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TravelTips24 : Africa : Southern Africa : South Africa : Western Cape : Cape Winelands : Breede River Valley : Montagu

Montagu

Montagu [1] is in the little (Klein) Karoo between Cape Town and the Garden Route with many fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture. The town is very well known for the large amount of high quality rock climbing routes in the area.

Travel to Montagu & Visa Requirements

By car

This is the way to come to Montagu and it`s a 2-3 hours drive from Cape Town. Going east on the famous Route 62 will bring you to Oudtshoorn (this is an interesting drive through the semi-desert Karoo and worth some extra km/miles)

Buses to Montagu

The big bus companies offer limited services to Montagu so it`s advisable to check the current situation.

Munnik's InterTown Coaches runs a scheduled bus service between Bellville (with pick up points in Athlone and Mitchel's Plein) and Montagu on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. All Enquires & Reservations - ph: +27 (0)21 637 1850 or +27 (0)21 637 5230.

Otherwise Translux (and CitytoCity) have a stop in nearby Ashton.

Flights and airtickets to Montagu

Sorry, there`s no airport in Montagu so you have to head for Cape Town or George.

By rail

The next train station is in Cape Town, so this is NOT the way to go to Montagu.

Tours & Getting around Montagu

The town itself is best explored walking. There is no public transport in Montagu so for longer trips rent a car. Alternative rent a (mountain-)bike as there are some interesting trails.

Montagu attractions and sightseeing

- Montagu houses some very fine examples of Dutch-Cape architecture and it`s no problem to visit them on a walk through the streets (especially Long Street).

Montagu city tours

Hike along on of the many tracks in the neighbouring mountains. Two of the nearby hiking trails start at Joubert Park just at the edge of the town. Get boiled at the hot springs some 3km out of town. Climb some of the 100's of mainly sport climbing routes in the area.

  • Gecko Trail, +27 (0)23 614 1895 info@geckotrail.co.za, [2]. A wilderness hiking trail, starting at the Nuy Valley (near Worcester) and making its way through the Nuy River Gorge to Simonskloof (or vice versa). The route is 16 km and includes some serious ascents and descents. Bookings via Simonskloof (see Sleep). Trail fee R25 per person.
  • Nuy River Gorge Kloofing, +27 (0)23 614 1895 info@simonskloof.com, [3]. Oct-Apr. A one- or two-day kloofing (canyoneering) trip into a remote gorge including abseiling, boulder hopping, bivouacking and swimming. Meals and guiding included. Bookings via Simonskloof (see Sleep). R850 per person.

Montagu souvenirs & shopping

Montagu Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Montagu offers some very classy restaurants. Becoming more and more popular with tourists the prices get classy, too.

Montagu nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Montagu cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

There are several hotels and guesthouses in Montagu and some more a little bit out of town but there is a little shortage of backpacker-accommodation. If on a budget look for one of the self-catering cottages.

  • Airlies Guesthouse, 36 Bath street, ☎ +27 (0)23 614-2943(info@airlies.co.za), [4]. Bed and BreakfastFrom R270 per person sharing(Reduced rates: May to September: 1 to 2 nights - 30% discount, stay 3 or more nights - 50% discount).  edit
  • Avalon Springs, Uitvlucht street, ☎ +27 (0)23 614-1150(avalonsprings@lando.co.za), [5]. Luxury hotel and spa resort edit
  • De Bos Guest Farm, Route 62, ☎ +27 (023) 614 2532, [6]. Self-catering rooms and bungalows, B&B, backpackers barn and camping. Popular with rock climbers and mountain bikers edit
  • Montagu Springs, Little Sanctuary, ☎ +27 (0)23 614-1050, [7]. From R380 to R1050 per chalet depending on size and time of year.  edit
  • Simonskloof Mountain Retreat, Koo Valley(Turn off the R318 tar road 40 km west of Montagu, then another 10 km on earth road), ☎ +27 (0)23 614-1895(info@simonskloof.com info@simonskloof.com), [8]. An off-grid, down-to-earth place in a little-visited valley, billing itself as a retreat from modern life. Accommodation is either camping or cottages complete with candles, paraffin lamps and wood / gas heating / cooking / braai-ing. Lots of hiking, mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering and nature watching in the vicinity. From R40 for camping to R300 for a cottage for two(Meals available from R45 to R110).  edit

Get out

Montagu is mainly a stop over between Cape Town and the Garden Route, BUT there is lots of reason to stay for 2, 3 or more nights. You can go for walks in the mountains, swimming at the hot mineral springs, horse riding, boat trips on the Breede River, tractor/trailer trip to the mountain summit, visit a wide variety of wineries with some of the best wines that you can get, or just relax and enjoy the sunshine and beauty of the town and area. Come and see for yourself, you will never regret it!

This page was last edited at 15:43, on 14 July 2008 by Wikitravel user H3O. Based on work by Nick Roux, African Informer, Stacy Hall, Jim Logan and Felix Gottwald, Wikitravel user(s) Pashley, Tniehoff and Nzpcmad and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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