Travelling from Cape Town along the R62 Wine Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic and rewarding road trips—perfect for a relaxed, experience-rich journey through mountains, vineyards, and charming small towns. What is the R62 Wine Route? The Route 62 is a scenic inland route stretching from Cape Town to Gqeberha, passing through the Cape Winelands and the Klein Karoo. It’s often called the longest wine route in the world, offering a quieter and more picturesque alternative to the busy N2 highway. You’ll travel through vineyards, fruit orchards, mountain passes, and semi-desert landscapes—making it ideal for leisurely self-drive tours.

What Makes This Route Special? Wine & Brandy Experiences: Up to 70 wine farms along the route Diverse Landscapes: From lush vineyards to arid Karoo plains Less Traffic: More relaxed than the N2 coastal route Adventure Activities: Hiking, 4x4 trails, caves, and wildlife experiences

A visit to the Cango Caves is one of the absolute highlights of the Route 62 journey. Located just outside Oudtshoorn, these world-famous limestone caves feature spectacular underground chambers formed over millions of years. What to Expect Massive caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites Impressive chambers like Van Zyl’s Hall and the Cleopatra’s Needle formation Guided tours with fascinating geological and historical insights A cool underground temperature (great break from Karoo heat)

A game safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is widely regarded as one of the best safari experiences in the Western Cape, offering close encounters with iconic African wildlife in a spectacular mountain setting along the Garden Route. Safari Experience Conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced guides Set within over 4,000 hectares of diverse landscapes—mountains, valleys, and plains Ideal for travellers who want a Big 5-style experience without going to Kruger

A visit to the Knysna Heads is one of the most breathtaking highlights of the Garden Route. These dramatic sandstone cliffs guard the narrow entrance between the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, creating one of South Africa’s most iconic coastal views. What to Expect Two towering headlands: Eastern Head and Western Head Spectacular views where the lagoon meets the ocean Viewing decks with panoramic photo opportunities Crashing waves and rugged coastline scenery

A visit to the Knysna Quays Waterfront is the perfect way to unwind along the Garden Route. Set on the edge of the tranquil Knysna Lagoon, this vibrant marina offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views, great food, and plenty to explore. What to Expect A lively yet laid-back harbour setting Scenic views of yachts and the lagoon A mix of restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops Safe, walkable area ideal for all travellers

After breakfast go to Robberg Nature Reserve. A hike at Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most spectacular outdoor experiences along the Garden Route. This rugged peninsula near Plettenberg Bay offers dramatic ocean views, rich wildlife, and unforgettable coastal scenery. What to Expect Panoramic views of the Indian Ocean Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky shores One of the largest seal colonies in the region Seasonal whale and dolphin sightings

A stop at Plettenberg Bay Main Beach is the perfect way to unwind along the Garden Route. Known for its wide golden sands, clear waters, and stunning mountain backdrop, it’s ideal for relaxation and a scenic lunch break. What to Expect Long stretches of clean, sandy beach Calm areas for swimming (weather dependent) Views of the ocean with the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance A relaxed, holiday atmosphere

Travel to Hermanus From Knysna, continue your journey along the scenic Garden Route and Overberg coastline toward Hermanus—one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. Walk the Hermanus Cliff Path Enjoy a relaxed walk along the famous Cliff Path, stretching along the coastline of Walker Bay. What to Expect: Stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs Easy, well-maintained walking paths Benches and viewpoints for relaxing and photography Fresh sea air and peaceful surroundings Whale watching, in season

A wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate is a stylish and scenic stop near Hermanus, offering a blend of award-winning wines, lagoon views, and relaxed luxury. Set between the Bot River Lagoon and rolling vineyards, it’s one of the most picturesque wine estates in the Overberg. What to Expect Guided wine tastings of estate-produced wines Beautiful setting overlooking the Bot River Lagoon Modern, relaxed tasting room with outdoor seating Friendly and knowledgeable wine hosts

African penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve A visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay is one of the best places in South Africa to see African penguins up close in their natural habitat—without the crowds of more commercial sites. What to Expect A large and well-established African penguin colony Wooden boardwalks allowing close but non-intrusive viewing Penguins nesting, swimming, and waddling along the rocks Scenic coastal views of False Bay The Experience Watch penguins resting in burrows and under shrubs See them dive into the ocean to fish Observe chicks during breeding season (seasonal) Other wildlife may include seabirds and coastal fauna

Scenic Whale Coast Drive: Betty’s Bay → Cape Town The drive from Betty’s Bay back to Cape Town along the Whale Coast is one of the most beautiful coastal journeys in South Africa. It combines mountains, ocean views, small seaside towns, and dramatic cliff roads all the way into the city. Betty’s Bay → Pringle Bay → Rooi-Els Narrow coastal road with mountain and ocean views Part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve One of the most untouched stretches of coastline in the Cape