 THE PENINSULA ROUTE
Sir Francis Drake called it 'the fairest Cape in the
circumference of the earth'.
Cape Town has a rich multi-cultural history because of
its position as a stopping point for ships plying their
trade between the East and the West. Today it is a meeting
place for Africa and the rest of the world, which gives
it a particular vibrancy. From the bustling Cape Town
Waterfront to the top of Table Mountain; from the spectacular
Cape Point where two oceans meet to the world famous
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; from safe sandy beaches,
whales, dolphins and penguins to historical wine estates
- all these and more can fill the days of the present
day explorer.
THE WINELANDS ROUTE
Stellenbosch, established in 1679, is a pretty and historically
well preserved university town at the centre of the Cape
premier wine route. Within easy distance, over spectacular
passes lie the towns of Franschhoek, with its French
Huguenot heritage and Paarl, named for the giant granite
rock looming over it which glistens in the sun like a
pearl when wet. The Afrikaans Language Monument, commemorating
the birth of the movement establishing the Afrikaans
language, is on the slopes of the mountain.
'ROUTE 62'
The scenic 'Route 62' passes through the Breede River
Valley and the Klein Karoo.
You may join the route 60 at Worcester and travel to
Montagu where it officially becomes the "Route 62"..
This section of the historic former main road between
Cape Town and Port Elizabeth via Tulbach runs through
valleys and over passes in the coastal mountain ranges.
When the N2 highway was built in 1958 little further
development occurred and the villages along the old road
have remained almost unchanged for more than forty years.
There are wine estates to visit throughout its length.
Leave plenty of time to stay over and wallow in the hot
springs and enjoy the Wine Route near Montagu and visit
the Cango Caves outside the ostrich centre of Oudtshoorn.
THE GARDEN ROUTE
This scenic "Garden" route from George or Oudtshoorn
through Knysna is probably the best known route because
of its lush vegetation, birdlife, lakes and lagoons,
coastline and many leisure activities.
The towns of Knysna and Sedgefield are ideal places to
stay a while, and Capetonians and foreign visitors often
make an annual pilgrimage to these beauty spots.
THE KAROO ROUTE
To reach the semi desert of the Great Karoo you may take
the R328 over the Swartberg Pass, a National Monument
built by Italian prisoners of war.
At the foot of the pass is the quaint and picturesque
town of Prince Albert with its 19th century architecture
and water furrows, (not to be confused with Prince Albert
Road). The alternative route is the N12 through the dramatic
and breathtaking Meiringspoort. In ancient times the
Karoo was a swamp, and you will see evidence of this
on the Fossil Trail in the Karoo National Park The town
of Beaufort West, centre of the Great Karoo and birthplace
of heart transplant pioneer, Chris Barnard is a place
to base yourself.
PORT ELIZABETH
This city is a fitting end (or beginning) to your chosen
route. It has an equitable climate, warm water, golden
beaches and is an easy distance from malaria free game
viewing, which includes the Big Five. The Oceanarium,
where dolphins are bred, is a popular tourist attraction.
Article © 2002-2006, Cape
Wine Gallery
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