Cape Town South Africa

Most savvy, self-respecting travellers recoil with horror from travel itineraries containing phrases such as ‘must-see-tourist destination’.

Like rebel explorers, they tend to veer off the well-worn beaten track, striking out on their own in search of an authentic local experience.

However, sometimes it does pay to take the touristy, scenic road, since that is exactly the path that will lead you to the most hidden local treasures.

One such well worthwhile tourist track is the fabled Cape Route 62. Meandering for 850km through South Africa’s mountainous Western and Eastern Cape provinces, R62 is a historic link between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering travellers remarkable beauty and excellent facilities. R62 also holds the distinction of forming part of the longest wine route in the Western Cape, and possibly the world.

Connoisseurs are in for another treat, because R62 also plays home to a Brandy Route – only the second of these routes to be launched in South Africa by the SA Brandy Foundation. The R62 Brandy Route aims to introduce the broader public and travellers to the region’s deep history of brandy distillation, offering a taste of the many superb brandies that can be found there.

Although it offers the shorter, and far more scenic alternative to the N2 highway, the drive takes somewhat longer since it boasts and winds through numerous mountain passes (which is why it is also commonly known as the Mountain Route). Hugging the jagged rock edges of the mountains to one side, with plunging cliffs falling away from the road on the other side, and peppered with harrowing hairpin turns, the mountain passes demand even the most skilled drivers to slow down.

But traversing the twists and turns of those nerve-wracking passes is not the only reason why the drive could potentially take considerably longer. Providing easy access to some of South Africa’s most historic and charming small towns, R62 constantly seduces even the most hurried travellers to take temptingly irresistible detours of lingering exploration and discovery.

Weary travellers seeking a restful respite from the road can soak in some of the region’s hot-springs. The more restless and energetic of travellers won’t be disappointed either. R62 offers ample opportunity to stimulate the adrenalin glands with various hiking trails, safaris, mountain climbing, 4x4 routes, canoeing, horse riding, ostrich riding, fishing and caving.

As the Route’s own website promises: “The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer [the traveller] an unforgettable adventure - whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility.”

We’re getting some information together about this special route. It’s an alternative way to get from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and really a spectacular drive.

Barrydale

Barrydale is about 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town through scenic wine farms (Robertson Valley) on to the R62. It’s a beautiful little town nestled between mountains and farms, with amazing views and people.

Visit Lentelus, a Farm Stay Bed & Breakfast in Barrydale for an amazing experience.

Also be sure to visit the Fish & Chips shop (and no they don’t sell fish & chips funny enough) for the coolest curios and stuff you can only find in a town like Barrydale.

Further the Jam Tarts is a quaint little restaurant on the main road that serves up a mean pizza and the people are extremely friendly.

Also visit the Warmwaterberg Spa, natural hot springs just outside town and don’t forget Ronnie’s Sex Shop on the way of course. Many a lady have lost their knickers in the early hours of the morning, but it’s actually just a pub that’s world famous for it’s amazing venue and parties.

Well worth a visit!

Many tourists ask us about public transport in Cape Town and what options there are. Well, first of all, our tourist attractions are located all over our beautiful province, so we usually recommend that travellers rent a car for the duration of their stay. Rates are usually cheap and ranges from around R150 per day for your entry level car and up. We recommend getting a car with air conditioning during the summer months (October - April).

Cape Town travel is quite easy and a good map book of Cape Town is essential. Travel guides are readily available at most hotels and guest houses in Cape Town.

Taxis are available throughout Cape Town. We recommend using city bound taxis (usually cars) and not using minibus taxis as their driving ability (or should we sometimes say disability) leaves room for improvement. We will find out some telephone numbers for taxi companies in Cape Town and post them here soon. Rates start from around R7-8 per kilometer and is on par if not cheaper than international rates.

There are also shuttle services from Cape Town International Airport if you choose to use them. Check our site regularly for updates on these.

All in all your travel experience in Cape Town should go without a hitch. Remember to drive on the left side of the road!