ROUTE 62

ACROSS THE WESTERN CAPEIf you keep up the pace, you can drive the 800 kilometres between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in one day.

But those who take the time for a three-day detour along the dusty but stunning R62 will be well-rewarded with

spectacular views of the Western Cape’s hinterland.

Morning OSTRICH STOPThe first stop lies a few hours beyond the official start of R62, which disappears into the mountains at

Humansdorp, a town located just outside of Port Elizabeth. In Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world,

visit an ‘ostrich show farm’ to learn more about these unique birds. Lightweight enthusiasts may even take

a ride on an ostrich. Pause at Cango Ostrich Farm and combine your visit with a tour of the Cango Caves, a

4-kilometre-long cave system.

Enjoy lunch at Café Brûlé, an intimate lunch

restaurant housed in one of the many colonial

buildings that date back to the glory days of

Oudtshoorn. At the start of the 19th century, the

town made a lot of money selling ostrich feathers

and the richest merchants built opulent villas that

were known as ‘feather palaces’. After lunch, take

the time to admire these wonderful buildings. The

finest examples are Le Roux Townhouse, Century

Manor and Mimosa Lodge.

Afternoon OSTRICH PALACES

Evening STEAK FOR DESSERT

Check in atLa Plume, an active ostrich farm and hotel, founded in 1902.

The ornately decorated guest rooms feature plenty of ostrich leather, eggs

and feathers. But the rest of the facilities are also beautifully appointed and

meticulously maintained. Conclude the day at Jemima’s Restaurant, a cosy

restaurant that serves delicious meals prepared with local ingredients. Of course

the menu offers ostrich steak, but the outstanding Karoo lamb chops are also

worth trying.

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DAY01

Off to an early start: today we cover the longest distance, straight across the Kleine

Karoo, a desert-like region of which some parts resemble Arizona and others are

reminiscent of Provence. The first stop will be at Calitzdorp. Over time, this friendly

town has specialised in the production of port. Tasting room Boplaas serves several

award-winning selections. ‘Cape Wine Master’ Carel Nel has already been awarded

the prize for best South African port seven times.

Morning PORT IN CALITZDORP

Afternoon DESERT AND DESSERT

In the barren landscape between Ladismith and

Barrydale you will encounter this unusual sight:

Ronnie’s Sex Shop. But the name couldn’t be

more inaccurate; it is the result of joke that got

out of hand, yet a very effective way to stand

out in the middle of nowhere. This eccentric

bar, including grey-haired Ronnie, has become

a beloved institution along R62. The cake and

soft drinks Ronnie serves up are definitely

appropriate for all ages.

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After passing Montagu you will leave the official R62, which for some obscure reason becomes the R60 once

you reach the Robertson Wine Valley. However, most people still include Robertson as a stop along the route.

Before visiting the tasting rooms, enjoy a breath of fresh air. And what better place than to go way up high?

Head to the Robertson Airfield, where the oldest skydiving club in South Africa, Skydive Robertson, organises

its outings.

Evening MONTAGU

DAY02

Before completing the route, plan a break in the

afternoon to sample the wines at the Robertson

Wine Valley or enjoy a long hike through the

beautiful canyon that runs between the Langeberg

and Riviersonderend mountain ranges. Don’t

forget to savour a long lazy lunch, perhaps

at Fraai Uitzicht 1798 (Dutch for “beautiful

view”), a location that absolutely lives up to the

expectations.

Afternoon SAMPLE OR HIKE

Morning FRESH AIR

After passing Montagu you will leave the official R62, which for some obscure reason becomes the R60

once you reach the Robertson Wine Valley. However, most people still include Robertson as a stop along the

route. Before visiting the tasting rooms, enjoy a breath of fresh air. And what better place than to go way

up high? Head to the Robertson Airfield, where the oldest skydiving club in South Africa, Skydive Robertson,

organises its outings.

Evening A GOURMET FINISH

The last stop is Franschhoek, a town located about 75 kilometres from Cape Town. Check in at the Basse

Provence Guest House, a typical Cape Dutch villa nestled among ancient oaks and vineyards. It’s not

easy to tear yourself away from the spacious suites under the thatched roof, but going out for dinner in

Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, is an absolute must. Get a table at the Tasting Room, one

of the country’s best restaurants, run by Dutch chef Margot Janse.

Discover the jewels of the world in the online travel magazine www.iflymagazine.com

DAY03