural wonders where you can walk in some of the biggest stalagmite formations in the world, formed about 4500 million years ago.
Cango Wildlife Ranch – Oudtshoorn
Tel: +27 (0)44 272 5593
Take a stroll on the ‘catwalk’ and view lion, cheetah, puma, white Bengal tigers, meerkats, pygmy hippos and many bird species. You can also visit rare and rather large reptiles at the snake park and crocodile pools.
Horseabout – Tulbagh
Tel: +27 (0)82 884 9881
Pony interactions and riding. Ride for fun, for therapy, or simply enjoy being around horses while getting some fresh air.
Day Visits – Montagu
Tel: +27 (0)23 614 1150
Enjoy the hot springs, picnic area, and braai facilities, as well as a 60-metre waterslide. (Entrance fee payable.)
Crystal Cave – Tulbagh
Tel: +27 (0)23 230 2977
A delightful shop for visitors of all ages. Browse art, pottery, beadwork, jewellery, stones, crystals, birthstones, sun-catchers, chimes, candleholders, lamps and more.
Ceres Zipline Tour – Ceres
Tel: +27 (0)82 781 4789
The longest tour in Africa. Eight slides total 1.4 km and the tour takes two to three hours. Enjoy refreshments along the way. All weather and all ages from 3 years and older.