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Route 62
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Travel Route 62 through South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape for mountain passes, Karoo towns, vineyards, farm stalls and open-road scenery.

Route 62 is a scenic travelling corridor rather than an administrative region, linking parts of South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape through the Cape Winelands, the Little Karoo and the Langkloof. Its character changes continually: vineyards and orchards give way to folded mountain passes, semi-arid plains, historic mission settlements, farm towns and long stretches of open road. The route is best understood as a journey between places rather than a single destination, with distances and driving times requiring thoughtful planning.
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In the western section, Route 62 passes through or near places such as Montagu, Barrydale and Ladismith, where whitewashed buildings, old churches, farm stalls and small-town main streets sit beneath the Langeberg and Klein Swartberg ranges. Montagu is known for its historic architecture, hot springs and surrounding rock landscapes, while Barrydale marks a transition towards the drier Little Karoo. Between the towns, the road crosses dramatic mountain scenery, including the Tradouw Pass, with viewpoints over rugged slopes and valleys.
Further east, Calitzdorp is associated with fortified wine and Klein Karoo farming, while Oudtshoorn forms the route’s principal urban centre and a gateway to the Cango Caves, ostrich-farming country and the Swartberg landscape. The area’s dry climate, succulent vegetation and broad horizons create a distinct contrast with the wetter mountain valleys to the west. Beyond the central Little Karoo, the route continues through the Langkloof, a fertile valley between the Tsitsikamma and Kouga mountains, where fruit farms and small settlements shape the landscape.
Route 62 also offers a useful introduction to the layered history of the Cape interior. San rock art and archaeological evidence reveal Indigenous occupation long before colonial settlement; later, pastoral farming, mission communities, wagon routes, railways and irrigated agriculture shaped the towns along the corridor. Today, visitors encounter Karoo produce, wine, brandy, farm stalls, galleries, country accommodation, hiking trails and a strong tradition of roadside hospitality. The pleasure lies in the changing scale of the journey: a morning in a historic village, an afternoon on a mountain road and an evening beneath a wide, dark sky.

When is the best time to visit Route 62?

Best: March, November–December · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2715
February2715
March (best)2520
April2225
May1930
June1635
July1535
August1730
September1825
October2220
November (best)2415
December (best)2615

Getting to and around Route 62

How to get there

Route 62 is most commonly reached by road from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands or the Garden Route, depending on the direction of travel. Cape Town International Airport is the principal international gateway, although it lies outside the Route 62 corridor. George Airport, also outside the route itself, can be useful for the Oudtshoorn and eastern Little Karoo section. There is no single central airport or railway station serving the whole route, so travellers should choose an entry point according to their itinerary and hire a car where possible.

Transportation

A private or hire car is the most flexible option, particularly for reaching mountain passes, farm stalls, small settlements and rural accommodation. Main roads are generally suitable for ordinary vehicles, but distances, bends, livestock and changing weather require unhurried driving. Intercity buses and local taxis serve some larger towns, while services between smaller communities are less frequent and not designed for sightseeing. Cycling and motorcycling are popular with experienced travellers, but riders should plan carefully for heat, limited services and long stretches without shade.

Top city travel guides in Route 62

The cities of Route 62, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Route 62

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Route 62

Route 62’s attractions are dispersed along a long scenic corridor, so the journey itself is part of the experience. Historic Montagu combines preserved Cape architecture, hot springs and access to rugged mountain landscapes, while Barrydale offers mission history, galleries, farm stalls and a distinctive Little Karoo setting. Ladismith and Calitzdorp provide quieter small-town stops, with vineyards, orchards and dry mountain country shaping the surrounding scenery. Near Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are the best-known natural attraction, presenting large limestone chambers beneath the Swartberg. The town also provides access to museums, ostrich-farming heritage and rural activities. East of the Little Karoo, the Langkloof brings a greener, more agricultural landscape of fruit farms and mountain views. Depending on the season and location, visitors can hike, cycle, observe birds, explore geological formations, taste wine or fortified wine, and browse farm stalls selling preserves, dried fruit and Karoo produce. Attractions are generally intimate and landscape-led rather than concentrated in large visitor complexes, making advance route planning important.

