MONTAGU

Some say Montagu (175km from Cape Town) should be part of the Little Karoo, others argue that it lies at the entrance. Either way, the landscape is certainly suggestive of the Karoo. Montagu itself is a neat place with graceful architecture, tucked into a fertile valley of vineyards and orchards and hemmed in by painfully contorted mountains. The town boasts over 1000 guest beds – a lot of accommodation, considering the small permanent population. Although the general list reads long, there are not many Budget options in Montagu itself. So, beyond the town you must go: over the hills and into the fetching dales where there are bargains to be found.

Things To Do
  • Montagu has more than enough to keep you busy for several weekends. The Tourism office on Bath Street (tel 023-614 2471) is organised and worth visiting for an orientation. The office also has a number of handy brochures that are categorised by activity.  
     
  • The town is a museum of well-preserved historic buildings. All can be visited and appreciated on foot between bouts of caffeine-loading. Long Street contains some 14 of the town’s 22 national monuments. These include Joubert House, the town’s oldest dwelling, and the Montagu Museum, formerly a church.
     
  • The rugged mountainside around Montagu boasts fynbos, hiking trails, rock climbing, 4x4 routes and mountain biking. Again, we suggest you contact the info office for more detail on the various options.
     
  • Buy your plonk at one of Montagu’s four cellars. A few are open on Saturday afternoon. April is Muscadel Festival month – the month of hangovers from hell.
     
  • Take a deep breath and brave the masses at Avalon Hot Springs (tel 023-614 1150). The resort crawls with humanity over weekends, but you will feel great afterwards.
     
  • The tractor ride at Protea Farm (tel 023-614 3012) is a hit with locals and foreigners. You, too, can join the human cargo for a dramatic ride up the Langeberg Mountain, rounding off with a potjiekos at the top.
     
  • When it comes to eating and drinking, Montagu has plenty of choice. Our current family favourite is Fresh, followed by Kloof Farmstall & Route 62 Restaurant (tel 023-614 2209); both offer kid-friendly outdoor settings and tasty day fare; for more intimate dining try Julians.