Montagu, a small, charming town in the Western Cape, is well-loved for a great many things… Dried fruit and nuts; hot water springs; Cape Dutch architecture; and of course, friendly locals.
Situated along the famous Route 62, this small town is surrounded by mountains, farmlands and natural Cape beauty. It is a breath of fresh air for travellers and offers great things for the whole family to enjoy together.
Here are the top ten activities to enjoy in Montagu:
#1 Hike up Bloupunt
Bloupunt is one of the most famous natural attractions in Montagu. Although the town is encircled by mountains (and thus lies in a bowl), Bloupunt looms proud and tall above the town like the Lonely Mountain.
Avid adventurers and hikers will be pleased to know that you can hike up this beautiful mountain. Bloupunt hiking trail covers some 15,6 km and can be completed in five to nine hours.
The trail offers plenty to see, with varying landscape, impressive views, ravines, mountain streams and gorgeous cliff faces. There are even three small waterfalls, if you don’t mind deviating a little from your route on the journey down to discover them.
From the summit of Bloupunt, approximately 1266 m high, you can see in all directions. Montagu stretches out below you, but you can also spot neighbouring towns Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson.
Note: A permit is required for this hike.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 2471 (Montagu-Ashton Tourism Office)
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info
Address: Bloupunt Hiking Trail, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Stroll through Lover’s Walk
Lover’s Walk is a popular local attraction in Montagu. Otherwise sometimes referred to as Mayor’s Walk, this short, yet scenic 500 metre walk takes you along the banks of the famous Keisie River and below Kanonkop, another local highlight.
It runs through to Joubertspark (starting at the upper end of the town’s Barry Street) and is a lovely extension of the Badskloof trail.
To enjoy this charming stroll, no permit or fee is required and it makes for an enchanting outing. It is definitely a good one for the whole family.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 2471 (Montagu-Ashton Tourism Office)
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info
Address: Lover’s Walk, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Visit the Montagu Museum
The Montagu Museum – otherwise known as the Old Mission Church – is well worth a visit if you would like to take a step back in time and discover more about the town’s fascinating, colourful history.
Comprising of the Old Mission Church, as well as Joubert House and the KWV Building Complex, the Montagu Museum forms a key part of the town, especially the well-known Long Street.
Museum highlights include a collection of pulpit Bibles, beautifully preserved, old wedding dresses, the original pulpit cloth and other historical artefacts for one to marvel at.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 1950, mmuseum@telkomsa.net
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info/
Address: Montagu Museum, 41 Long Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Drive through the Cogsmankloof Pass in an American Dream Car
Montagu Country Hotel via www.montagu.org.za
Another local highlight and rare find is the chance to enjoy a guided town in a beautiful American Dream Car.
Guests have a choice between the following car options: 1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville; a 1956 De Soto Fireflight Sportsman or a 1964 Cadillac Sedan deVille.
Departing from the famous Montagu Country Hotel, you can enjoy travelling through the town, driving via the beautiful, awe-inspiring Cogsmanskloof Pass (which joins Ashton to Montagu) into the Robertson Wine Valley, where you can enjoy a special wine tour.
Alternatively, if wine tours aren’t your thing, simply opt for the Montagu Town Tour and take in the local sights and scenes in style! Trips are all custom-made, adding to the fun!
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3125, res@montagucountryhotel.co.za
Website: www.montagucountryhotel.co.za
Address: Montagu Country Hotel, 27 Bath Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Hike up to the Old English Fort
Another famous aspect of Montagu, and indeed the Cogmanskloof Pass, is the rustic Old English Fort. This lies perched atop the famous little tunnel that feeds through Cogmanskloof Pass.
This well-known landmark can be accessed by parking off from the main road. It was built by stonemason William Robertson in 1899 and heralded the start of the second Boer War. Some hundred years later, in 1999, it was declared a national monument.
It makes for an interesting little hike and provides insights into Montagu’s past, while also allowing visitors to enjoy some enviable views from up on high.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 2471 (Montagu-Ashton Tourism Office)
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Old English Fort, Cogsmanskloof Pass, between Ashton and Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Visit the Montagu Guano Cave Resort
Montagu Guano Cave Resort – situated a short drive outside of town on a scenic farm – has become one of the town’s biggest nearby attractions in recent years and it’s not hard to see why!
With plenty to see and do, including tractor rides to the guano cave, horse and pony rides, swimming, fishing, fun at the Animal Farm and a little Rabbit World too, this farm offers plenty for visitors to enjoy.
They have excellent facilities, which include a restaurant, four swimming pools (including one hot water pool), a large playground and jungle gym for kiddies, lapa and braai spots near the pools and even some lovely, varied accommodation options.
Take the whole family with or head away for a relaxing break with your friends. Either way, you are sure to have a blast!
Contact: +27 (084) 553 4187, info@rmgc.co.za
Website: www.montaguguanocave.co.za
Address: Montagu Guano Cave Resort, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Explore the Montagu Village Market
Every Saturday, the Montagu Village Market – also know as the Montagu Park Market – is a hive of activity, food, fun and crafts. This long-standing Saturday market has built up quite the reputation in recent years and attracts both locals and visitors from miles around.
It takes place in Euvrard Park, Bath Street, directly across from the Tourism Bureau.
Browse the stalls, buy some fresh, organic or farm-style food, shop for keepsakes or arts and crafts and enjoy time mingling with the locals in this relaxed, warm atmosphere.
Contact: +27 (071) 471 9844, montaguvillagemarketmvm@gmail.com
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Explore the Avalon Springs Resort
Montagu’s beloved Avalon Springs Resort has long been one of the biggest, most famous things about this special town. Ask anyone if they have ever heard of or been to Montagu and chances are they will reply with, “Wait, is that the place with the hot springs and the dried fruit?”
The Avalon Springs is a wonderful, family-friendly resort. It offers swimming in incredible warm-water pools, beautiful accommodation, the Cogsmans Restaurant, a health spa and so much more for guests to look forward to!
Whether you visit for the day or stay the night, the Avalon Springs is sure to leave you with lifelong memories…
Contact: +27 (023) 614 1150
Website: www.avalonsprings.co.za
Address: Avalon Springs Resort, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Explore the Montagu Nature Garden
One of the town’s most peaceful, beautiful spaces is the popular Montagu Nature Garden. Situated in Montagu South, the nature garden offers visitors the chance to explore a labyrinth of stunning natural gardens, visit the Tea Garden and soak up the incredible beauty that this tranquil garden has to offer.
Take your family for a relaxing stroll or educate your children on the importance of preserving natural spaces, like this one, for all to enjoy.
Either way, this is the best way to get some fresh air and Vitamin D in town!
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3565
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Montagu Nature Garden, 40 Van Riebeeck Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Take a Walkabout and Admire the Scenery
And finally, because Montagu is such a pretty, relatively safe town to explore by foot, why not take a stroll around town and see some of the beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, NG Kerk or local sights and sounds?
Popular streets to walk along include Long Street – an endless array of cute houses and guest houses, Cape Dutch monuments and special town charm – or Church Street.
You can also take a walk to the Montagu Leiwater Dam, where you can enjoy some bird watching in the lovely bird hide or cross the town bridge into Montagu West.
Either way, exploring Montagu by foot is every tourist and photographer’s dream town outing, with plenty of photo opportunities in store!
Contact: +27 (023) 614 2471
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are such some of the fun things you can see and enjoy when visiting Montagu!