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Best landmarks in Route 62

The defining landmarks of Route 62 are closely tied to its geology, historic transport routes and carefully preserved settlements. The Tradouw Pass is a major visual feature, cutting through the Langeberg between the western Cape districts and the Little Karoo. Montagu’s historic streets and Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings reflect its development as a nineteenth-century settlement near springs and mountain routes. In Barrydale, the Rynse Kerk complex is an important reminder of mission history and the town’s religious institutions. Calitzdorp’s churches and early town buildings convey the architectural character of a wine-producing Karoo community, while Oudtshoorn’s large historic houses recall the prosperity generated by the ostrich-feather era. The Cango Caves, formed in the limestone of the Swartberg, are the corridor’s most renowned natural landmark. Farther east, the long mountain walls and cultivated valley of the Langkloof provide a different geographical signature, showing how Route 62 moves from dry interior plains towards a more productive mountain valley.

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Explore Route 62 on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Route 62

Dining along Route 62 reflects the Cape interior’s farming traditions, dry climate and small-town scale. Farm stalls and country cafés are useful places to find preserves, dried fruit, fresh bread, locally grown produce and light meals, while rural inns and guesthouses often serve straightforward regional cooking with seasonal ingredients. In the Little Karoo, expect mutton, lamb, ostrich and game-related dishes to appear in some menus, although availability varies and visitors should ask how produce is sourced. Oudtshoorn has the broadest choice of restaurants, including establishments catering to visitors exploring the Cango and ostrich-farming areas. Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp offer smaller selections ranging from cafés and bakeries to restaurants associated with wine farms or guest accommodation. Calitzdorp is particularly known for fortified wine, while vineyards and fruit-growing districts contribute wine, brandy and preserves to the regional table. Opening days can be limited in rural towns, so confirm meal arrangements when booking accommodation.

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Best bars in Route 62

Nightlife on Route 62 is generally low-key and centred on country pubs, hotel bars, farm restaurants, wine-tasting rooms and informal social spaces rather than large clubs. Montagu, Barrydale and Oudtshoorn have the widest selection of places for an evening drink or meal, while smaller settlements often become quiet after dinner. Local wine, brandy and fortified wine are prominent in parts of the corridor, and some establishments offer tastings or relaxed live-music evenings, but programmes and opening arrangements change. Rural accommodation may be far from the nearest bar, making it sensible to arrange transport and avoid driving after drinking. The appeal of the evening lies largely in conversation, regional food and clear Karoo skies rather than a late-night entertainment circuit.

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Best nightclubs in Route 62

Nightlife on Route 62 is generally low-key and centred on country pubs, hotel bars, farm restaurants, wine-tasting rooms and informal social spaces rather than large clubs. Montagu, Barrydale and Oudtshoorn have the widest selection of places for an evening drink or meal, while smaller settlements often become quiet after dinner. Local wine, brandy and fortified wine are prominent in parts of the corridor, and some establishments offer tastings or relaxed live-music evenings, but programmes and opening arrangements change. Rural accommodation may be far from the nearest bar, making it sensible to arrange transport and avoid driving after drinking. The appeal of the evening lies largely in conversation, regional food and clear Karoo skies rather than a late-night entertainment circuit.

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Best shops in Route 62

Shopping on Route 62 is small-scale and strongly connected to local production. Farm stalls are the most characteristic stops, selling preserves, dried fruit, nuts, fresh produce, rusks, baked goods, wine and other items suited to a road journey. Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn have independent shops, galleries and craft outlets where visitors may find ceramics, textiles, leatherwork, artwork, books and locally made food products. Oudtshoorn offers the broadest retail choice, including goods linked to its ostrich-farming heritage, although quality and provenance vary between sellers. Wine farms and cellar outlets may sell bottles from the surrounding districts, while small-town markets and seasonal events provide opportunities to meet local producers. Carry fragile purchases carefully, check customs rules before exporting food or animal products, and remember that rural businesses may close earlier or accept cash when connectivity is poor.

