Montagu, Breede River Valley

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Western Cape Destinations

Montagu, Breede River Valley

Montagu
Montagu, Breede River Valley

Lying between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn on Route 62 - South Africa’s version of America’s Route 66 blessed with scenery to take your breath away, some of the country’s finest wines and advertised as the longest wine route in the world - is the wine-producing town of Montagu.

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. Montagu is one of the best examples of a late Victorian agricultural village in the Western Cape with a number of examples of preserved Cape Dutch and Georgian National Monuments - Long Street houses 14 of the town’s 22 national monuments and Joubert House epitomises late 19th century living.

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 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 wild flowers are in bloom. Cogmans Kloof, now one of the major entrances to Montagu, was initially impenetrable until Thomas Bain built the pass and tunnel through the kloof that negotiates the Hole in the Rock, known locally as the gateway to the Klein Karoo.

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Montagu

Anysberg Nature Reserve

Anysberg Nature Reserve lies in the Little Karoo between Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu, and is approximately four hours drive from Cape Town. The Anysberg reserve offers the visitor some of the most striking scenery in the Karoo as well as fascinating wildlife and plants and various ... more information

Breedekloof Wine Route

The youngest wine route in South Africa and just 90 km outside of Cape Town, the Breedekloof wine route lies in the Breede River Valley, which stretches from Gouda in the west, McGregor in the south, Montagu in the east and the Tankwa-Karoo National Park in the north. Wine in this region was initially ... more information

Little Karoo Wine Route

A little surprising, perhaps - that grapes can grow in a semi-arid area - but grow they do in this region, renowned for its extremes in soils and climate. Despite the low rainfall for the area, viticulture happens in the riverine sites, kloofs and valleys of its spectacularly rugged mountains and produces ... more information

Marloth Nature Reserve

Lying just three kilometres from the pretty little town of Swellendam, the Marloth Nature Reserve conserves the central Langeberg Mountains that lie between the towns of Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. The Marloth Nature reserve includes what residents of Swellendam call ... more information

Robertson Wine Valley

Only 1.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town and in the heart of Route 62 - the longest wine route in the country - Robertson Wine Valley lies surrounded by majestic mountains in the Breede River Valley. With a minimal annual rainfall and harsh weather conditions, including hot, dry days and cold nights, wines ... more information

Route 62

Route 62 is modeled after the iconic US Route 66, made famous by the late, great Nat King Cole in the song of the mid 20th century. Travelers headed for the Garden Route will find that Route 62 offers a better alternative to the dull N2 motorway between Cape Town and George, being more scenic and ... more information

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale on the famous Route 62, the vision of the San is becoming a reality. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, 54 000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous fauna and flora, rock formations and rock ... more information

Soekershof

Just 10 kilometres east of Robertson, Soekershof lies in Klaas Voogds West - 10 hectares of amazing mazes, a cactus labyrinth, a tree of growing creativity, the world’s largest hedge-maze, a stone-age cinema, a fingerpointing maze, earth sculptures, succulents you didn’t even know existed, and a touch of magic ... more information

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Set in a part of the country known as the arid Robertson Karoo, the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve lies in the Breede River Valley, roughly 15 kilometres south of Robertson on the road to McGregor. Given the name of the nature reserve - Vrolijkheid means happiness - this must have been the site of much ... more information

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Things To Do in Montagu

Montagu Tractor Ride

Where: Montagu
How much (per person): On Request

In 1985 the Protea Farm started offering the, now famous, Montagu Tractor Trip. The trips take place on Wednesday and Saturday (large groups ... more information

Art & Photographic Courses in Montagu

Where: Montagu
How much (per person): On Request

Come and enjoy a weekend course in Art or Photography at Ravenna Mountain Retreat in Montagu. This unique hands on excursion style tuiti ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Montagu

Montagu Art in Autumn

Location: Montagu
Duration: 3 days

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event starts: 15 May 2010
May
TBC

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On Holiday in Montagu

Montagu - A Visitors Perspective
Montagu Accommodation
Montagu Hotels
Montagu Map
Breede River Valley Hotels
Breede River Valley Accommodation

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Also see Things To Do in Breede River Valley or check out Things To Do in Western Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Montagu!
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