#CapeCountryRoutes: make a road trip of it

Route 62

Take a trip on the scenic Route 62 where the Breede Rivier Valley and the Klein Karoo meet. The rustic countryside is well suited for a range of activities. From nature walks and bird watching to shopping at farm stalls and the village market. Montagu offers loads of options for the venturesome tourists such as the ever-so-popular hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, or mountain biking for the adventurous at heart. Alternatively, go for a dashing ride in a classic Cadillac with American Dream Cars and explore the surrounds in style!

For the brave and the daring, Robertson offers exhilarating guided tours on Harley Davidson motorcycles with Cape American Motorcycle Tours, taking you on an unforgettable experience through the countryside via Route 62.

Robertson Wine Route is one of the best-kept wine region secrets of South Africa. Be sure to visit the luscious Van Loveren Wines for various offerings specially created for curious minds. Van Lovern Wines have various food and wine pairings, tranquil strolls through their peaceful birding routes and guided garden tours (which included a glass of bubbly).

Hike the Fish Eagle hiking trail with its informative biodiversity signage, or explore the mountain biking trails that cater for a range of experience levels, from family to serious adrenaline driven riders. Also try the delicious array of meals at the bistro, Christina’s @ Van Loveren.

With all these exciting activities in the area, you might want to spend a few nights at Montagu Country Hotel to make the best of your historic visit to Robertson and Montagu. Montagu Country Hotel was built in 1922 in an art-deco style reminiscent of Paris in the 1920s.

Winelands

The picturesque Paarl is the perfect stop for your country road trip. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, has a rich history and language heritage, old buildings and acclaimed wines, with cascading waterfalls and winding roads. The characteristic pearl-shaped granite Paarl Rock is part of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. Abseil off Paarl Rock with Paarl Rock Abseiling Excursions. Thrill-seekers are also able to abseil down the 15-meter high local Cascade Waterfall, situated at the majestic Cascade Country Manor. The Mediterranean-style villa is an idyllic and luxurious private retreat, beautifully enclosed amongst olive orchards, vineyards, and buchu land. The perfect place to stay a few nights in style.

Stellenbosch, a mere 20 min from Paarl, is a lively, culinary, cultural and action packed town. Adventure Shop Stellenbosch in Dorp Street is where you can book your local activity tours and adventures. A few highlights to consider include guided bike tours through Stelenbosch, Vine Hopper wine tours, 4X4 wine tours and guided hikes in and around Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch also has its own Cape Country Routes luxury accommodation. Eendracht Hotel & Apartments is situated in the historic Dorp Street and invites you to be immersed in true South African hospitality and comfort. Over the years the hotel has captured the essence of the friendships formed between travellers.

Another gem in Stellenbosch is Evergreen Manor & Spa. The Manor was built in 1904 in Grand Country House-style and offers gracious living and old-world charm, combined with every modern convenience. Indulge in a wonderfully relaxing experience at the luxury guesthouse and spa, while exploring the beauty of the historic Stellenbosch with its many outdoor adventures.

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn can be found on the border of the Garden Route, in the heart of the Klein Karoo. It is best known for the spectacular Cango Caves that stretches deep into the Swartberg Mountains. Oudtshoorn is also known for its ostrich feather industry. Safari Ostrich Farm is a working ostrich farm and is the home to the beautiful and rare White Ostrich. They offer an unforgettable experience with Ostrich Farm Tractor Tours. The tours are created to be educational about these remarkable birds and their fascinating nature. There are two restaurants on the farm and a shop to buy souvenirs and gifts.

Kobus se Gat is a hidden gem at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountain Pass. "Kobus se Gat" is a traditional veld restaurant that specialises in Karoo cuisine and gives visitors an authentic experience of South African culture. They also offer an array of unique tours such as the Swartberg Tour, the Sunset Tour and Dinner, the Circle Tour, the South African Culture Tour, the Agricultural Tour and hiking and biking.

With all these activities in Oudtshoorn, you will have to stay a few nights. De Zeekoe Guest Farm is situated just 7 km outside of town and offers private eco-friendly cottages, self-catering rustic cabins and B&B rooms in the main house. De Zeekoe offers a unique and rare opportunity to walk with wild meerkats and to be part of the Shy 5 Experience.