When driving from Cape Town via the R62, your arrival at the small town of Montagu is something of an occasion.
As you come out the other side of Cogmanskloof Pass, Cape Fold mountains rise up to greet you and guide you all the way down the road, which winds through the valley into the lovable dorpie.
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Long Street gives you an immediate sense of the town. A country farm stall comes up on the left; thereafter, you’re met with a nursery, olive groves and perfectly kept Cape Dutch cottages that serve as homes, guesthouses, businesses and museums.
Take a left at Church Street, distinguished by the spire of the Dutch Reformed Church, and find a scattering of restaurants and coffee shops along the way.
Swing right into Bath Street, and you’ll notice a beautiful art deco building on your left. This is the Montagu Country Hotel. Aside from being South Africa’s only original Art Deco hotel and a beloved meeting place for locals, it’s also home to the Montagu-Ashton Tourism Association.
This is an important stop, as the lovely people who work there know everything there is to know about Montagu – from what to see and experience to where to stay and shop.
You should also take a look at the top camping sites in Limpopo!
Until then, here are our recommendations: 24 hours in Langeberg’s Montagu.
Before we get into it, are you reading this in Limpopo? Then you might be interested in 10 of the top restaurants in Polokwane!
Now, let’s begin.
The Montagu Country Hotel
This historic hotel has been part of the fabric of Montagu life since the late 1800s, when it was first established. Since then, it has undergone a few transformations but has remained a constant in the town’s history.
As you step into the foyer, the grandeur of the interior sweeps you away to another time of flapper dresses and top hats. This authentic charm is carried throughout the building, from the cocktail lounge to the dining room, upstairs to the elegant suites, and even to the delightful staff who make you feel at home.
- Location: 27 Bath St, Bergsig, Montagu
- Contact: +27 (0)23 614 3125 | [email protected]
- Website: montagucountryhotel.co.za
Art and History
Even if you’re not an art expert, a perusal of Montagu’s galleries is a foray into the culture and social fabric of the area. The different artworks leave an indelible impression and tell a story of the people who form part of the community, and as you’ll soon learn, community is everything here.
Galleries in Montagu:
- Belinda Hewer Art: Bath St
- Hick’s Art Gallery: 9 Joubert St
- Ibis Gallery: Cnr Bath and Barry St
- The Gallery: 21 Bath St
Kupende Africa
Kupende Africa is an exhibition space for emerging and established African artists to display their art, culture and heritage.
Traditional crafts fill the bottom floor. Tribal blankets, wire art, baskets and home linens display the creative ingenuity of local talent.
While upstairs, the gallery space allows access to the works of various artists and their expertise in their chosen mediums.
- Location: 6 Kohler St, Montagu
- Contact: 060 924 4178
- Website: kupendaafrica.co.za
Montagu Museum
Step inside the Montagu Museum complex, comprised of two historic buildings. Joubert House is a national monument that has been restored to reflect Montagu home life in the late nineteenth century, and Old Mission Church tells the story of its original congregation, who were forcibly removed under the Land Reform Act of the 1960s.
- Location: Joubert House, 25 Long St | Old Mission Church, 41 Long St
- Contact: 084 208 2826
- Website: montagumuseum.co.za
Small town shopping
If you’re looking for high street shopping, go back to the city. But if the thrill is in the find, you’ll be happy browsing the thrift stores, book stores and antique shops that dot the centre of town.
Karoo Books is a homely hideaway of collectables, second-hand books, and bits and bobs. Its owner also keeps an exquisite collection of antique jewellery that is very decently priced.
Artisanal goods and green grocer Montagu Local stocks an eclectic mix of homemade preserves, dry goods, fresh vegetables, free range eggs, cheeses and charcuterie from nearby farms.
You’ll also happen upon a variety of local brands selling lovingly crafted homewear like Dandelion’s wooden serving spoons and macramé planters or Fijn Botanicals’ skincare, scented oils and cleaning products.
- Montagu Local: 21 Bath St, Shop 1A, Montagu | @montagulocal
- Fijn Botanicals: @fijnbotanicals
- Dandelion: @dandelionthelabel
Platform 62
Outside of town, the rugged mountainscape beckons with scenic trails and the untamed beauty of the wildflowers and sculptural rockery, but so too does the intoxicating aroma of the locally crafted tipple.
