Route 62 Road Trip

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The beautiful Route 62 is the scenic highlight of the Little Karoo semi-desert. Endless expanses, mighty mountain ranges, breathtaking mountain passes, cozy little towns, wine and ostrich farms as well as unique flora and fauna are waiting to be discovered. Route 62 is not really an insider tip per se. However, most people drive the entire route in one day and miss out on countless small and large adventures to the left and right of the road. This road trip is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy this breathtaking stretch of South Africa to the full. You will take part in various wildlife observation and nature experiences, and additional activities can be booked as an option.

The tour route can be adapted to your wishes at any point. This tour can be started all year round. Route 62 is paved throughout, although there are access points to individual accommodation or highlights that lead over unpaved roads. You will have no problem reaching all destinations with an SUV.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Somerset West
• 1x Worcester
• 2x Robertson
• 2x Montagu Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
• 1x Barrydale
• 1x Calitzdorp
• 2x Swartberg
• 2x Oudtshoorn

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 2x lunch, 7x dinner
• 1x rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• Game drives Sanbona Game Reserve
• Game drive and hike Wildehondekloof Nature Reserve
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 40 KM):

SOMERSET WEST

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station. Somerset West near Cape Town is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa. The pleasant village not far from the sea in the heart of the wine and golf region is ideal for an eventful and unforgettable vacation. There is something for everyone here: golfers, wine lovers, gourmets and, of course, anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery and diverse culture. Due to its central location, Somerset West is a perfect starting point for day trips to Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Hermanus for whale watching.

The beautiful Lalapanzi Lodge, which is also home to the boutique winery Skaap Wines, is located on the slopes of the Schapenberg Mountains, surrounded by vines and typical fynbos vegetation and with a unique view of False Bay. Within a few minutes' drive you can reach other first-class wineries and restaurants. The 260ha property has its own hiking trails and a lake for swimming and kayaking. The lodge offers a pool, a lounge with bar, a spa for a fee and free Wi-Fi. The five rooms in the main building have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a TV and a veranda or balcony with a view. The room categories differ mainly in size.

LALAPANZI LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: SOMERSET WEST

FULL DAY PRIVATE STELLENBOSCH WINE TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 185 € PER PERSON

You will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning by your private English-speaking wine expert. You will set off on a day trip to the beautiful wine regions of Stellenbosch. You will stop at various wine estates to get to know the outstanding fine wines of the region. The variety of grapes grown includes everything that is famous in the wine world, for example Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

You will visit three wineries and take part in wine tastings to get a good overview of the variety of local wines. There will also be a nice lunch stop at one of the wineries. If time permits, you can also make a flying visit to the historic old town of Stellenbosch. You will be dropped off at your accommodation again in the afternoon.

The costs for wine tastings are already included in the price. The costs for lunch and other drinks are not included in the price. Please note that not all wineries may be open on weekdays or at certain times of the year.

This is a privately guided day tour and the program can be adapted to your individual wishes in advance. Certain special requests may lead to price surcharges.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 3 TO DAY 4 (APPROX. 130 KM):

WORCESTER

Worcester was founded in 1822 and is today the supply center of the surrounding wine and fruit-growing areas in the picturesque valley of the Breede River and Hex River. The old town center "Ou Dorp" offers a variety of buildings in Cape Dutch, Victorian and Gregorian architectural styles. Also worth a visit is the KWV Brandy Cellar, where you can learn all about the art of brandy distillation. In the Kleinplasie open-air museum, you can learn all about the life of the first settlers in the valley. Eleven local producers have joined forces to present their fine wines on the Worcester Wine & Olive Route. Another attraction is the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, around one kilometer north of the city. In the 144-hectare semi-desert park, you can get to know almost the entire range of Karoo plants.

At the foot of the Rabie Mountains in the picturesque Nuy Valley, around 20 minutes' drive outside Worcester, Leipzig Country House is located on a working wine farm. Wine has been grown here since the late 19th century. Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently cultivated. Private wine tastings and cellar tours as well as sundowner drives on the farm and in the Nuy Valley can be arranged. The accommodation offers a garden with pool, hiking and mountain biking trails, a TV lounge, a farm store, a bar and free Wi-Fi. The 19 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV and a tea/coffee maker. The individual room categories differ mainly in size.

LEIPZIG COUNTRY HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 4 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 60 KM):

ROBERTSON

Robertson is an up-and-coming wine-growing region in South Africa with many interesting wineries and restaurants. Klipdrift is home to one of South Africa's most important brandy distilleries. In addition to wine growing, fruit and olive plantations as well as dairy and cheese farms play an important role. Strolling through the town's avenues, you can admire the many Victorian houses with their beautiful front gardens, especially in October and November when the numerous jacaranda trees are in glorious purple bloom. The small Drosdy Museum is well worth a visit, and the Dutch Reformed Church in the center is a real eye-catcher. The location on the mighty Breede River at the foot of the imposing Langeberg Mountains is unique. Boat trips are offered on the Viljoensdrift vineyard. Hiking enthusiasts will get their money's worth at the Van Loveren vineyard.

