Most people travelling between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town either barrel down the Garden Route’s N2 in eight hours or explore the area over a period of several days. Sadly very few people travel through the Langkloof along this beautiful section of Route 62, better known for the part running through the Klein Karoo. The Langkloof isn’t a popular tourist destination, not because of a lack of beauty but rather because of its direct competition on the other side of the mountains. This means that the tourism infrastructure isn’t that well developed, but what is there is well worth a visit. Farm accommodation on working farms, mountain trails, adventure outings and most importantly, good old farming hospitality.
The biggest town in the Langkloof is Joubertina. The town was founded in 1907 and named after W A Joubert who was minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Uniondale between 1878 and 1893. At one stage the twon was a dry town meaning no alcohol was alloed to be sold in the town. This meant that the hotel with its pub and off sales was built outside the town boundaries. My grandparents lived in Joubertina for most of their lives and my mom grew up and went to school there. We still have family on my mom’s side who live in the Langkloof who we don’t get to visit nearly enough.
On the road through the town visitors will find The Ark. Its a place to stretch your legs, fill your tummy, get something cold to drink and get some information and direction to your next destination.
Travelling through the Langkloof back from Oudtshoorn early January, we stopped at The Ark for lunch. I had a Langkloof Burger with beef patty, bacon, egg, cheese, onions and… wait for it… home made hand cut chips. Probably the best burger I had during the whole 16 day holiday. So next time you have to travel between the Western and Eastern Cape, why not change your regular route and take in some sights in the Langkloof?
I'll have to visit that part of R62 next visit. I see some more mountain passes to drive. 🙂