Riding Route 62 will get you onto one of the Western Cape’s so-called wine routes, named for the fact that it passes through wine farming country, in fact Route 62 is famous for being the longest wine route in Africa, if not the world. What makes the road so special, however, is not just the wine estates but the vast and varied array of spectacular scenery offered along the route’s 850km of smooth asphalt. From winding mountain passes to the charm of small towns to long and lonely stretches through the arid Karoo desert, this road offers something for every rider. Gravel detours through wild country are available off the route as well.
Planning your Ride on Route 62 Route 62 connects (among other places) two major South African cities: Cape Town (via Montagu) on the West Coast and Port Elizabeth on the East Coast. As Cape Town is South Africa’s major tourist hub, you may want to spend a few days there exploring other local routes and checking out tourist attractions before you head over to Montagu to tackle Route 62. If you are planning a trip across the country, then Port Elizabeth is a good place for a day or two’s R & R, if coming from the Western Cape before heading up north to KwaZulu-Natal.
Distance As stated earlier Route 62 is 850km long, so technically you could do it in a day, but where would the fun be in that? It’s better to stretch it out over two or three days so that you can really take in the scenery. The route is all asphalt and well-maintained, and traffic is generally light, so it’s a relaxing route that requires minimal effort from the rider.
Highlights Montagu is one of the many historical towns on the route, and is well known for its orchards, mountain backdrop and beautiful farmlands. Near Barrydale is where the landscape changes rather abruptly from the green, fertile lands of wine country to the browns and reds of the semi-arid Klein Karoo desert region. Ladismith offers old Victorian and Dutch architecture, and is situated in the foothills of the Swartberg mountains, with a strange looking peak called Towerkop (which is climbable) looking out over the town. Oudtshoorn is a town nestled in mountains that provide spectacular vistas all around. It’s famous for its ostrich farms and the vast and mysterious underground caverns, the Cango Caves. Prince Albert is famous not only for its architecture, which includes twelve national monuments, but also for its starry skies; stargazing tours are available from this town. The Meiringspoort road offers breathtaking views through the Swartberg mountain range.
Fuel and Accommodation Fill up before you leave, and keep an eye on your fuel levels as distances between towns can be long. Generally all the towns you pass through will have petrol stations, so use them wisely. Accommodation is widely available, as this is a tourist route, and it ranges from basic camping to five star resorts, so it all depends on your budget and personal preferences. Generally, although South Africa has great year-round riding weather, the best times to do this route would be autumn and spring (Southern hemisphere), due to the milder temperatures, with spring being the most preferable due to the spectacular colours of the blooming trees and flowers.