A man named Siya waits at Platform 62 with a big smile and an expertly curated gin and brandy tasting, not to mention an extensive collection of award-winning wines from the Langeberg region.
Situated in the neighbouring town of Ashton, Platform 62 Tourism Centre is a hub of all things Langeberg. Here, you can gather the information you need to explore the surrounding valley and its many wine estates, towns and attractions.
If you’ve got kids, make a mental note of this location because it has a fantastic outdoor area with a mini bike track, a jungle gym and plenty of space to run.
This is also a great pitstop if you’re big on browsing. There is a gallery featuring local artists and a shop full of wonderful wares and locally made products, from dried fruit to healing salts and woven art.
The Shed Coffee Shop serves up great country cooking, from the humble toasted sarmie to homemade pies.
But back to Siya. He heads up the boozy side of things and hosts wine tastings at Platform 62’s Wine Boutique seven days a week between 10am and 5pm. He is an expert sommelier who knows everything about every estate, every bottle and every varietal.
If hard tack is more your speed, he also offers a standup brandy and gin tasting, showcasing local brands, blends and vintages.
- Location: 30 Main Rd, Ashton
- Contact: 023 615 1834
- Website: platform62.co.za
Feathers and Flatcaps
After the day’s expedition, make your way back to the hotel for a bit of lazing and a refresh before descending downstairs for an evening drink at Feathers and Flatcaps. The cosy room is made warm by the fireplace, a fully stocked bar and the bustle of locals enjoying a coffee, an early dinner or a glass of wine.
22 on Church
Among the wide variety of restaurants to dine at in town is 22 on Church. Occupying an old Victorian home, the eatery is tastefully decorated with local art, a roaring fireplace, and Persian carpets accenting its hardwood floors. The atmosphere is familiar and intimate.
Specialising in farm-to-table dining that shines a light on seasonal local produce, the kitchen serves up a carefully considered menu of South African favourites, like pastas, grills and bakes, but done with the utmost elegance and skill. Heads up: the malva pudding is out of this world, so make sure you’ve got room for dessert.
- Location: 22 Kerk St, Montagu
- Contact: 023 614 1200 | @22churchstreet
Go for a spin
For people who aren’t ‘car people’, the idea of going for a ride in a Cadillac may not rev your engine. But you would be missing out! The attention to detail and the beauty of the car are absolutely enchanting, each element alluding to the romance of a long-lost era.
That’s just the car. Then there is the epic scenery and insights into the stories of the town provided by your charismatic driver, the owner of the Montagu Country Hotel, PJ Basson. It all makes for a memorable trip.
- Location: Montagu Country Hotel | 27 Bath St, Bergsig, Montagu
- Bookings: 023 614 3125
Glen Eden
Cottages, glamping, camping – Glen Eden is a sanctuary for family holidays. The small holding, 14km outside of Montagu, has been lovingly dreamed up by its owners, Andy Cooper and Claudette Bricknell.
The passionate free-climbers from Birmingham, England traversed the world to quench their thirst for climbing, but when they stumbled upon the quiet beauty and charming community of the Klein Karoo, they decided to put down roots.
And poof! Nearly 10 years later, Glen Eden is a guest farm boasting luxury cottages, unique lodgings such as teepee tents and gypsy wagons, and recently added hill-top cabins.
Of course, there are good ‘ol fashioned camping sites too, but this would hardly be ‘roughing it,’ as each site comes with a wood-fired hot tub, a braai, a fire pit, water and electrical hook-ups and unlimited Wi-Fi!
In addition to kayaking, a touch farm, hiking and fishing, Glen Eden has its own archery range with an enthusiastic instructor to show you the ropes. And to stave off any hunger pangs, the kiosk bar, Beaney Peanut, is at your service to dish up tasty pizzas and Bootlegger coffee by the pool and kids play area.
- Glen Eden: R62 Ruigtevlei, Montagu, 6720, South Africa | 071 100 2782
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Picture: Peet Mocke
