Montagu, founded in 1851 on the farm: 'Uitvlucht' and named after Colonial Secretary John Montagu, is a Western Cape small town gem. Nestled amid the Langeberg Mountains, The town boasts Cape Dutch cottages, oak lined streets and hot springs, which were formalised in 1873. In 1860 the road into Montagu from the kloof ran along the river and wagons going east went along Bell Street and Piet Retief Street…..So the wagon roads over the plots south of Bath Street didn’t have wagons going through their property…..So Montagu in 1860 had a bypass behind the big NG church. (SHOWN IN THE PICTURES). Driving from Cape Town, the stunningly craggy Cogmanskloof and its tapestry of Cape Fold Mountains also leads to this charming town, of Montagu. Which is the beginning of Route 62 – which is famous for having the ‘longest wine route in the world’.
What gives Montagu its class and character are the old Cape Dutch and Georgian-style houses, a background of looming Mountains, its natural hot springs and a sense of Heritage preserved. Renowned food writer and columnist Madeleine Roux, (LINK PROVIDED IN FURTHER READING), now lives in Montagu and says: “For the city dweller, Montagu is a haven, the most beautiful town in the whole Western Cape. For people like me, it’s the safest place I’ve ever lived in. Many of our doors do not even have keys. We forget to lock our cars at night. Gates without locks, windows without burglar bars.”
Montagu is also a busy town at certain times, but in the coolest way. Adventure sport lovers come for the Montagu Rock Rally and the Mountain Mania events early in the year. There’s a book festival celebrating the Little Karoo, in July and a youth arts festival, which happens in August. In September the town stages a Family Heritage Festival where you can buy all sorts of locally produced items. Then in October sees the Montagu Rose Show. On Saturday mornings, you can meander around the 'Village Market', in Bath Street and spend the day gently feasting away or looking at the locals hand-made arts and crafts.
One of the most popular outdoor activities around here is; a walk through Cogmans Kloof (SHOWN IN PICTURE) and a visit to the local hot springs. But don’t forget, so a visit to a nearby wine vinyard is recommended, as you’ are in Deep Wine Country. One sip of the famous 'Montagu Muscadel', and you will always return to the delights of Route 62! Also known as the "Mountain Mecca"of the Cape, Montagu lies surrounded by the Langeberg Mountain range nestled between the Keisie and Kingna Rivers in the Western corner of Kannaland, and is famous for her orchards, vineyards, local herbs, rock formations and healing hot mineral springs. Spending time in Montagu is sure to relax and recharge your batteries or, if you are that way inclined, there is a list of activities provided in FURTHER READING, to get the adrenalin flowing, like mountain biking, kloofing, abseiling, paragliding, fishing and river boat trips up the Breede River.
The main attraction in Montagu is the radioactive hot springs, originally part of the farm ‘Uitvlucht’, on the edge of the village. 'Lover’s Walk' - a charming passage through cliffs to the springs, was painstakingly reconstructed after a flood in 1981 completely devastated the Kloof, including the Baths complex. The Nature Garden, which offers a peaceful and relaxing alternative to the springs, was founded in 1954 and is a joy to visit during spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Cogmans Kloof, now one of the major entrances to Montagu, was initially impenetrable until ThomasBaines built the pass and tunnel through the Kloof that negotiates the Hole in the Rock, known locally as the gateway to the Klein Karoo. The Saturday Morning Market is a time when the friendly locals sell their homemade produce, plants, 2nd hand books, ect.... Driving out of Montagu the turn off to 'Die Stal', Restaurant is taken. 'Die Stal' is a place on Kruis Farm. 8 Km From Montagu on the R318. If you are a fan of hearty, traditional, country fare then you should "maak ‘n draai" (is an Afrikaans phrase that means to "take a turn," "go for a spin," or "make a trip". It is commonly used as a casual invitation to stop by a place) at Suzanne Venters-Die Stal. Situated on, Kruis Farm, Die Stal serves up, albeit from a short breakfast and lunch menu, delectable, fresh food with an extensive and exciting specials menu. Sitting on the porch with vines and bougainvillea to protect you from the summer sun is just perfect - while away the afternoon here with a crisp glass of wine!
"Situated at Route 62’s western end. Montagu is more than a stopover, it’s the charming gateway to the Klein Karoo! With lots of accommodation options and beautiful mountain passes, it’s perfect for drives, hikes, wine tastings and wellness escapes. For me, it’s a place to put my hands in my pockets and take a stroll through the streets, appreciating the architecture, history & a slower pace of life."-Ron Mackenzie, Facebook