There are few drives as iconic and storied as Route 62. Recently named the world’s best road trip destination by CNN Travel, it is a feast for the eyes, the soul and, of course, the belly. No trip down this stretch of road can be considered complete without a visit to establishments like Ronnie’s Sex Shop and Diesel and Crème, the latter making possibly the most decadent milkshakes on the planet. Forget Route 66, you need to head down to the Western Cape and discover why Route 62 is number one.
Here are some of our favourites that you can find on – or just a little off – Route 62.
Bosjes
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the recently opened Bosjes – A design showcase of architecture offering a contemporary lunch menu; designed by local celebrity chef Pete-Goffe Wood. Bosjes also boast a chapel – the perfect new venue to host weddings.
Robertson wine valley
The Robertson wine valley is a wonderful town for visitors looking for an authentic ‘road less travelled’ experience, whilst visiting award winning wine farms. Extend your stay and experience the hospitality and charm at annual events such as Hands on Harvest in March, the Wacky Wine Weekend in June; Slow Food Festival in August or Wine on the River in October. For more information on this valley, give our blog a look.
Weltevrede Wine Estate
The Western Cape boasts an abundance of wine tasting tours and pairing experiences. Weltevrede Wine Estate however offers tasting tours with a difference, with an underground vault Cellar Tour by candlelight.
Farmer Redbeard Bush Braai
Combining nature and history with traditional South African ‘braai’. Listen and learn about the tales of ox wagons that passed through the vineyards and fruit orchards over 300 years ago.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is one of the most popular activity spots amongst outdoor enthusiasts and Montagu is a popular spot to do this extreme sport in the Western Cape. The mountain ranges in Montagu have an endless array of rock faces that differ in their angle and ruggedness, providing a huge variety of exciting climbing opportunities.
Diesel and Crème
This vintage diner and motel (The Karoo Moon Motel) in Barrydale is a feast for the eyes, with an eclectic look and feel to it, but more importantly it is a feast for the taste buds with its gourmet milkshakes reaching near-legendary status amongst road-trippers. The burgers here are also great, but you may struggle to finish both at one sitting! May we recommend you go with a shake on the way up, and a burger on the way down?
Ronnie’s Sex Shop
It really isn’t what you would expect! Like Diesel and Crème, Ronnie’s Sex Shop is iconic on Route 62 and the story of how it came to be is equally so. Originally planned as a farm stall, Ronnie’s friends changed the name from Ronnie’s Shop to Ronnie’s Sex Shop, and despite being initially upset with the prank, it didn’t take long for the name to stick… and the farm stall became a pub. It has since become a favourite stopover for bikers, farmers and travellers down Route 62, with a well-stocked bar, pub lunches and more.
Bosch Luys Kloof
Explore Bosch Luys Kloof. The walks were carefully developed to give visitors a broad exposure to the many of nature’s wonders. The routes differ in grading and can take from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. Some of the experienced tours requires guides. Try “To Moer ‘n Gone” (To hell and Gone) which is their new trail in their south-western region. This latest route boasts truly spectacular scenery, vegetation types, etc. with viewpoints including one overlooking the Bosch Luys Kloof River Canyon, views of the Seweweekspoort Peak of the Swartberg (highest in Western Cape).
Meerkat Safari
Offered daily at Buffesldrift, is a unique opportunity to view the local Meerkat “mob” rising for the day. A unique experience, requiring patience, as guests have to wait as the animals emerge from their burrows to soak in the sun and prepare to go about their daily activities. Safaris are run by experienced guides and great care it taken to ensure there is no direct interaction with the animals. For other life changing experiences visit their website below.
Star-gazing
Inhale, savour and capture the breath taking natural display of stars and galaxies in the Klein Karoo (meaning Little Karoo). Visitors will be mesmerized as they experience a spell-binding tour through the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial “High Five” hosting by experienced guided.
Queens Hotel
Finished in 1880, this grand dame of South Africa was recently been restored to her full original beauty and continues to offer lavish accommodation.
Coffee and zip lining at the Cango Caves Estate
Cango Caves Estate offers an array of facilities to suit the taste of connoisseurs, whether it be freshly brewed coffee, local cheeses and wines, or local delicacies. With only two lines at the moment, the Cango Caves zipline does not have as many platforms as other operators around the province, but with the second line being 500m long.
The Swartberg Pass
Built by Thomas Bain in the 1800s, the Swartberg Pass is an incredible sight. With its highest point at 1585m above sea level, you will be blown away by the breath taking views of the Klein, and Great Karoo. A world heritage site, there are a number of activities available to guests, such as, sundowner or Sunrise trips over the pass allow visitors to explore the area, taking in the geology and huge variety of flora and fauna. The Swartberg Mountain Circular Route runs all the way through to Prince Albert.
Ghost tours in Prince Albert
Prince Albert is a town at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains rich in history. Enjoy anything from traditional cooking classes at African Relish, to Olive tasting and the popular Showroom Theatre. Looking for something a little different? Why not partake in a Ghost Tour as Ailsa takes you through the streets after dark.
