From an eclectic pub with a long history to a vintage store that was once a restaurant, in Swellendam, if you’re on your way to Barrydale, Route 62 offers some iconic and exciting experiences, most of which come before you reach the town.

A lesson about Route 62

Route 62 is a tourist route that runs 850km from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Towns like Montagu, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Calitzdorp and Barrydale are among those passed along the way. Tourists can indulge in various activities and experiences while on the route.

Some intriguing stops are found on Route 62 heading to Barrydale. In fact, a few of them come before you get to the town. Here are just a few of those activities, roadhouses and shops.

Vintage, rustic and pre-loved, all in a shed on Route 62

To survive the COVID lockdown restrictions this restaurant evolved into a vintage and pre-loved goods selling store. It has since become a Route 62 stop that has piqued the interests of many travelers. From a gift store to vintage clothing, appliances and hotel furniture, you could find a souvenir or your new lounge suite at The Donkey Shed.

WATCH: What to expect on a hidden 4×4 gem in the Langeberg

Steep rocky terrain and testing obstacles. This 4×4 trail is tucked between Marloth and Zuurberg Nature Reserves, in the Langeberg mountains and offers roughly five hours of offroad driving. 4x4s and scramblers are welcome PLUS, you can watch a video of the action at the Klipbok 4×4 trail.

Beer, burgers, and memories at an iconic roadhouse

A crowdfunding effort kept this iconic Route 62 dive going during the COVID-19 restrictions. Now people can still write on its walls, leave (under) clothing as a souvenir, and have a burger with a beer before moving on down the road. Make memories and say you were at Ronnie’s Sex Shop.

Dinner, drinks and dips Vs hiking, riding and exploring 

 
There’s a pub, restaurant, eight accommodation options and a splash pool on its premises. Outside the premises, there are hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities to explore. Which do you choose? Well, that’s a conundrum you’ll have to solve when staying at the Barrydale Karoo Lodge.

The best of local and international coffee, straight out of Barrydale

With a popular Espresso Blend and Mocha Java-style bean, this Barrydale coffee company is an integral part of the Karoo coffee culture. Sourcing beans from as far afield as South America and upper Africa, everything is arabica and always freshly roasted to order. You can also learn how to roast your own beans when you visit Mojoe Coffee Roasters.

Cut off, unwind and hike an exclusive trail

No hustle, no bustle and no TV, that’s not a bad way to get away and unwind. The accommodation sleeps up to 10 people and just around the corner is a 64km exclusive hiking trail. There are also dams and rock pools, rough terrain to explore by bike and 4×4, plus stargazing on clear nights at Kleindoorn Guest House.

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Rock stars, shooters and burgers under R100, this is the life at Grunter’s Restaurant and Pub.

From 42km to 320km, pick your poison and ride one of the distances at the Around the Pot gravel race.

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We aim to showcase the amazing accommodation, restaurants and events in Swellendam and surrounding areas. If you think we’ve missed something, or want your own establishment featured, drop us a line on our Facebook Page.