Montagu is a captivating village that lies on Route 62 in between Cape Town and the Garden Route of South Africa. The village is a popular access point to the mysterious semi-desert region of Karoo. It is known to travelers for its hot springs and the incredible hospitality of its residents.
The village can help you relax and alleviate your worries, but it is also a place to keep your adrenalin flowing while enjoying nature. It has attracted quite a considerable amount of visitors every year and the number of restaurants, accommodation and other commercial facilities in the area has also been increasing. Because the village is an agriculture center, you will get the opportunity to explore several colorful orchards, vineyards and herb farms.
A stroll around Montagu exposes you to a series of interesting buildings, which are fine examples of the Cape-Dutch architecture. Long Street in particular, has some of the best-preserved residences, museums and national monuments. One of the notable ones is the Joubert House, whose architecture and layout reflects the residents’ lifestyle during the late 19th century.
Aside from the trendy art galleries, you should also visit the village’s highly distinct medicinal herb museum. If you stay long enough for a Saturday morning, do not miss the chance of dropping by the village’ bustling market. Wine-tasting is one activity encouraged in Montagu and the village takes pride in its more than 45 cellars of locally made wine. You can choose the cellars to visit, or you can book the widely popular Route 62 Wine Tours.
If you are more of an outdoor enthusiast, you do not have to go far to enjoy nature during your visit. Montagu’s mountainous and luscious landscape led by the Bloupunt peak, provides plenty of opportunities for mountain hikes and scenic walks. You can choose from the numerous nature trails, and even mountain climbing trails of varying difficulties in and around the village area. Some of the poplar trails include the Bloupunt, Cogmanskloof Nuy River Gorge Kloofing and Gecko Trail.
However, for many tourists, going up the mountains has never been more fun than riding a tractor. Fortunately, there are many tour companies that offer this unique experience. Montagu is surrounded by several rock formations, which makes rock climbing in this region of South Africa as one of the best. The nearby Guano Caves will bring out the Indiana Jones in you. But if you are looking to see some safari animals, Game Reserves are not really that far from Montagu. After conquering the dry land, continue your nature exploration by cruising the beautiful Breede River.
The hot springs of Montagu are what made most visitors go out of their way to visit the village. These springs are located on the edge of the village in the Cogman’s Kloof area. They were parts of the Uitvlucht farm, and are believed to have healing abilities. Whether you believe the healing tradition or not, the hot springs are still worth the visit because of its sheer beauty and calming effects. The Nature Garden is also a stunning natural attraction founded in 1954, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere and colorful wild flowers.
