A wonderful journey awaits those who wish to explore the back roads, small dorps and off the beaten track destinations of South Africa’s Western Cape and Klein Karoo regions.
Whether you go by car, bicycle, motorbike or a
hired vintage side car, make sure you take time to stop along the way, delve into the history, meet the locals and discover interesting places for yourself.
Here is Portfolio Collection’s suggested list of things to do along Route 62, to get you started…
1. Take an
unforgettable tractor ride – My family did this on a recent getaway break to
Montagu and I really recommend it. A tractor and large trailer takes groups up high into the Langeberg Mountains overlooking the
KOO valley and the views are spectacular. It’s very, very cold in winter so dress extra warm. We also took the
potjiekos lunch option afterwards and it was well worth it – so yummy and served in a lovely setting.
2. Wander around a maze of succulents at Soekershof Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens - There's something very "Alice in Wonderland" about mazes that fascinates adults and children alike. Stop, play and explore the mazes and gardens at Soekershof. Here you can explore the original succulent gardens of Marthinus Malherbe, see the oldest cactus in South, try flower tasting and visit the outdoor succulent collection comprising over 2400 plants
3. Visit an antique wine cellar - Rusticus is the name, and in this vintage cellar owners Stephan and Lindi Busch create their ‘artisan wines’ the same way it was done a hundred years or so ago. A cellar tour is a real wine lover’s experience. Situated outside of Montagu / Ashton.
4. Ride an ostrich – One of those ‘once in a lifetime’ things for many people, the ideal place is Oudtshoorn, undisputed capital of the large flightless bird that kicks like a horse and lays eggs that could feed a family of 6.
5. Have a drink at Ronnie’s Sex Shop – no it really has nothing (or at least very little) to do with sex. It’s a Karoo roadside pub beloved by biker groups. Here’s how it got its name.
6. Take in some art at the annual Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees or along the McGregor Art Route – the former offers a range of art and entertainment that celebrates the Afrikaner nation, while the latter focuses more on fine art, pottery and the like.
7. Go to Hell – Die Hel, that is - It's prettier than you'd think - the natural beauty of Die Hel, located in a magnificent kloof walled in by majestic mountains, combined with the fascinating history as recounted by the locals, should you stop for a chat, makes this a special place worth visiting for those who enjoy leaving the beaten track. Located in the vicinity of Calitzdorp and Prince Albert.
8. Take to the waters – whether you prefer the resort style Avalon Springs at Montagu, or the more basic but lovely facilities at Warmwaterberg Spa, the healing waters from the underground hot springs have been harnessed for your pleasure – a great idea for winter breaks.
9. Track down a mermaid in the Karoo – follow the mermaid trail and see for yourself the ancient rock paintings depicting fish tailed beings that gave rise to the legend of the Karoo Mermaid. For more info email hardie@iafrica.com
10. Enoy a Karoo Tapas experience - make a point of stopping in at the Joubert-Tradauw Private Boutique cellar in the beautiful Tradouw Valley, 15 km west of Barrydale. The Klein Karoo tapas comprises farm fruits such as fresh figs, nectarines, kakamas, plums and pears, cranberries, nuts, sunflower seeds and mint; a small bobotie with onion relish, stewed fruit and almonds; “patat” with honey and cinnamon; roasted beetroot, butternut and brinjal, feta and herbs; rosemary/soy/lemon chicken; chicken liver pateè with onion relish are all part of a R62 platter. YUM!
Check out our website www.portfoliocollection.com for great Klein Karoo and Route 62 accommodation in B&Bs, guest houses, boutique hotels and self catering accommodation establishments all along the Route.
