- Worcester
Worcester lies at the start of the R62 and is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to explore some of South African wineries as the Worcester Wine Route alone offers ten superb cellars. Surrounded by majestic mountains and verdant valleys, the town offers plenty to see and do and is ideally situated to explore the surrounding towns, vines and valleys. From here visit Tulbagh, Ceres or Robertson, or take a tour around the KWV Brandy Cellar Complex. Worcester is a major training and teaching centre for deaf and blind communities. • The botanical gardens are worth a visit.
- Calitzdorp
Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo lying between majestic sandstone mountains cleft by spectacular ravines of vineyards and orchards, is the quaint town of Calitzdorp. The port wine capital of South Africa, it makes an enticing stop for quaffers. Other tops quality wines produced in Calitzdorp include Boplaas, De Krans, Axehill and the Calitzdorp Wine Cellar. Further afield lies the Gamkasberg Nature Reserve where the new protea Golden Mimetese was discovered. 27 kilometres from Calitzdorp is a gravel road that leads northwards to the famous Seweweekspoort with its unique oozing rock formations. Visit the lovely stone church. In the church hall are 27 hand-stitched wall hangings illustrating the gospel according to St Matthew.
Route 62
Route 62 is filled with amazing backpacker lodges. It starts at Robertson and winds its way through quaint towns to just past Oudtshoorn. It is worth getting off the N2 and spending a few days exploring this amazing part of South Africa.
The Alterntive Route to Backpacking in South Africa
Go on, get off the N2 and take the alternative route. Route 62. Revel in empty rolling roads with shaded picnic spots, mysterious kloofs,
pools hidden in mountain crags and wine farms basking in the sun. En route you’ll discover a land scattered with farmhouses and small villages drowning in roses, forgotten by time, fine wines, delicious conserves, hot springs, rock climbing routes and hikes through fynbos and down rugged kloofs.
Ostrich and sheep think it’s nirvana. They roast in the sun and graze happily on the spiky bushes. Talking about sheep, Karoo lamb is something every unrepentant meat eater should try. And remember. Forever.
This narrow plain lies between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains which separate it from both the arid Karoo and the coastline.
Go on, get off the N2 and take the alternative route. Route 62. Revel in empty rolling roads with shaded picnic spots, mysterious kloofs,
pools hidden in mountain crags and wine farms basking in the sun. En route you’ll discover a land scattered with farmhouses and small villages drowning in roses, forgotten by time, fine wines, delicious conserves, hot springs, rock climbing routes and hikes through fynbos and down rugged kloofs.
Ostrich and sheep think it’s nirvana. They roast in the sun and graze happily on the spiky bushes. Talking about sheep, Karoo lamb is something every unrepentant meat eater should try. And remember. Forever.
This narrow plain lies between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains which separate it from both the arid Karoo and the coastline.
Oudtshoorn
Please note that Oudtshoorn is placed under the Garden Route.
Please note that Oudtshoorn is placed under the Garden Route.
Places to Stay
- Artist's Place
Share the family home at Artist's Place and enjoy what Robertson has to offer.
- Bouganvillea Backpackers
Pull into the Port Capital of SA and drop anchor on your Route 62 cruise at Bouganvillea Backpackers.
- Breede Valley Backpackers
This homely backpackers lies in the centre of Worcester.
- Farmer Redbeard
Farmer Redbeard is a self sustaining farm in Ashton where you can get down and dirt with good ol' fashioned farm work.
- Robertson Backpackers
This backpackers in Robertson is a friendly spot and a great base for exploring Route 62.
- The Karoo Travel Centre and Backpackers
A backpackers in the centre of Barrydale.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Volunteer and help rural children.
(Eshowe,Zululand)
Close to the beach, malls, the city centre and Durbans nightlife.
(Durban ,Durban)
On the banks of Lake Kariba, this is relatively unexploited area is home to the Tonga, who still live according to age old traditions.
(Kariba Zim,Zimbabwe and Zambia)
Safari time.
(Nelspruit,Mpumalanga)
This Table View backpackers definately needs you to check out the beach, the bars, the jacuzzi and the menagerie. Hmm. And surf, windsurfing and going mad…
(Northern Beaches,Cape Town)
This Lesotho backpackers is set in the grounds of the original trading post and is a good base for exploring the beautiful Lesotho surroundings.
(Bloemfontein,Lesotho)
A comfy, fun spot.
(Stormsriver,Garden Route)
Knoll Guest House offers travellers comfortable accommodation on their beautiful farm.
(Hilton,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
This Backpackers' hostel is set in 3 hectares of forest near to the Vic Bay's famous surfing beach
(Victoria Bay,Garden Route)
Easy access to the North West and to the Plilanesberg National Park.
(Hartbeespoort and surrounds,North West Province)
