Route 62

Route 62 is the tourist route, that meanders between Cape To

Route 62 is the tourist route, that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway. Route 62 is an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora - all contribute to making the Breede River Valley and the Klein Karoo two of the Western Capes most diverse regions. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure — whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquillity.

The scenic Route 62 passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley and Tulbagh.

Surprises await travelers along Route 62

Route 62 is the traveller’s route, which meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, better alternative to the N2 highway.

Route 62 prompts associations with the legendary by-way, Route 66, connecting the urban and rural communities between Chicago and Los Angeles.

In 1926 the inter regional link, Route 66, between Chicago and Los Angeles was established as one of America’s main east-west arteries, providing small towns access to a major national thoroughfare. In the same manner, Route 62 links Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Visitors from the north can join Route 62 at De Rust (from Beaufort West via the spectacular Meiringspoort). This scenic route passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp and Ladismith, historic Amanlienstein and Zoar, and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley and Tulbagh, as well as the ‘Feather Capital’of South Africa, Oudtshoorn.

Ironically, the public lobby for rapid mobility and improved highways that gained Route 66 it’s enormous popularity in earlier decades also signaled it’s demise beginning in the mid-1950’s. route 66 was replaced by a national highway, which caused a severe decrease in traffic. This greatly affected the smaller towns along the route whose survival depended on the vast majority of travelers. With the building of the N2 national road. Route 62 suffered the same losses. However, after being in hibernation for 40 years, Route 62 has now been revived.

All the small towns and villages along the route offer ample opportunity for discovery, being it a visit to a wine farm, game reserve, tribal art, outdoor adventure activities etc. You will soon discover that Route 62 offers the visitor an adventure, whether this is in the physical sense, or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic experiences. All who have traveled here agree that few places in the world are as stunningly beautiful as the scenic Route 62.

CITIES / TOWNS

Albertinia

Named in honour of the Reverend JR Albertyn (1904). Albertinia is located in a major wheat and sheep farming region. The town is well-known as the country’s main producer of ochre (yellow and red) used mainly in the manufacture of paint. Kaolin, a porcelain and medicinal clay, is also mined here.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

The village is situated on the N2, Cape Town 326 km, Swellendam 106 km, Riversdale 27 km, Mossel Bay 54 km, George 138 km. Altitude: 138 m above sea level. Average Rainfall: 449 mm per annum. Average Temperature: Summer 18°c – 28°c; Winter 8°c – 21°c. Banks ABSA, Boland PKS, Fnb. Rivers: Gouritz River, Vals River, Wyder River.

ATTRACTIONS

The various craft and gift shops at the tourism centre (Die Skoenlapper, Exclusive & Unique), offers a wide selection of gifts and mementos to the tourist.

Aloe Factory

The juice and gel of the aloe ferrox plant are extracted for pharmaceutical purposes. This factory at Albertinia is the country’s biggest single source of this important raw material, used in several medicines and skin-care products.

Die Kraaines

A large selection of antiques from bygone years

Die Poort Wine Cellar

Located just outside town, offering cellar tours, wine tasting and refreshments at a restaurant on the farm.

Garden Route Game Lodge and Hot Springs

This privately owned game lodge on the N2 just outside Albertinia is currently being developed to facilitate the Big Five.

ACTIVITIES

Bungee / Bridge Jumping

Every day from 09:00 at the Gouritz River Bridge, 14km from Albertinia.

Hiking

Die Poort Hiking Trail

Starting point: Die Poort Wine Cellars. Circular route. Rating: Difficult. Permit required Features include fynbos, bushman paintings, river and waterfall.

Fynbos Trail

Starting point: Soutpan on the N2 between Albertinia and Riversdale. Circular route. Distance / Duration: 5 km 3 -4 hours. Rating: Average, permit required. Features include fynbos and birdlife.

Gouriqua Trail

Starting point: Gouriqua Camping Area. Circular route. Distance / Duration: 14 km 3 – 4 hours. Rating: Average. Permit required. Features include Rare Albertinia fynbos.

Witblits Trail

Starting point: Bergfontein. End: Riversdale / Bergfontein. Distance / Duration: 7 km 4 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit required.

Horse Riding

(Herbertsdale) Guided trails with camping sites

Accommodation in and around Route 62