Route 62 in South Africa - Highlights, Tips & Wineries

After driving multiple times along the spectacular Garden Route, I wanted to experience the Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, away from the coast. Coming from Port Elizabeth, we first drove to Oudtshoorn, where the stunning Cango Caves and the semi-desert landscape of the Klein Karoo awaited us. From there, we headed west through charming towns, past wineries, rocky landscapes, and through picturesque mountain passes - all the way to Paarl, a well-known center of South African wine culture.

In this article, I will show you the most beautiful places along Route 62, recommend personally tested accommodations, give tips for your trip planning, and explain why I highly recommend this route to any South Africa fan.

Route 62 officially begins in Montagu (about 2 hours from Cape Town) and runs approximately 850 km to Humansdorp near Jeffreys Bay. It runs parallel to the Garden Route but is about 100 km further inland - separated by an impressive mountain range.

On the way, you pass through famous wine regions like Worcester, Robertson, and Paarl, then continue through the dry Klein Karoo with towns like Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, and Oudtshoorn. The landscape constantly changes - from green valleys to barren semi-deserts to breathtaking mountain passes.

For all those who love to travel by car, Route 62 offers a perfect mix of nature, wine, and cozy small towns - much quieter than the Garden Route, but just as experiential.

My tip: Drive along the Garden Route from Cape Town and return via Route 62 through Oudtshoorn from Port Elizabeth. It's a relaxing alternative to the heavily trafficked N1 on the return trip.

The route is about 850 km long - depending on how many detours you plan. We traveled it in several stages and took our time discovering the special places along the way.

Our first stop on Route 62 was Oudtshoorn - known as the ostrich capital of South Africa.

I was particularly impressed by the Cango Caves, an extensive cave system with massive stalactite formations. I advise you to book in advance if you want to participate in the Adventure Tour - it gets tight, wild, and spectacular! There are also some funny anecdotes about visitors and an "acoustic" experience in the large cave. Quite cool.

Another highlight was our visit to the Highgate Ostrich Farm, where you learn a lot about these fascinating animals - and even get to touch ostrich eggs. They have ostriches from several countries (including East Africa), and I honestly wasn't aware of how different the ostriches can look (even though I've seen ostriches in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania). You never stop learning.

From Oudtshoorn, I recommend driving over the impressive Swartberg Pass, which is one of the most beautiful passes in South Africa, to Prince Albert. The route is not for the faint of heart: a narrow, steep gravel road winds for kilometers through the Swart Mountains with tight curves. The rocks dramatically hang over the road - steep and bizarrely shaped in some places. Are you a road trip fan? You will love it.

Again and again, wide views of the valleys open up - the scenery is grand, but the abyss is often just an arm's length away. Especially since the route is unpaved, you should refrain from driving in bad weather or be particularly cautious.

Those who dare will be rewarded: at the end of the pass lies the charming town of Prince Albert, which is perfect for an overnight stay - with good restaurants, small galleries, and genuine Karoo hospitality.

Note: We met a few (German) travelers with a normal car without much clearance. They were quite nervous about the condition of their vehicle. I think it's no problem to drive the Swartberg Pass with a regular car.

Culinarily, Prince Albert is also a highlight: dried figs and apricots, Karoo lamb, olive oil, and handmade cheese are among the local specialties.

The next stop was Calitzdorp, often referred to as the port wine capital of South Africa. We skipped a small tasting since port wine is unfortunately not my thing. If you enjoy the sweet, robust flavor of port, you'll be thrilled.

Calitzdorp is often called the port wine capital of South Africa. It's an ideal stop on Route 62. The town is small, quiet, and has a unique rhythm. It's especially known for its South African port wine, which matures here under ideal climatic conditions. We stopped at the renowned De Krans Winery, but I passed on the tasting. Port wine simply doesn't suit my taste. However, my companion enjoyed the especially fruity tawny.

The neighboring winery Boplaas is a must for port lovers.

Besides the wines, Calitzdorp has more to offer: the nearby St. Helena Valley with its mix of mountains, barren semi-desert, and green farms is perfect for cycling or hiking. It's especially beautiful and tranquil in the morning when the light softly falls across the landscape.

A real insider tip is a visit to the Calitzdorp Spa, a bit outside of town. The thermal springs and simple but well-kept swimming pools invite you to relax after a long day of travel - perfect for families.

And if you're like us and looking for a tasty snack for the road: stop by Padkos! This little deli serves fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes, and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere - an ideal pit stop.

We mostly passed through the small town of Ladismith, but stopping at Ronnies Sex Shop was a must - even if the name is misleading. This iconic pub in the middle of nowhere is legendary among road trip fans and perfect for a memorable photo and a cold drink.

After so many friends advised me to definitely make a stop here, we did. I found the place quite run down and disappointing. Maybe because I've seen much cooler roadhouses in the Outback of Australia.

In Barrydale, we took a break at the famous Diesel & Crème Diner. The 50s vibe, milkshakes, and burgers make this spot a highlight. The town itself exudes a creative and relaxed atmosphere with its small shops, galleries, and cafes.

I spent what felt like an eternity inside the Diesel & Crème Diner exploring all the curiosities. By the way, I couldn't finish my milkshake. They're enormous. Share the shake between two of you. You'll definitely find it filling.

We spent the night in Montagu - an idyllic town with beautiful old houses, thermal springs, and some good restaurants. The surroundings invite you to stroll or take short hikes. I particularly enjoyed the relaxed vibe here - perfect for unwinding and shopping. There aren't many shops, but the ones that exist are worth a visit.

On the way from Worcester via Bosjes to Paarl, if the weather permits, you should take the impressive Du Toitskloof Pass instead of driving through the Huguenot Tunnel. The winding route snakes through the Hottentots-Holland Mountains and offers fantastic views of the wine valleys, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Particularly, I noticed the warning signs along the roadside indicating the presence of leopards. These animals still live in the remote mountain regions around the pass, but they are extremely shy. The signs remind us that we are here, in the midst of the habitat of wild animals - something I particularly love about South Africa.

Watch out for the many cyclists on the pass and don't drive too fast into the curves. The road is narrow.

The wine region around Robertson surprised us. An insider tip is the Bosjes Chapel, a small chapel in the midst of the vineyards - perfect for a picnic or just a moment to pause. The winery itself is relatively new, the food is outstanding. If we had more time, we would have loved to stay here.

Our last stop was Paarl, where we truly immersed ourselves in the wine culture again. The city is noticeably larger than the previous places, offering great wineries, restaurants, and viewpoints like Paarl Rock.

Since I have been to Paarl several times, I have listed all the tips here.