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Route 62 essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the South African rand (ZAR), used throughout the route and the rest of South Africa. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at established hotels, restaurants, shops and larger fuel stations, but smaller farm stalls, informal vendors and rural businesses may prefer cash or have unreliable connectivity. Carry modest rand reserves, especially when travelling between towns, while keeping cards and cash secure. International visitors should notify their banks of travel plans and check foreign transaction charges before departure.
Safety
Use normal urban and rural precautions: keep valuables out of sight, secure vehicles and avoid isolated places after dark. On the open road, watch for livestock, pedestrians, cyclists, slow farm vehicles and sudden weather changes. Heat, dehydration, sun exposure and limited mobile reception can become serious concerns during walks or remote drives. Do not enter private farmland or climb in mountain areas without permission and suitable equipment. Ask local accommodation providers about current road, trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 from a mobile phone in South Africa for emergency assistance, or 10111 for the police and 10177 for ambulance services where applicable. In a life-threatening situation, state your exact town, road, direction of travel and nearest landmark, as rural addresses can be difficult to locate. Mountain and wilderness incidents may require coordination by local authorities or rescue organisations, so tell someone your route before hiking. Keep offline maps, charged phones and accommodation contact details available in areas with intermittent signal.
Do's and Don'ts
Do greet people politely, respect quiet residential streets and ask permission before photographing individuals, homes, farms or community activities. Do follow instructions at cultural, religious and heritage sites, and leave rock art, plants and geological features untouched. Do not assume that an apparently empty track is public: many roads cross private land. Tipping in restaurants and for good service is customary in South Africa, though it remains discretionary. Drink responsibly and never drive after drinking, particularly on unfamiliar rural roads.
Local Tips
Break the journey into manageable sections rather than attempting the entire corridor in a single day. Montagu and Oudtshoorn make useful bases for different landscapes, while Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp offer smaller-town perspectives and local food or drink traditions. Fuel up whenever the tank is comfortably full and download maps before entering sparsely settled areas. Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer light for mountain scenery, while many outdoor walks are more comfortable outside the hottest part of the day.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[/ˈhaʊ.di/]
GoodbyeSee ya[/si jə/]
YesYup[/jʌp/]
NoNah[/nɑː/]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[/ʃʊr θɪŋ/]
Thank youThanks a lot[/θæŋks ə lɒt/]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[/ˈpɑːr.dən mi/]
How are you?How's it going?[/haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊ.ɪŋ/]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[/ɡʊd ənd ju/]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[/du jə spiːk ˈɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ/]
I don't understandI ain't got it[/aɪ eɪnt ɡɒt ɪt/]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[/kæn aɪ si ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliz/]
I don't eat meatI'm a veggie[/aɪm ə ˈvɛdʒ.i/]
Cheers!Cheers![/tʃɪrz/]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check, please?[/kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə tʃɛk pliz/]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![/hɛlp/]
Go away!Get lost![/ɡɛt lɔst/]
Call the Police!Call the cops![/kɔl ðə kɑps/]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![/ɡɛt ə ˈdɒk.tər/]
I'm lostI'm turned around[/aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd/]
I'm illI'm feeling sick[/aɪm ˈfiː.lɪŋ sɪk/]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[/aɪ ˈwɑː.nə baɪ/]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[/dʒʌst ˈbraʊ.zɪŋ/]
How much is it?What's the damage?[/wɒts ðə ˈdæm.ɪdʒ/]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[/ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪ.si/]
Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?[/kæn jə kʌt mi ə diːl/]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[/wɒt taɪm jə ɡɒt/]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[/ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk/]
Half past (10)Half past ten[/hɑːf pɑːst tɛn/]
MorningMornin'[/ˈmɔːrn.ɪn/]
AfternoonAfternoon[/ˌɑːf.tərˈnuːn/]
EveningEvenin'[/ˈiːv.nɪŋ/]
YesterdayYesterday[/ˈjɛs.tər.deɪ/]
TodayToday[/təˈdeɪ/]
TomorrowTomorrow[/təˈmɔːr.oʊ/]
1One[/wʌn/]
2Two[/tuː/]
3Three[/θriː/]
4Four[/fɔːr/]
5Five[/faɪv/]
6Six[/sɪks/]
7Seven[/ˈsɛv.ən/]
8Eight[/eɪt/]
9Nine[/naɪn/]
10Ten[/tɛn/]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[/wɛrz ðə.../]
What's the address?What's the address?[/wɑts ði ˈæd.res/]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[/kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt/]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[/wɛnəz ðə nɛkst bʌs/]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[/ə ˈtɪk.ɪt tə/]

