Let’s go to Montagu

Looking for a place to let your hair down, where time stands still and, beautiful natural scenery? Then welcome to Montagu; a town that will linger in your mind for years to come.

We practically grew up with Montagu. Having done family vacations to Montagu Springs, or passing by neighbouring Klein Karoo towns along Route 62, the town of Montagu is like family.

Founded on the farm Uitvlucht in 1851, the town is named after John Montagu, Colonial Secretary of the Cape. Even with its long history, it remains a place surrounded by spectacular landscapes, rich Dutch buildings, and great establishments.

A 2-hour drive from Cape Town, it’s hard to believe they still doing construction on Route 60. It’s been 5 years and no end in sight. Oh well. I do enjoy the 20-minute wait where I get out of the car, stretch my legs, and enjoy the mountainous view.

Before entering the town, you can’t miss the rock formation that looks like a dassie. I wonder how it got to form like that!

You can’t miss Montagu Dried Fruit and Die Kloof Padstal on the right. It’s a right of passage to make a pitstop even if you don’t plan on staying long.

Cruise down Long Street and admire the historical buildings. Dutch farmsteads and Victoria houses all have a story to tell.

We spent the night at Klein Nektar Wine & Olive Farm; a working farm. One would never guess from Long Street that this farm has luxury cottages for guests.

The self-catering farm cottage sleeps 4 and is off-the-grid. It has no electrical outlets, no WIFI, and works solely off solar power. It has a functioning kitchen, a beautiful veranda with a hammock, and a few tables and chairs.

As the sun begins to set, we head off in search of food. This town is known for great restaurants so it’s sad to hear stories of establishments that no longer exist due to the effects of the pandemic. However, we found a little pizzeria called Piccolo Tesoro Pizzeri.

It’s the next day and time to leave this place. Make yourself a cup of coffee on the gas stove, sit on the stoep, and relish the stillness. Mornings in Montagu are picturesque.

Next on our adventure is breakfast. The Rambling Rose in Long Street is popular and screams country lifestyle. Walk through the deli and gift shop and make your way to the breakfast nook. Try the Rambling Rose breakfast. You will not regret it!

Before heading to our next destination, we can’t leave Montagu without popping in at Cape Dried Fruit on Bath Street. My mother makes me buy a box filled with dried fruit and, it’s super affordable.

Of course, I make a quick turn to the wine cellar on the premises. It boasts a large selection of the region’s wines and I love supporting our local wineries.

Looking to explore more of Montagu?

Montagu has more to offer than the few places we visited. Here is a list of activities and places to explore if you ever decide to come here:

• Tractor rides on Protea Farm.
• Do a Historical Walk.
• Relax in a hot spring at Avalon Springs.
• Go to the Montagu Village Market that takes place every Saturday.
• Watch a movie at the Odeon.
• There are tons of cycling, hiking, and walking trails.

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Till the next small town.