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Route 62
Route 62 is the inland road through the Little Karoo, the slower way between Cape Town and the Garden Route.
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Discover Route 62: South Africa's Hidden Gem
It may be virtually unknown outside the Western Cape but Route 62 is one of the most scenic and interesting drives in South Africa; it’s also home to the longest wine route in the country. An inland, often mountainous road that was the historical link between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Route 62 is today favoured by self-drive travellers heading for the Garden Route but seeking a slightly shorter but far more attractive alternative to the unremarkable stretch of highway between Cape Town and George, the town regarded as the start of the Garden Route.
Route 62 winds its way through some of the Western Cape's most beautiful and diverse countryside – expect dramatic mountain passes and fertile valleys, frontier villages and sprawling wine estates. Characterised by friendly locals, historic towns, affordable accommodation and a host of outdoor activities, a Route 62 holiday will provide plenty of memorable holiday experiences.
Meandering from Cape Town to Gceberga (Port Elizabeth)
Starting an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Route 62 meanders inland before reaching the fertile Breede River Valley whose convoluted mountains surround a maze of vineyards with a long history of wine making. Here you’ll find the picturesque farming town of Robertson, sitting at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains which form the heart of Route 62. Vineyards thrive in Robertson's hot, dry climate and lime-rich soil, and its fertile wine estates produce some of South Africa's best-known wines.
Route 62 then passes through Montagu, a charming rural town tucked away between two mountain ranges and gateway to the Little Karoo. A leisurely wander through the village will reveal its beautiful historic buildings and national monuments while its hot mineral springs will leave visitors feeling rejuvenated for the rest of their journey.
A slight detour from Route 62 takes you to Swellendam, a quaint town whose wide streets are lined with fine Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings as well as many friendly guest houses, coffee shops and restaurants.
Route 62 then enters the Little Karoo, an expansive semi-desert whose name means ‘hard and dry’ in the indigenous Khoisan language. At the heart of this landscape lies Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, home to the Big 5, extraordinary flora and Khoisan rock art, all of which make a visit well worth considering.
From the Little Karoo, visitors can then choose to either cut across through mountain passes to the beaches and forests of the Garden Route or continue along Route 62 to its final destination – the coastal town of Port Elizabeth.
Route 62 Accommodation
Accommodation on Route 62 ranges from family-friendly country houses to luxury boutique hotels – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. If you're looking for a self-drive honeymoon or family-friendly holiday, our selection of Route 62 accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your South Africa holiday so much simpler.
Embark on Your Route 62 Adventure
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of South Africa’s finest wines, Route 62 has it all. Let our African Safari experts help you plan the perfect itinerary, ensuring you discover the best this scenic route has to offer.
What travellers most enjoyed about Route 62
Cultural interactions
Food and wine
Scenery
Self-drive
Where to go
- The baseA small-town hotel for one night if you do not want to rush the passes.
- The pairingCape Town at one end and Oudtshoorn or the Garden Route at the other. Do not start the drive the hour you land.
When to go
When to go
The road is open all year. Summer is hot in the Karoo. Winter is green and cooler.
Travel advice
Before you travel
Drive on the left. Distances look short on a map and take longer. This is malaria-free country.
Popular tours and safaris in Route 62
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
4 daysHighlights
A visit with a local community.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps
Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
South Africa | Western Cape
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh425,226 pps
Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps
5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps
Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
From KSh1,470,438 to KSh1,663,900 pps
Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
Accommodation
A named stay for Route 62 is not on a published itinerary yet. Get a quote and the camp can be written in.
Costs
Route 62 is a car, fuel, and a hotel. It is the gentle part of a Cape budget.
International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.