South Africa Route 62 Drive takes motorists through historic small towns, mountain passes, vineyards and the changing landscapes of the Western and Eastern Cape.

Following South Africa’s Route 62: Small-Town Stops and Mountain Scenery

A South Africa Route 62 Drive is an ideal excursion for motorists who prefer scenic roads and small-town stops over rushing along major highways. The tourist route stretches through parts of the Western and Eastern Cape, connecting areas around Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Langkloof and Gqeberha. It is known for mountain scenery, valleys, vineyards, orchards and historic towns.

Unlike a journey where the destination is the only attraction, Route 62 encourages drivers to slow down and explore what appears along the road.

Check the Car Before Setting Off

Before starting a South Africa Route 62 Drive, give the vehicle a proper inspection. Check the tyre pressure and tread, engine oil, coolant, lights, windscreen, and brakes.

This is especially important because the route includes mountainous sections and long stretches between towns. A healthy cooling system and reliable brakes can make the difference between a relaxed road trip and an unwanted roadside stop.

Keep a spare tyre in good condition and make sure the necessary tools are available before leaving.

Begin With the Mountain Scenery

One of the main attractions of South Africa Route 62 Drive is how dramatically the scenery changes. The route passes through valleys, farming areas and mountain landscapes, with the Langeberg range forming an important backdrop around the Robertson and Montagu sections.

The road also provides access to several scenic passes. Cogmanskloof Pass near Montagu is one of the notable mountain sections, while other passes connect Route 62 with surrounding areas.

Drivers should approach bends at a controlled speed and avoid treating the open road as an invitation to accelerate aggressively.

Keep Extra Attention on Mountain Sections

Mountain roads can involve sharp curves, changing gradients and limited visibility. Use appropriate gears on descents and avoid riding the brakes continuously.

If a slower vehicle is ahead, wait for a safe overtaking opportunity rather than passing near a blind bend. The scenery may encourage frequent stops, but only pull over where parking is safe and permitted.

Stop in the Small Towns

The small towns are a major part of the Route 62 experience. Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn are among the places associated with the route.

Montagu provides a particularly scenic stop between mountain ranges, while Barrydale offers access to the Klein Karoo landscape. Further east, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn provide different experiences as the scenery becomes increasingly dry and open.

Instead of planning every minute of the excursion, leave some time for roadside attractions, cafés, viewpoints and local businesses.

Watch the Landscape Change

A South Africa Route 62 Drive can take motorists from greener wine-growing valleys toward the semi-arid Klein Karoo. The Klein Karoo is enclosed by mountain ranges including the Langeberge, Outeniqua and Groot Swartberg, creating dramatic changes in scenery along the journey.

This changing environment also means drivers should remain aware of temperature and weather differences. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so carrying an extra layer and checking the forecast before departure is sensible.

Choose a Car for the Journey

You do not necessarily need a 4×4 for the main paved Route 62 journey. A well-maintained passenger car can be suitable for the scenic drive, provided its tyres, brakes, suspension and cooling system are in good condition.

An SUV or 4×4 becomes more useful if your itinerary includes rougher side roads, dedicated 4×4 routes or remote attractions away from the main paved route. Route 62 also offers activities such as hiking, mountain adventures and 4×4 routes, so vehicle choice can depend on how far you plan to venture from the main road.

For motorists comparing vehicles before a South African road trip,AfriCarGroup Auto24  can also be useful when exploring different vehicle options.

Make the Journey More Than a Drive

The biggest appeal of a South Africa Route 62 Drive is that the road itself becomes part of the excursion. Historic towns, vineyards, mountain passes, farms and Klein Karoo landscapes provide reasons to stop rather than simply count down the kilometres.

Plan shorter driving stages when possible and avoid trying to cover the entire tourist route in a single rushed journey. Giving yourself time to explore makes the small-town character of Route 62 much easier to appreciate.

Conclusion

A South Africa Route 62 Drive combines mountain scenery, winding roads, historic towns and wide-open countryside into one memorable self-drive excursion. From Robertson and Montagu to Barrydale, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, every section brings a different landscape and another reason to pull over.

With a properly maintained car, sensible mountain driving and enough time for stops, Route 62 can turn an ordinary road journey into a genuine South African road-trip experience.

Which Route 62 town or mountain section would you want to visit first? Share your planned stop or your own Route 62 driving experience in the comments.