Route 62 & Little Karoo
Drive along Route 62 through wine valleys and semi-arid plateaus to Oudtshoorn, then cross the mountains to George.
An inland alternative to the classic coastal route. Day one covers wine valleys and hot springs; day two takes you through Barrydale and Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn; day three features a loop around the Swartberg Pass. On day four, drive down to George to conclude the trip, where you can connect to the Garden Route or fly back. Ideal for those who have already visited Cape Town and want to explore small towns and mountain passes.
The inland region is extremely hot in summer, and high mountain passes may occasionally see snow in winter. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Day by day
Day 1 · Robertson Wine Valley to Montagu
Montagu & Route 62（Robertson Wine Valley、Breede River Cruise at Viljoensdrift、Cogmanskloof Pass、Avalon Springs）
Drive from Cape Town along the N1 through Du Toitskloof Pass to Robertson, then continue to Montagu (approx. 2.5 hours driving, or 5 hours including stops).
Stay: Montagu
Day 2 · Barrydale to Oudtshoorn
Montagu & Route 62（Barrydale、Ronnies Sex Shop） → George & Oudtshoorn（Calitzdorp）
Drive east along Route 62 for about 250 km, passing Barrydale, Ladismith, and Calitzdorp (approx. 3.5 hours driving time).
Services are sparse along the route; fill up your tank in major towns and carry plenty of drinking water.
Stay: Oudtshoorn
Day 3 · Cango Caves & Swartberg Pass Loop
George & Oudtshoorn（Cango Caves、Swartberg Pass、Meiringspoort）
Visit the caves in the morning. In the afternoon, drive over the pass to Prince Albert, and return via Meiringspoort. The loop takes about 3–4 hours.
Swartberg Pass is a gravel road; do not drive it after rain, and verify road conditions before setting off.
Stay: Oudtshoorn
Day 4 · Meerkat Sunrise & Down to George
George & Oudtshoorn（Meerkat Adventures、Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms、Outeniqua Pass）
Watch meerkats at sunrise, visit an ostrich farm in the morning, and drive over the Outeniqua Pass to George in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour).
Meerkat tours must be booked in advance and are weather-dependent. Confirm one-way rental details with your car rental company beforehand.