I am such a firm believer of using the beautiful places our country has to offer for short getaways and escapes. When all you have to do is throw a change of clothes and a toothbrush into the trunk of your car, without having to worry about visas for your green mamba or decanting your Moroccan Oil shampoo into 100ml containers, it should be a no-brainer.
One of my favourite trips to do is through the Klein Karoo and along Route 62. It’s still wine country (yippee), and it’s some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. The colours literally change from season to season, and the views vary between lush green fields and harsh rocky cliffs.
Route 62 is dotted with lovely little towns to explore – Montagu, Ashton, Caltzdorp and Oudtshoorn should be right up there on your to-visit list. They’re all a short drive from each other and are filled with lovely restaurants and treasure trove shops. You definitely want to spend a few days out there in the Karoo, inhaling fresh air and bottles of red or white (you can pick your wine of choice).
And, because you’re a responsible person/you want to treat your incredibly loved other half to something special, you’re going to spend the night somewhere. I suggest you choose Excelsior Wine Estate. The estate has been around for over 150 years, and produces exquisite vino. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you sleep alongside the vines. The estate boasts the Manor Guesthouse, where all the rooms are named after the estates horses of the past. You’re going to be resting your weary head in luxury accomodation. If it’s summer and hot (as the Karoo can get), you can spend time cooling off and relaxing around the bright blue swimming pool.
To be honest, you could visit Excelsior and not even leave. It’s a working wine farm, so you can spend time tasting, drinking and learning. Oh, and probably the best thing is that you can blend, bottle and label your ‘Own Creation’ in Excelsior’s tasting room. After that, you can literally roll yourself to dinner back at the Manor Guesthouse.
Pack away your passport, book some leave, and hit the road, Jack.
