Route 62
Route 62 meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth and includes the wine growing areas of Wellington, Tulbagh, Robertson, Worcester and the Klein Karoo.This is the perfect self drive tour for those who prefer to take the road less travelled. Experience the ever changing colours of the magnificent landscapes and striking mountain edifices as you drive through the world’s longest wine route. Explore the vineyards, orchards, old towns sheltered by oak trees, historical buildings, botanical gardens and enjoy world class cuisine along the way. There is no shortage of things to do including wine tours, golfing, safari drives, cultural tours, museums, hiking, mountain climbing, canoeing, horse riding, fishing, quad biking and hot air ballooning over the Karoo. The area also has a number of music, arts and food festivals throughout the year.
Barrydale
Barrydale is uniquely positioned between two extremes of the fertile Tradouw Valley and the semi-arid Klein Karoo. Barrydale is a nature’s lover’s paradise. In spring and summer the hills are covered with a beautiful array of flowers. The Klein Karoo offers excellent walking and hiking opportunities suitable for all levels of fitness. Due to the areas low rainfall the sun always seems to shine with temperatures often reaching 35C in the summer months.
The Tradouw Pass
The Tradouw Pass is one of thirteen built by Sir Thomas Bain in the 1800’s. It was built to make the local farmers produce more accessible to the neighbouring areas. The work was built using convict labour and was declared open in 1873. The Tradouw Pass is renowned for its beautiful floral displays in spring and summer, impressive waterfalls in winter and wonderful mountain swimming pools in summer.
Bonnievale
Bonnievale is a dairy and wine producing region that lies on the banks of the Breede River. It is also known as the Valley of Cheese and Wine. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges it is one of the most beautifully situated towns in the Western Cape. The local wine farms produce outstanding whites and reds. There are a great number of activities to enjoy in Bonnievale which include cellar tours, quad biking, golf, fishing and canoeing.
Ceres
The town of Ceres is names after the Roman goddess of fruitfulness and as its name implies it produces deciduous fruits. This large fertile valley is surrounded by large mountain ranges and is where the Breede River starts and is home to a large variety of fauna and flora. Activities include visits to the fruit farms, quad biking, hikes and nature walks in the nature reserves, visiting San rock painting sites, birdwatching and visits to the game farms in the Ceres Karoo area.
De Rust
De Rust is a Victorian town flanked by the Swartberg Mountain range. It is home to fruit orchards, golden vineyards that produce sweet desert wine, ostriches and exquisite displays of pelargoniums. The most impressive attraction is Meiringspoort – a 25km stretch of soaring red cliffs with spectacular rock formations that pierce through the mountain range, joining the Little and Great Karoo. This area has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast and is particularly well regarded for its scenic hiking trails through the mountains.
Klein Karoo
The Klein Karoo is one of South Africa’s most diverse wine regions. It is situated between two mountain ranges and the vines are mostly grown on the high slopes in the fertile soil along the riverbanks. The main town is Oudtshoorn – known for its ostrich farming. The climate is generally drier than that of the other regions and most of the farming is organic. The Klein Karoo’s various micro climates enable winemakers to make a variety of wines including dry red and white wines, fortified wines, brandy and port. The Klein Karoo also offers visitors excellent cuisine and warm hospitality.
Mc Gregor
The town of McGregor sits at the end of a road that seems to go nowhere. It is an excellent example of an extremely well preserved mid 19th century Cape townscape. Walking along the quiet streets, lined with thatched, white washed cottages it feels as if you have been taken back in time and one can almost expect to see characters dressed in period clothing walking alongside you. It s home to a thriving arts and crafts community and every year the town hosts a festival to celebrate the release of the regions new wines.
Montagu
Montagu is a peaceful town steeped in history and is known for its fascinating rock formations, orchards, vineyards, and mineral springs. Discover the Wildflower Nature Garden, bird sanctuaries, nature reserves, museums, art galleries, historic homes, hiking trails, biking trails and rock climbing.
