The wonders of South Africa
Photo from Flickr by Mogwaai
Since the era of apartheid crumbled in the early nineties, South Africa has become well-known for its exquisite natural beauty and numerous tourist hotspots. One of these gems is the Cape Route 62 which meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Langkloof and Port Elizabeth providing a far more scenic alternative to the N2 national road which starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and ends in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
This diverse area with its sweeping landscapes, scenic passes, pristine streams and magnificent flora and fauna continues to gain popularity amongst overseas visitors who are looking at stepping away from the busy city life and bustling tourist attractions.
Also known as the wine route this beautiful passage, which is debatably the longest in the world, boasts a plethora of premier wine estates (over fifty) such as Excelsior, Bon Courage, Esona, Springfield Estate and Graham Beck Wines and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality and price. With free wine tastings and olde world hospitality combined with cutting-edge wine producing methods, this is one region you don’t want to miss.
Also on offer is numerous five star game reserves, cultural tours, tribal art, hiking trails, mountain climbing, horse riding, canoeing, 4×4 routes, fishing, caving and even ostrich riding. This fruit and vegetable growing region also allows you to sample the best of the best.
What is said to make Cape Route 62 particularly special is the tranquillity it offers its visitors. No matter what your taste or budget, there is accommodation to suite every pocket and preference. From hotels to bed-and-breakfasts, to self-catering accommodation to bush camps, you are certain of a great stay. Many of the establishments offer all your creature comforts such as satellite television, top-notch dining, free wireless internet connection and some, such as the Avalon Springs in Montague, even offer spa-type facilities along with natural hot springs.
If, however, you find being submerged in this rather soothing world a tad too much for your system and are starting to feel a little out of touch with the hustle and bustle of city life you can always try this casino away from home and reconnect with the outside world just long enough to remind you that relaxing isn’t only about long walks and reclining next to the pool.
Cape Route 62 is one of those regions you can visit throughout the year. Summers (November to February) are hot and dry, whilst autumn (March to May) and spring (September to October) bring milder weather. On the other hand, winters (June to August) can be cold and wet, but it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a holiday and what suits your timetable. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
