The R62 stretches between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape and is often used as an alternative to the Garden Route for tourists travelling between these provinces. Because of the beauty of this Karoo route, though, it has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Most striking about the R62 is the unbeatable scenery. This unique part of South Africa is characterised by red soil, stark cliff faces, rivers, orchards, and indigenous scrub. Fynbos, including the beautiful Protea, swirl gently as cars rush by on the highway, generously letting every passer-by experience their splendour.
The R62 is known as the longest wine route in the Western Cape, but is suspected to hold this record for the entire world. Karoo wines are completely different from other areas, as they grow in a semi-arid area. While the flavours are as diverse as the grapes that create them, there are definite characteristics that will appeal to certain palates. Fortified and dessert wines are particularly successful in these parts, and promise those that enjoy these sweeter wines a taste experience.
Some of the towns through which the R62 passes include Bonnievale; Barrydale; Calitzdorp; Montagu; Robertson; Worcester; Ceres; Tulbagh; Wellington; Paarl; Joubertina; Kareedouw.
These towns are renowned as farming centres, wine country or fruit producers, depending on their specific location. When experiencing the wonder of the R62, consider these popular Things To Do On The R62:
Bonnievale
- Bonnievale Golf Course
- Leopard Trail in the Langeberg
- 4 x 4 routes
- Wine tastings
- Breede River Goose Boat Trips
- DJ le Roux Museum
- Amanzi Farm (enjoy the farm animals while you snack on cheese and biscuits on the dam’s edge)
Caltizdorp
- Calitzdorp Spa
- Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve (comprising the magnificent Swartberg Mountain Range)
- The Donkey Trail through Die Hel
- Gallery Route 62
Ceres
- 4 x 4 routes – Luiperdskloof, Matroosberg and Warmbokkeveld
- Merino 4 x 2 Trail
- Klondyke Cherry Farm
- Matroosberg hiking trail
- Ceres Zipline Adventures
De Rust
- Stompdrift Dam Water Resort
- Educational Nature and Adventure Camps
- Interpretation Botanical Trail
Joubertina
- Kouga Wildernis – for an action-packed adventure. Enjoy kloofing, 4 x 4 routes, rock climbing, fishing, horse riding and more.
- Route 62 Tours and Adventures
Kareedouw
- Stormsriver Adventures
- Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tours
- Woodcutters Journey and Forest Tours
Ladismith
- Springvale 4 x 4
- Springvale Hike
- The Towerkop Nature Reserve
- The Anysberg Nature Reserve
McGregor
- McGregor Paintouts (a 2-day course conducted by a local artist)
- Garden Art
- Millstone Pottery
- The African Queen Studio (showcasing environmentally friendly décor and accessories)
Montagu
- MontEco Nature Reserve
- Tafelkop 4 x 4 route
- Montagu Mountain Biking Route in the Langeberg Mountain Range
- Rock climbing
- Wine tasting and cellar trips
Oudtshoorn
- Hot air ballooning
- Feed the elephants and watch the variety of game at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
- Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Tandem skydive
- Cango caves
Robertson
- Hiking trails (such as Dassieshoek and Arrangieskop)
- The Robertson walkabout
- Rafting down the Breede River
- Klipdrift Brandy Distillery
- Klaasvoogds Game Reserve
- Robertson Art Gallery
- Skydiving
Worcester
- Fishing on Worcester Dam
- Pampoen Farm Stall
Book your Route 62 Hotel here, find all Self Catering on Route 62 options at SA-Venues.com and see all other Things to Do in Route 62.
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