The gateway to the Klein Karoo
The drive through Kogmanskloof and its iconic hole in the mountain is a memorable introduction to Montagu. The folded sandstone mountains of the Langeberg create a dramatic sense of arrival. Known for its hot springs, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing, as well as local food, dried fruit, art and heritage, Montagu offers plenty of reason to stay and explore.
Set on Route 62 in the Western Cape, at the western entrance to the Klein Karoo, Montagu makes an excellent base for exploring the nearby Robertson Wine Valley and Breede River Valley. Travelling from Cape Town to the Garden Route? Take Route 62 through Montagu as a scenic inland alternative to the N2, and make Montagu part of the journey. Stay a night or two to explore the town and surrounding area before continuing towards the Garden Route.
The Montagu-Ashton Tourism Office is based at Montagu Country Hotel and offers local information, maps and ideas for things to do in Montagu and the surrounding area.
Events in Montagu
Montagu hosts a changing calendar of trail and cycling events, markets, food and wine events, art and heritage gatherings and seasonal festivals. Visit the Montagu events calendar for current dates and details.
Top attractions
Flying Feet Bicycle Tours
Explore Montagu on two wheels or on foot with Flying Feet. Hire a Dutch-style bicycle, mountain bike or town e-bike, or join Marchelle on a guided tour to discover the town’s history, art and character. The Ghost & Historic Town Tour brings some of Montagu’s more colourful and unusual stories to life, on foot or by bicycle, while guided hikes venture into the surrounding mountains. Flying Feet is based at the Activity Hub at Montagu Country Hotel.
Protea Farm Tractor Trips
Hop aboard a covered tractor trailer for a memorable mountain safari at Protea Farm, a much-loved Montagu experience since 1985. The trip climbs high into the Langeberg to around 1,500 m on Arangieskop, with sweeping views across the Koo and Keisie valleys and towards the Breede River. Complete the country experience with a traditional potjiekos lunch under the trees.
Capedry Montagu Farmstall & Tractor Trip
See Montagu’s dried-fruit industry up close on a tractor trip through La Providence Dried Fruit Farm, passing orchards, drying lanes and the processing plant along the way. Afterwards, browse the dried fruit and nuts at Capedry Montagu Farmstall, stop for a light meal at the Bistro or explore the local wines at the Wine Boutique.
American Dream Cars
Take the back seat in one of two classic Cadillacs and explore Montagu, Route 62 and the Robertson Wine Valley with a registered local tour guide. Choose the gracious baby-blue 1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville or gutsy red 1964 Cadillac Sedan De Ville for private sightseeing, wine tours and scenic outings. Each car carries up to four passengers. Hotel guests and other visitors are welcome. The Cadillacs are also available for weddings, photo shoots and special occasions. Prior booking required.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Montagu is an established destination for mountain biking and gravel riding, with a network of graded MTB trails, singletrack, rugged jeep tracks and quiet gravel roads through the Langeberg. Routes range from easy, family-friendly rides to technical trails and challenging climbs for experienced riders. Visit Montagu Trails for current routes, permits and GPX files.
Hiking & Trail Running
From short scenic walks to challenging full-day hikes and flowing singletrack, Montagu offers hiking and trail running across the rugged Langeberg. Walk Lovers Walk, climb Aasvoëlkrans or tackle the longer Cogmanskloof and Bloupunt trails through the Montagu Mountain Reserve. Trail runners can also explore the growing local trail network, with regular races and trail events throughout the year.
Rock Climbing
Montagu is one of South Africa’s leading rock-climbing destinations, with hundreds of sport and traditional climbing routes on the sandstone crags and mountains of the Langeberg. From beginner-friendly single-pitch climbs to technical sport routes and multi-pitch adventures, there is climbing for a wide range of experience levels. Guided climbing and instruction are also available.
History & Heritage
Take a walk through Montagu’s past along streets lined with Cape Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Follow the Montagu Historic Walk through the town centre, then visit Joubert House, built in 1853 and now part of Montagu Museum, for a glimpse of country life in the 1850s.
Food, Wine & Local Produce
Montagu’s food story is rooted in orchards, dried fruit, olives and locally produced Muscadel. Browse fresh produce and handmade treats at the Saturday Village Market, discover local farm stalls and olive producers, or sample Montagu wines before venturing into the nearby Robertson Wine Valley for cellar-door tastings.
Art Galleries
Montagu has a lively local art scene, with galleries and creative spaces dotted around the historic town. Start at the Montagu Country Hotel Art Gallery, where changing exhibitions showcase local artists, then follow the town’s art trail to independent galleries along Bath and Long streets and the creative spaces at the historic KWV building.
Montagu Nature Garden
Discover Montagu’s quieter side at the 12-hectare Montagu Nature Garden, an indigenous wildflower reserve showcasing succulent Karoo, fynbos and renosterveld vegetation. Wander along the garden paths among aloes, vygies and seasonal wildflowers, enjoy the shaded lawns and birdlife, or take the short Bessiekop trail for views across Montagu.
