The Ultimate Route 62 Road Trip Guide: Where to Pause, Unwind, and Stay in Montagu

The Ultimate Route 62 Road Trip Guide: Where to Pause, Unwind, and Stay in Montagu

There is something timeless about trading the highway for the winding, unhurried curves of Route 62. Widely celebrated as one of the world’s most scenic inland drives, it offers a transition from city bustle to mountain stillness that you simply can't experience on the N1.

Whether you’re escaping Cape Town for a long weekend or meandering your way toward the Garden Route, a road trip down this historic highway is as much about the pauses as it is about the destination.

Slow Down: The Magic is in the Detours

The beauty of Route 62 lies in its defiance of urgency. To truly experience it, you have to let go of strict timetables.

The Farm Stall Rituals: Stop off at quirky country roadside stalls for freshly baked roosterkoek, local preserves, and homemade ginger beer.

The Valley Vistas: As you pass through the Tradouw Pass or watch the raw landscape of the Klein Karoo unfold, the changing light against the sandstone mountains is worth pulling over for with a camera (or just a deep breath).

Vineyards Off the Beaten Track: Discover boutique, family-run wine estates where the winemakers themselves pour the tastings, sharing stories of the valley over a glass of bold Chenin Blanc or local Port.

Why Montagu Deserves More Than Just a Drive-By

Many travellers make the mistake of treating Montagu as a quick fuel stop or a brief afternoon leg-stretch. But once you pull into the village—framed by towering cliffs and historic Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture—you realize it’s a place designed for lingering.

From peaceful morning hikes up Cogmanskloof to lazy afternoon strolls past heritage rose gardens, Montagu invites you to unpack and stay a while.

Where to Anchor Your Journey

If you’re looking for a place to stay that matches the quiet, design-forward aesthetic of the valley, settling into a self-catering sanctuary right in the heart of Montagu lets you do just that. Instead of packing and unpacking every night, having a private, beautifully curated base allows you to wake up slowly, brew a coffee on your terrace, and experience the village like a local.