The Fraai Uitzicht 1798 winery is remarkable in three respects. Owner Sandra Papesch's restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the wider area. The fantastic four-star guest house is located in a paradisiacal setting in the vineyards. Cellar master Karl-Uwe Papesch has been conjuring up remarkable wines for 15 years. The nine suites and cottages are spread across the spacious grounds and all offer a bathroom/WC, air conditioning (not in the Vintage Cottages), a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a private entrance with terrace and seating. The Superior Garden Suites can accommodate two people. The Vintage Cottages are located in the historic wine cellar building and can accommodate four people. The Luxury Cottages are very spacious and also offer a lounge area with fireplace and an oversized bathroom. The guest house is set in a large garden overlooking the vineyards and has a pool, an outdoor terrace, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi.

FRAAI UITZICHT (SUPERIOR GARDEN SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5: ROBERTSON

WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE IN THE ROBERSON VALLEY

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

At 11 am you will be picked up at your accommodation by your local wine expert. The drive takes you to the scenic Robertson Wine Valley, which is responsible for around 20% of South Africa's total wine production. Depending on the day of the week, time and interest, three to four local wineries will be visited. There you will learn about the different wines of the region under expert guidance. At one winery you can take part in a private cellar tour (Mondays to Fridays only). You can also fill your own bottle of wine. You have the opportunity to have lunch at one of the wineries (optional). You will return to your accommodation between 4 pm and 5 pm.

This is a privately guided tour in English. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. The wine tasting, the cellar tour (Mondays to Fridays only) and one self-bottled bottle of wine per couple are already included in the price. Lunch and drinks are paid for on the spot.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 80 KM):

MONTAGU SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

The 54 000 hectare Sanbona Game Reserve is situated in the heart of the Little Karoo at the foot of the Warmwaterberg between Montagu and Barrydale off the famous Route 62. Sanbona offers you relaxation, luxury and safari in the realm of the Bushmen of South Africa. The name is made up of the word "San", as the Bushmen are called, and the word "bona" as a sign of the indigenous people's hope for this land, where they lived freely for thousands of years. This is because former farmland was converted into a reserve here in the 1990s and returned to nature. Now, for the first time in 200 years, lions and cheetahs can be seen living freely in the Klein Karoo in the game reserve. But with a bit of luck, you can also spot the other representatives of the Big Five and many other African wild animals here.

The luxurious White Lion Lodge is located in the southern part of the Sandona Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the beautiful landscape. The four detached chalets each offer a spacious bedroom with a magnificent view, a spacious bathroom with shower and bathtub, minibar, tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, fireplace, underfloor heating and a private terrace. The lodge has a dining area, an outdoor veranda and a pool.

For each overnight stay, you will take part in two guided drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. In the afternoon it is a nature tour and in the morning a game drive. The entrance fees (conservation fees) to the reserve are payable locally.

WHITE LION LODGE (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 8 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 40 KM):

BARRYDALE

The attractions of the small town at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains are the many colorful, sometimes quaint restaurants directly on the main road R62, which prepare dishes from fresh farm produce, as well as farm stores and some souvenir stores. Barrydale's biggest attraction, however, is located about 25km east on Route 62: Ronnie's Sex Shop. Founded as "Ronnie's Shop", the farm store is now probably the most famous pub in the country after pranksters added the word "Sex" in big red letters on the white wall of the building. Ronnie's serves chilled beer and tasty snacks, and apart from a few pin-up posters and bras hanging from the ceiling, the pub is a no-nonsense place. Also east of Barrydale, the road branches off to the Warmwaterberg mineral springs, which feed two chlorinated thermal pools and invite you to take a dip. The Waterfall Hiking Trail leads to a waterfall and rock pool, with unique views along the way. There are also some interesting wineries and a craft beer brewery to discover.

The Karoo Art Hotel not only acts as a gallery for a diverse group of local and regional artists. It is also a tribute to all the many other arts associated with a classic country hotel: the art of baking, the art of cooking, the art of the bar, the art of coffee, the art of elegant simplicity. Guests can even enjoy movie screenings. The 15 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a fan, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The hotel offers a garden with pool, a bar, a restaurant and a lounge.

KAROO ART HOTEL (PREMIUM SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 130 KM):

CALITZDORP

Calitzdorp was founded in 1821. In the town center around Queens Street, you can discover houses from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, including a small museum and an art gallery. Small cafés and restaurants invite you to linger. There are extensive orchards and vineyards in the surrounding area. Calitzdorp is the port capital of South Africa, where the best port wine in the country is produced. We recommend a visit to the De Krans, Boplaas and Peter Bayly wine estates. Above the town is the Hennie Cloete Nature Garden, which is ideal for one-hour hikes and offers great views. The Calitzdorp Hot Springs are about 25km to the east and also have an area for day visitors. About 35km to the southeast is the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve with various hiking trails through the local flora and fauna.

Calitzdorp Country House is situated on the northern outskirts of Calitzdorp surrounded by vineyards with breathtaking views of the mighty Swartberg Mountains. Hiking trails, mountain bike trails and horseback riding opportunities are close by. The five individually furnished rooms have a shower/WC with separate spa bath, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a safe, TV, veranda and free WLAN. The individual room categories differ mainly in size. The accommodation offers a garden with pool, a restaurant and a lounge area.

