Route 62

Route 62 connects Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and is an exciting alternative to the National Road (N2). It starts at Paarl in the Cape Winelands, runs through the Huguenot tunnel, the Du Toitskloof (kloof = “gorge”/”ravine”) to enter the Breede River valley passing through Worcester, Robertson and Ashton. Here the route runs through the mountains via the scenic Kogmanskloof to enter the Little Karoo. The Little Karoo runs Eastwards along a meandering valley between mountain ranges to the North and South of it. The road passes through the peacefully attractive agricultural towns of Montague, Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp to reach the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn. This section of route 62 is by far the most frequented because combining it with the Garden Route makes for a perfect circle route to or from Cape Town. Route 62 does however extend from Oudtshoorn, it continues through de Rust and Uniondale to enter the Langkloof with towns like Joubertina and Kareedouw, before it joins the N2 for Port Elizabeth.

The R62 offers the traveler a constantly changing landscape with vineyards and fruit orchards, interspersed with dry arid regions, always surrounded by mountain ranges of different kind and shape. In the more arid regions farming concentrates on sheep and ostriches. A number of game reserves, ostrich farms and wine estates invite visitors to enter and enjoy.

Tours that include Route 62

Route 62 attractions

Oudtshoorn

Today tourists from across South Africa and the world flock to Oudtshoorn. The two main attractions are, ostrich show farms and the Cango Caves. Both of these feature among South Africa's top 20 tourist attractions. The town's geographical location is perfect for tourists as it lies virtually on the border of the Garden Route.

Barrydale

Barrydale in the Tradouw Valley is one of the picturesque small towns in the Klein Karoo. The narrow and fertile Tradouw Valley is nestled between the Langeberg and Swartberg Mountain ranges. The historic and well preserved church, shops and houses add to a lovely picture when one enters the valley and approaches the town.

Robertson

The agricultural town of Robertson is situated on the popular Route 62. It lies in the beautiful and fertile Robertson valley, surrounded by the Langeberg Mountain Range. The district is known for wine, fresh and dried fruits and olives which are locally grown and processed.

Oudtshoorn ostrich farms

Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, South Africa, is known as the ostrich capital of the world. Today a visit to one of the ostrich show farms in Oudtshoorn is rated as one of the 20 main tourist attractions in South Africa. These visits are not only very informative, but also highly entertaining.

Cango Caves

The Cango Caves are located in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, some 28km north of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo near South Africa's popular Garden Route. The Caves, a national monument and one of South Africa's top 20 tourist attractions, feature huge concert-hall sized chambers as well as narrow passages and rooms.

Calitzdorp

Calitzdorp is a small town on Route 62, .located in the Little Karoo. The nearby spectacular Huisrivier Pass is a highlight. Calitzdorp is known as the “Port Capital of South Africa”, as it produces world class port. It is well geared for outdoor or adventure activities ...or leisurely wine tastings.