Route 62 & Swellendam
Route 62 is a charming scenic alternative route to the Garden Route which meanders past wine estates, country towns and rugged Karoo scenery.
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Route 62 is a charming scenic alternative route to the Garden Route which meanders past wine estates, country towns and rugged Karoo scenery.
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Swellendam, just off the N2, is the perfect stopping off point on your way to the Garden Route. Whereas the Route 62 is an alternative scenic and meandering route inland, linking the Winelands with the Little Karoo.
Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa dating back to 1743. However, their freedom was cut short by the British occupation of the Cape. Nowadays it is an attractive and prosperous country town lined with Cape Dutch houses – 100 of which are National Monuments, well-kept gardens, and friendly faces. Taste country wines, meander through art galleries, or explore the nearby Bontebok National Park and Marloth Reserve.
Fun Fact:
It had its 15 minutes of fame way back in 1795. The corruption and inadequacies of the Dutch East India Company caused the town burgers to declare itself an independent republic in 1795 - only to be “reclaimed” by the British a few months later. Independence may not have lasted, but the town’s spirit certainly did!
Fancy more of a road trip instead?
Route 62 is home to South Africa’s longest wine route, some epic wines and breath-taking views. It’s the perfect self-drive route from Cape Town or Winelands to the Little Karoo.
Historic towns on Route 62, like Swellendam and Montagu, are perfect for architecture buffs and culture seekers alike. Stop off at one or two of the many wine estates, perhaps enjoy a boat cruise on the river.
Hungry? Quirky farm stalls, tapas, and legendary country lunches await.
The route then heads through rugged mountain country with dramatic mountain passes, past Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. It ends in the picturesque rolling countryside of the Little Karoo.
Looking for a self-drive Route 62 itinerary? We’ll map out the best stops, vineyards, and hidden gems along the way.
Route 62 is the gateway to the closest ‘proper’ safari near Cape Town with the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. This luxury game reserve in is the heart of the Karoo, home to the rare White Lion as well as plenty of game, large and small. (There are other alternatives such as Inverdoorn, but Sanbona is the one which offers the best wildlife safari near Cape Town.)
Ready for a road trip with a difference? Let us design your Route 62 adventure—wine, wildlife, and all the quirky stops in between.
Is Route 62 really the world’s longest wine route?
Yes! Route 62 stretches for over 850km and links dozens of vineyards, making it the longest continuous wine route in the world.
Things to do in Swellendam?
From hiking in Marloth Nature Reserve, enjoying a scenic self-drive through nearby Bontebok National Park to exploring the Drostdy Museum, there’s no shortage of things to do in Swellendam. There are even family-friendly wine estates on the Robertson wine estate as well as the quirky Sulina Faerie Sanctuary.
Is Route 62 worth the detour?
Absolutely! Route 62 is not only the world’s longest wine route, but comes packed with charming towns, quirky farm stalls, and stunning mountain views. Plus, nearby Swellendam with its rich history and beautiful Cape Dutch buildings.
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