ROUTE 62
ACROSS THE WESTERN CAPEIf you keep up the pace, you can drive the 800 kilometres between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in one day.
But those who take the time for a three-day detour along the dusty but stunning R62 will be well-rewarded with
spectacular views of the Western Cape’s hinterland.
Morning OSTRICH STOPThe first stop lies a few hours beyond the official start of R62, which disappears into the mountains at
Humansdorp, a town located just outside of Port Elizabeth. In Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world,
visit an ‘ostrich show farm’ to learn more about these unique birds. Lightweight enthusiasts may even take
a ride on an ostrich. Pause at Cango Ostrich Farm and combine your visit with a tour of the Cango Caves, a
4-kilometre-long cave system.
Enjoy lunch at Café Brûlé, an intimate lunch
restaurant housed in one of the many colonial
buildings that date back to the glory days of
Oudtshoorn. At the start of the 19th century, the
town made a lot of money selling ostrich feathers
and the richest merchants built opulent villas that
were known as ‘feather palaces’. After lunch, take
the time to admire these wonderful buildings. The
finest examples are Le Roux Townhouse, Century
Manor and Mimosa Lodge.
Afternoon OSTRICH PALACES
Evening STEAK FOR DESSERT
Check in atLa Plume, an active ostrich farm and hotel, founded in 1902.
The ornately decorated guest rooms feature plenty of ostrich leather, eggs
and feathers. But the rest of the facilities are also beautifully appointed and
meticulously maintained. Conclude the day at Jemima’s Restaurant, a cosy
restaurant that serves delicious meals prepared with local ingredients. Of course
the menu offers ostrich steak, but the outstanding Karoo lamb chops are also
worth trying.
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DAY01
Off to an early start: today we cover the longest distance, straight across the Kleine
Karoo, a desert-like region of which some parts resemble Arizona and others are
reminiscent of Provence. The first stop will be at Calitzdorp. Over time, this friendly
town has specialised in the production of port. Tasting room Boplaas serves several
award-winning selections. ‘Cape Wine Master’ Carel Nel has already been awarded
the prize for best South African port seven times.
Morning PORT IN CALITZDORP
Afternoon DESERT AND DESSERT
In the barren landscape between Ladismith and
Barrydale you will encounter this unusual sight:
Ronnie’s Sex Shop. But the name couldn’t be
more inaccurate; it is the result of joke that got
out of hand, yet a very effective way to stand
out in the middle of nowhere. This eccentric
bar, including grey-haired Ronnie, has become
a beloved institution along R62. The cake and
soft drinks Ronnie serves up are definitely
appropriate for all ages.
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After passing Montagu you will leave the official R62, which for some obscure reason becomes the R60 once
you reach the Robertson Wine Valley. However, most people still include Robertson as a stop along the route.
Before visiting the tasting rooms, enjoy a breath of fresh air. And what better place than to go way up high?
Head to the Robertson Airfield, where the oldest skydiving club in South Africa, Skydive Robertson, organises
its outings.
Evening MONTAGU
DAY02
Before completing the route, plan a break in the
afternoon to sample the wines at the Robertson
Wine Valley or enjoy a long hike through the
beautiful canyon that runs between the Langeberg
and Riviersonderend mountain ranges. Don’t
forget to savour a long lazy lunch, perhaps
at Fraai Uitzicht 1798 (Dutch for “beautiful
view”), a location that absolutely lives up to the
expectations.
Afternoon SAMPLE OR HIKE
Morning FRESH AIR
After passing Montagu you will leave the official R62, which for some obscure reason becomes the R60
once you reach the Robertson Wine Valley. However, most people still include Robertson as a stop along the
route. Before visiting the tasting rooms, enjoy a breath of fresh air. And what better place than to go way
up high? Head to the Robertson Airfield, where the oldest skydiving club in South Africa, Skydive Robertson,
organises its outings.
Evening A GOURMET FINISH
The last stop is Franschhoek, a town located about 75 kilometres from Cape Town. Check in at the Basse
Provence Guest House, a typical Cape Dutch villa nestled among ancient oaks and vineyards. It’s not
easy to tear yourself away from the spacious suites under the thatched roof, but going out for dinner in
Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, is an absolute must. Get a table at the Tasting Room, one
of the country’s best restaurants, run by Dutch chef Margot Janse.
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DAY03