CALITZDORP COUNTRY HOUSE (GARDEN SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 50 KM):

SWARTBERG

The mighty Swartberge form the border between the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo and are a scenic highlight. The highest mountain is the Seweweekspoortpiek at 2325 meters. There are spectacular pass roads such as the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert and the Seweweekspoort Pass to Laingsburg. Various nature reserves invite you to go hiking. In the private Swartberg Game Reserve, giraffes, zebras and various species of antelope can be spotted on guided game drives. The highlights of Oudtshoorn are only about an hour's drive away.

Your destination is the 4000ha private Wildehondekloof Nature Reserve, which is situated about 40km outside of Oudtshoorn at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountains. The Cango Caves, various ostrich farms, wine estates and the Swartberg Pass can be easily reached in a day trip. The scenically unique reserve is home to mountain zebras, giraffes, various antelope species and impressive birdlife. The accommodation consists of nine spacious rooms, all of which have their own bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a tea/coffee maker and a private terrace with seating and a view. The Presidential Suite also has a lounge area with a fireplace. The accommodation has a fireplace lounge, a dining room, a sun deck with pool and a boma (traditional campfire dining area).

During your stay, you will take part in a guided game drive in an open off-road vehicle and a guided hike (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons).

WILDEHONDEKLOOF TWO NIGHTS PACKAGE (DELUXE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 50 KM):

OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn is the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert and the largest town along Route 62. A stop at one of the local ostrich farms is a must, where you will learn a lot about the largest and flightless birds in the world. The Cango Caves, a huge stalactite cave landscape that is one of the most impressive in the world, are definitely worth a visit. Adventure-seekers with the right vehicle can take a drive over the famous Swartberg Pass, but guided tours are also available. An insider tip is the Rust en Vrede waterfall, located east of the Cango Caves. Clear nights with little light pollution make for an impressive starry sky, and professional stargazers offer appropriate observation activities. The cute meerkats can be spotted early in the morning on several farms. Some interesting wineries, such as the Karusa Estate, offer wine tastings.

Located at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountains in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley, halfway between Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves, Berluda Farmhouse is part of a working ostrich farm. On site, you can take part in a private farm tour or an early morning tour to see the meerkats for an extra charge. For overnight guests, there are two pools, a garden, a guest lounge, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. The 28 rooms and cottages all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar, a TV and a veranda. The Luxury Farmhouse Rooms are located in the main building. The Luxury Mountain Manor Rooms are located about 300 meters away in separate parts of the building. The Family Cottages and Luxury Cottages are detached units, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a lounge area and a barbecue on the veranda. The Luxury Honeymoon Suites are also located in detached units and offer a luxurious bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a whirlpool bath.

BERLUDA FARMHOUSE (LUXURY MOUNTAIN MANOR ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 13: OUDTSHOORN

SWARTBERG TOUR & LUNCH

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

Experience the beauty of the Swartberg Mountain Range with 360° views over the Little and Great Karoo. This is the ideal activity for all nature lovers, where you will learn a lot about the special flora and fauna of the region. As you drive up the spectacular Swartberg Pass, you will stop to take photos and enjoy the scenery. You have the opportunity to go on a 30-minute hike or mountain bike ride (bike and equipment optional at an extra charge). Afterwards, a typical Karoo lunch awaits you with lamb, ostrich, boerewors (South African sausage), various salads and vegetables as well as traditional roosterkoek (bread baked on coal).

The tour language is English. Additional people can take part in this tour. The approximately three-hour tour starts at 10:30 (own arrival at the starting point on the R328) and ends there again at around 13:30. A buffet lunch is included in the price, drinks are paid for on site. Please wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing and remember to wear appropriate sun protection.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 13: OUDTSHOORN

STARGAZING WITH PICK-UP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

Clear nights in the dry Klein Karoo semi-desert provide an impressive starry sky with little light pollution, and professional stargazers with the appropriate equipment offer evening observation activities. Learn interesting facts from a local expert about the southern hemisphere's starry skies on a cloudless night.

This activity is in English and can be done with other people. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. Please pay attention to the pick-up time stated in your tour book.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14: OUDTSHOORN

OSTRICH & MEERKAT TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

You go in search of the meerkats of the Little Karoo. Together with an experienced tour guide, you make your way to the meerkats' dens at sunrise and observe the cute predators as they start the day. The excursion starts early in the morning before breakfast and lasts around two to three hours. The tour is conducted in English and additional people can join in.

After breakfast, you will take part in a guided tour of the ostriches on Berluda Farm. Here you will learn a lot about the largest flightless birds in the world and about farm life in the Klein Karoo in general. The tour takes about one to two hours. The tour language is English, additional people can take part.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14 (APPROX. 90 KM): GEORGE

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

Please return your rental car to George Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: Petrol, toll, deposit, one-way fee South Africa 1947 ZAR.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

One liter of fuel (gasoline or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Budget about 72 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. Budget about 1 EUR for tolls on this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.