A self-drive itinerary of our insider scoop of places to stop along the way
Your journey to and from The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay
SWELLENDAM
Food and wine lovers – The Old Gaol Restaurant
The Old Gaol Restaurant: enjoy traditional favourites such as roosterkoek and melktert, at this eatery situated opposite the Dutch Reformed Church on the edge of the Old Quarter.
028 514 3847 | 8 Voortrek Street Swellendam | Google Maps Location
Where the locals go – Oppi Stoep
Oppi-Stoep: Relax under the gazebo and watch the locals go by. Expect good coffee, and good South African food, such as bobotie. You’ll be charmed by the whimsical décor.
0285143745 | Corner 2 Berg & Swellengrebel Streets, Swellendam | Google Maps Location
Hidden gems – Sulina’s Faerie Sanctuary
Sulina’s Faerie Sanctuary: be enchanted by the labyrinthine garden; it’s shady and green and everywhere here you’ll find some kind of fairy folk playing out a role. It’s magical for both kids and grown-ups alike.
028 514 1786 | 37 Buitenkant Street, Swellendam | Google Maps Location
Honeymooners – Field & Fork
Field & Fork: Combining modern fare with panache and believing in the culinary vision of bringing locally sourced quality produce from the field to your table, adds to the culinary experience. Field & Fork is located in Swellendam’s heritage area and forms part of the Drostdy Museum. This building is one of the oldest in South Africa. If you like quality wine, you will not be disappointed.
028 514 3430 | 26 Sellengrebel Street, Swellendam | Google Maps Location
BARRYDALE
Food and wine lovers – R62 Deli
R62 Deli: run by a local winery, Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar, this deli offers ‘Klein Karoo Tapas’ and all manner of delicious things. To be enjoyed of course with the some of their wine.
071 656 1230 | Route 62 | Google Maps Location
Where the locals go – Ronnies Famous “Sex” Shop & Roadkill Café
Ronnies Famous “Sex” Shop & Roadkill Café: Ronnie painted the name Ronnie’s Shop on this cottage next to the R62, planning to open a farm stall to sell fresh produce and fruit. His friends played a prank on him by changing the name to Ronnie’s Sex Shop. Ronnie’s Sex Shop has had visitors from all over the world, judging by the graffiti, it has also become a regular pitstop for bikers, the local farmers and people travelling this road regularly.
028 572 1153 | R62 | Google Maps Location
Hidden gems – Barrydale Handweavers
Barrydale Handweavers: shopping and cultural appreciation in one stop, Barrydale Handweavers is open to the public, where you can go watch the weavers create natural cotton homeware on traditional hand looms.
028 572 1488 | Tennant Road, Barrydale | Google Maps Location
Honeymooners – The Gallery Restaurant
The Gallery Restaurant at the Barrydale Art Hotel: The emphasis is very much on South African traditional food, particularly on Karoo dishes such as Traditional Karoo Lamb Bredie, Klein Karoo Ostrich products, the best Karoo lamb chops, all designed to intrigue and please your taste buds.The Gallery Restaurant is a member of the international gastronomic guild Chaîne des Rộtisseurs and a winner of the Klein Karoo Gourmand Restaurant Award, and has a very good Klein Karoo wine list.
028 572 1226 | 30 Van Riebeeck Street, Barrydale | Google Maps Location
Oudtshoorn
Food and wine lovers – Karusa Vineyards & Craft Brewery
Karusa Vineyards & Craft Brewery: An ice cold beer or a glass of red? Luckily you don’t have to comprise with a visit to this tasting room and a microbrewery, set amid tranquil scenery.
044 272 8717 | Cango Valley, Schoemanshoek | Google Maps Location
Where the locals go – Café Brulé
Café Brulé: pop in for a cup of coffee and some homemade goodness. This coffee shop and deli forms part of the Queens Hotel and offers freshly baked breads and light meals are offered for lunch and breakfast.
044 272 2101 | 5 Baron Van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn | Google Maps Location
Hidden gems – Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall
Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall: enjoy a short meander to the fresh and sparkling waterfall by taking a path through fynbos into the Swartberg Mountains.
R328, 8km outside Oudtshoorn en route to Cango Caves | Google Maps Location
Honeymooners – Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Restaurant
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Restaurant: Specializing in authentic Karoo cuisine, the Buffelsdrift Restaurant offers guests a delicious a la carte menu of homemade foods and local fresh produce. As accompaniment, our wine selection consists of some of the best award-winning wines on Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route.
044 272 0000 | Cango Caves Rd, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn | Google Maps Location
Knysna
Food and wine lovers – Ile de Pain
Ile de Pain: without a doubt the best bakery in South Africa, Ile de Pain is a foodie’s paradise. Offering all kinds of bakes, delicious dishes, and yes, excellent wine and beer too.
044 302 5705 | 10, The Boat Shed, Long St, Thesen Island, Knysna | Google Maps Location
Where the locals go – East Head Café
East Head Café: watch the ferries go by at this local landmark on the cliffs above the water. Pop in for a coffee—and they make some of the country’s best fish and chips too.
044 384 0933 | 25 George Rex Dr, The Heads, Knysna | Google Maps Location
Hidden gems – Renwick Handmade Tiles and Knysna Pottery House
Renwick Handmade Tiles and Knysna Pottery House: tucked in a forest garden next to the owners’ house, you will find the pottery studio and shop. Marvel at the colouful and artful handmade tiles, mosaics, platters, bowls, bisqueware and more.
044 382 0259 | 3 Bokmakierie St, Old Place, Knysna | Google Maps Location
Honeymooners – The John Benn
The John Benn: all aboard the love boat, this double-decker floating restaurant offers daily lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads.
044 382 1693 | 21 Waterfront Drive, Knysna | Google Maps Location
