Location: South Africa » Western Cape » Little Karoo » Route 62Route 62Route 62 is the tourist route, that meanders between Cape To Route 62 is the tourist route, that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway. Route 62 is an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora - all contribute to making the Breede River Valley and the Klein Karoo two of the Western Capes most diverse regions. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure — whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquillity. The scenic Route 62 passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley and Tulbagh. Surprises await travelers along Route 62 Route 62 is the traveller’s route, which meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, better alternative to the N2 highway. Route 62 prompts associations with the legendary by-way, Route 66, connecting the urban and rural communities between Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1926 the inter regional link, Route 66, between Chicago and Los Angeles was established as one of America’s main east-west arteries, providing small towns access to a major national thoroughfare. In the same manner, Route 62 links Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Visitors from the north can join Route 62 at De Rust (from Beaufort West via the spectacular Meiringspoort). This scenic route passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp and Ladismith, historic Amanlienstein and Zoar, and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley and Tulbagh, as well as the ‘Feather Capital’of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. Ironically, the public lobby for rapid mobility and improved highways that gained Route 66 it’s enormous popularity in earlier decades also signaled it’s demise beginning in the mid-1950’s. route 66 was replaced by a national highway, which caused a severe decrease in traffic. This greatly affected the smaller towns along the route whose survival depended on the vast majority of travelers. With the building of the N2 national road. Route 62 suffered the same losses. However, after being in hibernation for 40 years, Route 62 has now been revived. All the small towns and villages along the route offer ample opportunity for discovery, being it a visit to a wine farm, game reserve, tribal art, outdoor adventure activities etc. You will soon discover that Route 62 offers the visitor an adventure, whether this is in the physical sense, or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic experiences. All who have traveled here agree that few places in the world are as stunningly beautiful as the scenic Route 62. CITIES / TOWNS Albertinia Named in honour of the Reverend JR Albertyn (1904). Albertinia is located in a major wheat and sheep farming region. The town is well-known as the country’s main producer of ochre (yellow and red) used mainly in the manufacture of paint. Kaolin, a porcelain and medicinal clay, is also mined here. GENERAL INFORMATION How to get there The village is situated on the N2, Cape Town 326 km, Swellendam 106 km, Riversdale 27 km, Mossel Bay 54 km, George 138 km. Altitude: 138 m above sea level. Average Rainfall: 449 mm per annum. Average Temperature: Summer 18°c – 28°c; Winter 8°c – 21°c. Banks ABSA, Boland PKS, Fnb. Rivers: Gouritz River, Vals River, Wyder River. ATTRACTIONS The various craft and gift shops at the tourism centre (Die Skoenlapper, Exclusive & Unique), offers a wide selection of gifts and mementos to the tourist. Aloe Factory The juice and gel of the aloe ferrox plant are extracted for pharmaceutical purposes. This factory at Albertinia is the country’s biggest single source of this important raw material, used in several medicines and skin-care products. Die Kraaines A large selection of antiques from bygone years Die Poort Wine Cellar Located just outside town, offering cellar tours, wine tasting and refreshments at a restaurant on the farm. Garden Route Game Lodge and Hot Springs This privately owned game lodge on the N2 just outside Albertinia is currently being developed to facilitate the Big Five. ACTIVITIES Bungee / Bridge Jumping Every day from 09:00 at the Gouritz River Bridge, 14km from Albertinia. Hiking Die Poort Hiking Trail Starting point: Die Poort Wine Cellars. Circular route. Rating: Difficult. Permit required Features include fynbos, bushman paintings, river and waterfall. Fynbos Trail Starting point: Soutpan on the N2 between Albertinia and Riversdale. Circular route. Distance / Duration: 5 km 3 -4 hours. Rating: Average, permit required. Features include fynbos and birdlife. Gouriqua Trail Starting point: Gouriqua Camping Area. Circular route. Distance / Duration: 14 km 3 – 4 hours. Rating: Average. Permit required. Features include Rare Albertinia fynbos. Witblits Trail Starting point: Bergfontein. End: Riversdale / Bergfontein. Distance / Duration: 7 km 4 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit required. Horse Riding (Herbertsdale) Guided trails with camping sites Accommodation in and around Route 62 Little Sanctuary B&B accommodation in Route 62 The Little Sanctuary is situated in one of the Plettenberg Bays premier positions just a two minute stroll down to the golden sands of the famous lookout beach. Your immaculate en-suite double bedroom has been architect designed to provide you privac... More
Halcyon House accommodation in Route 62 SERENE. GRACIOUS. RELAXED ? That?s Halcyon. 4 Star (AA Superior) guesthouse accommodation situated within 3 minutes walking distance of magnificent Robberg beach ? a 4km stretch of white sand and surf. Halcyon offers en-suite bedrooms with sea-views,... More
Periwinkle Guest Lodge accommodation in Route 62 Periwinkle Guest Lodge is a beach front lodge with all 7 en-suite bedrooms enjoying a sea view. All rooms have private balconies and rooms are large and airy. Personalised service is our trade mark and is the discerning travellers home away form home... More
Protea Hotel Keurbooms River accommodation in Route 62 Within easy reach of all local attractions The Protea Hotel Keurbooms River is an ideal base from where to explore the garden route and the sunshine coast.Enjoy a sumptuous country breakfast, light lunch or romantic dinner at The Riverside Terrace Re... More
Slowdown Gardens accommodation in Route 62 Situated 8km from Plettenberg Bay, this 50 year-old Fynbos Retreat offers deluxe housing or rustic cottages. Full kitchens, washing machines, etc. Large lawns, braai and birds galore. Breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean from the pool. Easy ... More
Packwood Country Estate accommodation in Route 62 Peter and Vicky moved to SA 10 years ago. After seeing Packwood on their honeymoon it was an opportunity not to be missed. After years of intensive farming Packwood is now the largest commercial Jersey farm in the area, lots of fresh milk, cream, yog... More
Bella Manga Country House accommodation in Route 62 A warm welcome awaits you at the oldest farm in the Uplands region of Plettenberg Bay. Spend a night in an authentic African thatched rondavel, a modern designed garden room or suite or spoil yourself with a colonial room in the main house offe... More
La Vista Lodge accommodation in Route 62 La Vista is perfectly perched high on a ridge with sweeping Ocean views, view of the pristine Look out beach and the Keurbooms lagoon with its abundance of birdlife including the rare Oyster Catcher and he Pansy shell all under the benevolent... More
Sea Breeze Inn accommodation in Route 62 Just 40 meters to the beach boardwalk which leads to the glorious 4km-long (2 and half miles) Robberg Beach, Sea Breeze is located in a beach front cul-de-sac, in a quiet, leafy, up-market area of Plettenberg Bay.Owner-run... More
Swallows Nest B&B accommodation in Route 62 SWALLOWS NEST is within walking distance of the lagoon, Lookout Beach shops and restaurants. Beautiful sea, lagoon and mountain view from the bedrooms and enclosed breakfast area. Downstairs rooms overlook the garden and swimming pool.WELC... More
Directory of accommodation in Route 62 |