Roadtrip! Three things you must do along Route 62

Things to do along Route 62. Photo: jen&co / flickr

What’s 850km-long and filled with hidden-treasure locales and spots? Route 62, that’s what! If you find yourself road-tripping along this beautiful stretch of road, here are three things you mustn’t miss.

Visit the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden in Worcester

Why you should visit: A one-of-a-kind garden in the Klein Karoo, the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden cultivates and displays a wide variety of arid and semi-arid plants. The garden is 154 hectares but only 11 of those are cultivated, with the remaining 143 hectares comprising of natural vegetation. There are number of hiking trails to take, or if you’re just there to take in some of the beauty, be sure to visit in the Spring for flower season.

How much does it cost: Entry to the garden is R40 per person and is open seven days a week from 7:00 to 18:00

How to get there: Find it on Roux Road, Panorama, (off National Rd), Worcester.

Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden. Photo: danlmarmot / flickr

**Check out Ronnie’s Sex Shop in Barrydale, Route 62**

Why you should visit: Not as lewd as the name suggests, Ronnie’s Sex Shop is a treasured pub and pit-stop along Route 62. The well-known story goes that Frank Ronald (Ronnie) Price bought a little farmer’s cottage in Barrydale, with the hopes to turn it into a fresh-produce stall.

He painted the name ‘Ronnie’s Shop’ on the side of the building, and one day, his friends played a prank and add the word ‘Sex’ to it, making it read ‘Ronnie’s Sex Shop’.

The name stuck and Ronnie’s Sex Shop became a popular stop for passing roadtrippers. Stop by for a drink or a bite to eat and don’t forget to get your picture taken with the sign!

How to get there: Ronnies Sex Shop is around 20km from Barrydale along Route 62 towards Ladismith.

A famous establishment along Route 62. Photo: jen&co / flickr

Tour Owl’s Rest Olive and Lavender Farm in Robertson

Why you should visit: Located between Robertson and Ashton, Owl’s Rest Olive and Lavender farm is a must stop along Route 62. Take a tour and learn about olive farming and how Lavender, Rosemary and Rose Geranium are steam distilled to extract pure essential oils. You’ll also get to taste the olive oil, olives and other yummy food products produced at the farm on the tour.

How much does it cost: A 45-minute tour is R75 per person, with a minimum of four people being required per tour. Book in advance here.

How to get there: Find the farm at Klaasvoogds West Road, Klaasvoogds, Robertson.

ALSO READ: Plentiful Paarl: Awesome things to do in the area

Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.