Route 62 is one of those classic South African road trips you just have to do. For our January issue, I assembled a gang and headed out along this iconic route on two Royal Enfield Classic 500s. They turned out to be the perfect companions on the route, as well as some other stops in South Africa’s beautiful Karoo.
Read the full story in the January issue of Getaway and check out some of the photos below.
(We’re also giving away two places on this epic trip, worth R48000! Find out the details, and how to enter, on our competition page.)
Cruising along Route 62 after breakfast.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Taking a break on Swartberg Pass; hammering along Franschhoek Pass; Al trying to hail sheep just outside Ladismith; sheep answers back.
Having a little fun outside the Karoo Moon Motel in Barrydale.
Standard Friday night entertainment at the Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale.
Riding these vintage machines over the Swartberg pass was a highlight – we wished we had more time.
Safety first on a quick photoshoot just outside Barrydale.
LEFT This old cabinet occupies a corner of the kitchen of The Cottage at Dennehof Karoo Guest House. RIGHT More trinkets (from Benoni, of all places!) at Country Store and Stay in Prince Albert.
You’ll find these old pumps and rusted signs in Barrydale.
Somewhere between Montagu and Barrydale, a lonely Karoo wind dreamed of a job as a hairstylist.
LEFT The Royal Enfield Classic 500 – newly built, retro to the bone. RIGHT Al disappears beneath a bridge in Matjiesfontein.
Inside the panty and t-shirt adorned bar at Ronnies Sex Shop on Route 62.
LEFT Quick ride-by outside Ronnies Sex Shop. RIGHT Top of Swartberg Pass, looking towards Prince Albert.
More trinkets at Die Handelshuis in Calitzdorp.
Parked beside the Nelsrivier Dam, Calitzdorp.
Skelmdraai Bend, Swartberg Pass.
LEFT Cruising beneath the railway line in Matjiesfontein. RIGHT Last light over Swartberg Pass.
We took a break at Skelmdraai Bend on Swartberg Pass to take in the view back towards Calitzdorp below.
LEFT You’re never far from an antique in the Karoo, this one held the room together at Die Handelshuis in Calitzdorp. RIGHT The breakfast atrium at Dennehof Karoo Guest House in Prince Albert.
The gang at the top of Swartberg Pass.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Alasdair; Kati; Tyson; and our jackets.
One way to keep the feet dry, over a flooded bridge at the bottom of the Swartberg Pass.
LEFT Huisrivier Pass bends beautifully around Paardenberg. RIGHT The road out of Calitzdorp with the Swartberg Mountains looming in the background.
Enough to keep the eye and belly busy at Country Store and Stay in Prince Albert.
Walking along the railway line in Matjiesfontein at sunrise.
Next to the Old Post Office in Matjiesfontein is this gem of a building.
LEFT The Union Jack flies above the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein. RIGHT We stayed at the Matjies Motel, part of the same hotel, but a great affordable alternative.
LEFT The Royal Enfield Classic 500 beside Drifters Adventure Tours support truck. RIGHT We couldn’t get enough of this corner, twisting up the Swartberg pass.
Read more from this story in the January 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.
Our January issue features a bucket list of 45 experiences to have at least once in South Africa, a new way to experience the Wild Coast, and a beautiful beach holiday in Sri Lanka.