History of Route 62

San Heritage and Early Karoo Settlement

The mountains, valleys and open plains crossed by Route 62 were inhabited and used by San communities long before colonial expansion. Rock art, stone artefacts and archaeological sites across the Cape interior record hunting, gathering, symbolic practice and changing patterns of movement. Visitors should treat rock-art locations with care, as many are fragile and culturally significant. Much of the surviving evidence is found in sheltered mountain areas, where natural rock formations also influenced later travel routes and settlement.

Colonial Expansion into the Interior

From the eighteenth century, Dutch and later British colonial authorities extended settler farming beyond the more closely settled Cape districts. Trekboer pastoralists moved through the interior with livestock, bringing conflict, trade and new political boundaries into regions already occupied by Indigenous communities. Springs, river valleys and passes became important points on routes between the coast and inland farms. The small towns associated with Route 62 developed gradually from these agricultural, administrative and transport networks.

Mission Communities and Religious Institutions

Christian mission activity played an important role in the social history of the Cape interior. Barrydale grew around the historic Rynse Kerk mission complex, while other towns along the corridor developed churches, schools and congregations that served farming districts. These institutions were not simply architectural landmarks: they shaped education, landholding, labour and community life under colonial and later segregationist systems. Their histories should be read alongside the experiences of Indigenous and Coloured communities whose work sustained the region’s farms and settlements.

Passes, Wagon Routes and Railway Connections

Before modern highways, mountain passes and wagon roads connected the Cape coast with inland markets. Tradouw Pass, linking the region around Barrydale and Swellendam, became an important route through the Langeberg, while other passes carried people and goods across the Little Karoo. Nineteenth- and early twentieth-century railway construction strengthened towns such as Oudtshoorn by improving access to agricultural markets. Although several railway services have declined or ceased, the route’s geography still reflects these earlier transport corridors.

Agriculture, Ostrich Farming and Karoo Trade

The economy of the Route 62 corridor has long depended on adapting agriculture to markedly different environments. Vineyards and fruit thrive where irrigation and suitable soils permit, while sheep, goats and hardy dryland crops suit the Little Karoo. Oudtshoorn became internationally associated with ostrich feathers during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, creating substantial wealth and distinctive farm architecture before the boom declined. Wine, fortified wine, brandy, deciduous fruit and livestock remain important parts of the region’s economic identity.

Apartheid, Forced Removals and Contemporary Change

The towns and farming districts of Route 62 were profoundly shaped by apartheid legislation, racial segregation and forced removals. Access to land, employment, housing and education was organised through discriminatory systems whose effects remain visible in settlement patterns and economic inequality. Since 1994, the corridor has increasingly combined agriculture with tourism, conservation, craft production and small-scale hospitality. Contemporary travel is therefore best approached with an awareness that its picturesque landscapes contain complex histories of labour, dispossession and community resilience.

Route 62 in Photos

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