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of South Africa. It is situated in a valley and every route into the town follows a dramatically scenic pass or “poort”. The area was originally inhabited by the Bushmen, and the evidence can be seen in the many rock paintings that are found in caves throughout the surrounding Swartberg Mountains.The town has an interesting history and was the centre of the “ostrich boom” in the late 19th century when ostrich feathers were used to adorn fashion accessories in Europe. A number of imposing sandstone “ostrich palaces” and public buildings remain as evidence of the wealth and opulence of the boom. The rich culture of this town is reflected in its national monuments and museums. Several of the ostrich farms offer daily tours and you can also visit the local township where you will enjoy traditional dancing and cuisine. Every year in April Oudtshoorn hosts the Klein Karoo Arts Festival – a celebration of South African art, culture, cuisine, drama and music. Local and international acts perform in more than 50 venues.
Another interesting attraction in Oudtshoorn is the Meerkat Magic conservation project where you will have the opportunity to be within arm’s length of these fascinating creatures as you observe them interacting with each other and foraging for their daily food in their natural environment.
The Cango Caves is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Its spectacular limestone caverns filled with stalagmites and helictites is one of the world’s great natural wonders. Visit the local wineries for tasting the regions award winning wines, ports and sherry. Outdoor attractions include hiking, biking, caving, abseiling, rock climbing, horse riding, quad biking, hot air ballooning and micro flights.
Paarl
Like many towns in the Cape Winelands, Paarl is home to a prosperous community, with many well maintained and attractive Cape Dutch houses, beautiful gardens and streets lined with old oak trees. Situated at the foot of a large granite outcrop – the scenic beauty of the Paarl Valley compels visitors to explore the many scenic routes in the valley and along the surrounding mountains on horseback, mountain bike, on foot or in a hot air balloon. The richness of this areas fauna and flora even attracted the attention of Charles Darwin when he visited Paarl in 1836. Just outside the town is Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela spent his last years before embarking on his long walk to freedom.
Robertson
Robertson was founded the mid 19th century and its main industry at the time was farming and wagon building. After the Anglo Boer war the railways became the main transporter of goods and the wagon industry ceased to exist. Farmers returned to wine, fruit and ostrich farming. After the collapse of the ostrich industry many farmers turned to breeding race horses which, together with dairy, wine and fruit farming, continues to this day.
Beautiful Victorian houses set on streets with flowering roses and jacarandas are some of the charming characteristics of this culturally diverse community.
Tulbagh
Tulbagh lies in a gorgeous, fertile valley, surrounded by mountains. Indigenous herbs and flowers such as the Protea grow wild and the valley produces some excellent wines, olive oil and fruits. Wildlife can still be observed by those who are prepared to do some hiking away from the populated areas. Fishing and horseriding are also popular activities.
Wellington
Wellington is another fine example of South Africa’s eclectic cultural mix. Visitors to Wellington can discover a legacy of historical buildings and architectural treasures. Throughout the year the town hosts an array of events that celebrate its diversity and history. In early summer you might see row upon row of bright orange apricot halves soaking in the dry sunshine. Wellington has a selection of arts and craft shops representing local painters, glassmakers and potters.
Wolseley
The Wolseley region is surrounded by mountains that are often covered in snow in winter. The area lies on a natural watershed resulting in an abundance of water that supports all types of farming like fruit, vegetable, wheat, dairy, olives, flowers, sheep and cattle. The mountain, forest and waterfall scenery is spectacular and best enjoyed on foot or mountain bike.
Worcester
There is a lot to see and do in Worcester and it is well situated for exploring the surrounding towns on the route. On the outskirts are the unique Karoo Botanical Gardens – the only truly succulent gardens in the southern hemisphere. The gardens cover an area of 155 hectares of semi-desert vegetation and include over 300 protected species. Spring turns the gardens into a colourful display as the “vygies” bloom. You can also visit the Kleinplasie Museum where you will gain an insight into the living conditions of the first settlers. An 18th century farm, a Khoikhoi camp and a Trekboer hut has been built and visitors can watch actors dressed in historical clothing rein act the days of old – making soap, forging horseshoes, spinning wool, rolling tobacco and milling wheat.
Worcester also has a wine tasting centre where one can taste a variety of excellent wines and another interesting attraction is the KWV Brandy Cellar where you can gain an insight into brandy distillation.On weekends glider flying enthusiasts can try their hand at flying - under the supervision of a teacher. Weather conditions and thermal winds are excellent throughout the year.
Knysna Oyster Festival, South Africa
The Luangwa River in Zambia is getting to its peak
Swimming, snorkelling and diving are superb in the Seychelles from March 
The Kalahari Desert abounds with game and migrant birds following the rains
Overflowing with wildlife
Meet the relatives
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