Route 62 has become a popular tour for self-drive visitors who want to experience South Africa away from the big cities and main tourist attractions. It gives travellers the opportunity to visit small Karoo villages, stunning Cape Dutch style winefarms while enjoying spectacular scenery. It is an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora. The main areas en route are Paarl, Wellington, the BreedeRiverValley, the Klein Karoo, the Langkloof and Oudtshoorn. There are numberous variations to the main route and these have been marked on the route 62 map, but the main route normally ends by joining up with the Garden Route at the town of George.
The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure - whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility. 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, 4x4 routes, canoeing, horse riding, even ostrich riding, fishing and caving...Route 62 is an exciting experience.
Although the route does visit a few major centres, it's the quaint towns and friendly villages that offer a truly unique South African rural encounter. It weaves a tranquil path through wine regions and some of the most spectacular agricultural fields, dotted with an abundance of grapes, deciduous fruit and olives, all set amidst miles of natural expanse.
Claimed to be the longest wine route in the world, Route 62 includes the wine cellars and estates of Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn.
Self-drive visitors will drive through the SwartbergPass from Oudtshoorn to Prince Alfred, the Prince Alfred’s Pass from Uniondale to the Garden Route (alternative route) and Cogman’s Pass from Montagu to Ashton.