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My Way or the Highway

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willlane in South Africa,, Self-drive holidays,,
October 06th, 2011 at 3:58pm
Tags: Accommodation,, Attractions,, Cape Town,, Desert,, Destinations,, Eastern Cape,, Garden Route,, Karoo,, Montagu,, Robertson,, Route 62,, Towns,, Views,

Setting off from Cape Town towards the Garden Route and eventually onto the Eastern Cape for a game reserve or two, the big question is whether to take Route 62 or travel along the N2.

The N2 offers a quick and direct route through Somerset West, Caledon and Riversdale but doesn't really strike off any 'must see' destinations from discerning travellers' notebooks. It still provides good scenic opportunities as Sir Lowrys Pass cuts through the mountains but to make the journey feel like a real part of the holiday, why not meander along Route 62 and stop off at one of the quaint towns along the way? 

Depending on when you travel, you may witness an array of colours en route, as South Africa's finest Fynbos shines in all its glory.

Stunning Fynbos along Route 62

If that doesn't impress, then one of the challenging passes along the way will certainly ensure a great photo, such as the Huisrivier Pass below.

 

Clustered together along the early strecth of the route are the towns of Robertson, Montagu, McGregor and Ashton, all featuring their own unique blend of South African cultural history. A stop at Robertson will find it both vibrant and rich in colour, decorated with leafy avenues and beautiful old houses. The Robertson Small Hotel is the town's only 5 star hotel and carries with it the secret of Reuben's first class cuisine. From there, travel at a gentle pace through Montagu and Barrydale, both of which are now tourism destinations in their own right. The beauty of these locations is that they are relatively new in terms of tourism and as such, feature an array of attractions appealing to both old and young, the more adventurous and those looking for lazy breakaways.  

Continuing the journey towards Oodtshoorn, the route is bordered by the Swartberg Mountains to the left and the Outeniqua Mountains to the right. It isn't easy to establish that this part of the route roams through the desert of the Klein Karoo but that's exactly what it does. Strange how the word desert conjures up images of the Sahara but the Klein Karoo, (and the Greater Karoo beyond the Swartberg Mountains), form an expanse of dry land that is very full of life. It is perfect grazing land for the world's largest bird too. The Ostrich is still rife in the area and can be seen for long stretches of the route. 

Accommodation in the Karoo is occasionally provided by means of converted farm houses, some of which still sit on land utilised as working farms. Guest Houses like La Plume, (below), feature old antique furnishings combined with modern bathrooms of outstanding quality. Add to this the phenomenal views and it makes staying in the area a real treat.

Grand Design - Relax and Unwind at La Plume

Oudtshoorn offers a diverse range of accommodation and is the gateway to the Kango Caves. From the town, it is an easy drive towards George and the Garden Route.

I would always combine a Garden Route trip with Route 62 if travelling from Cape Town for the simple reason that it adds a new dimension to the holiday. The towns are well equipped for tourism and offer outstanding value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Recent Comment

  • 1: 

    Lovely, useful and insightful article Will! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it ... and I happen to agree - Route 62 has much to offer and definitely worth exploring, whether it is on its own, or on the way to the Garden Route.

    Professional
    tamsin
    October 28th, 2011 at 10:14am

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