Montagu, a small, charming town in the Western Cape, is well-loved for a great many things… Dried fruit and nuts; hot water springs; Cape Dutch architecture; and of course, friendly locals.
These are the top ten activities for couples to enjoy in and around Montagu:
#1 Enjoy a Unique Tractor Ride near Montagu
While not strictly in Montagu, the Koo Valley is only some 4o km or so away from this charming small town and well worth a visit.
The valley itself offers breathtaking views and scenery. It is also home to a hidden gem in the Protea Farm tractor ride and potjie experience.
This tractor ride takes guests up to the top of the majestic Arangieskop and back down again. Included in this experience is a memorable potjie meal.
This outing is both fun and romantic with its beautiful scenery and impressive views.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3012, info@proteafarm.co.za
Website: www.proteafarm.co.za
Address: Protea Farm, Koo Valley, near Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
2) Explore the Avalon Springs Resort
Montagu’s Avalon Springs Resort has and always will be a major drawcard to this Klein Karoo town.
With its incredible mountain setting, hot spring-fed pools and fun attractions, this resort is an incredible place for couples and families alike to enjoy.
The health spa and other great on-site attractions make it even more well-suited to couples.
Please note: As of 22 March 2022, no day visitors will be permitted at the resort while they undergo pool refurbishment plans. However, overnight guests will still be able to visit.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 1150
Website: www.avalonsprings.co.za
Address: Avalon Springs Resort, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
3) Go Mountain Climbing or for an MTB Ride
Montagu is blessed with an excellent array of mountains, primed for rock climbing, as well as thrilling MTB trails. Either option is perfect for more adventurous or nature-loving couples to enjoy.
Just outside of town in the Cogmanskloof Pass, Legoland is a wonderful free climbing experience, while there are many MTB trails all over town and the surrounding areas.
For more detail on the seven most popular MTB trails around town, please see the Montagu tourism website: www.montagu.org.za/what-to-do/mountain-biking/.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 2471 (Montagu-Ashton Tourism Office)
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Montagu and surrounds, Western Cape, South Africa.
4) Experience the Incredible Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Situated outside Montagu, towards Barrydale, one finds the breathtaking, freeing Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Here, stretching some 58 000 hectares across wide open Karoo plains, guests discover an incredible getaway and safari experience to rival the best in SA.
If you are looking for a romantic, world-class safari experience, Sanbona is the answer. Sanbona has romantic breakaways for couples, spa treatments, safaris and much more for guests to enjoy.
Contact: +27 (021) 010 0028, reservations@sanbona.com
Website: sanbona.com
Address: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, outside Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
5) Savour a Picnic or Tasting at Olijvenhof Olive Estate
Another excellent farm experience a few kilometres outside Montagu (towards Barrydale) is Olijvenhof Olive Estate.
This family-run olive farm offers everything from rustic cottage accommodation to olive tastings, olive products, charcuterie platters and delicious farm picnics.
Guests are welcome to bring their own wine to enjoy with their platter but picnic bookings must be made in advance.
This is a fun, yet romantic farm outing for couples to enjoy together.
Contact: +27 (076) 979 9135, contact@sanbasa.com
Website: www.olijvenhof.co.za
Address: Olijvenhof Olive Estate, outside Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
6) Drive around Town in a American Dream Car
Another fun experience for couples to enjoy in Montagu is a tour around town in a stunning American Dream Car.
Guests can book any of the following cars:
- 1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville
- 1956 De Soto Fireflight Sportsman
- 1964 Cadillac Sedan deVille
You depart from the famous Montagu Country Hotel and drive through town via the scenic Cogmanskloof Pass. From there, you head to the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley for a great wine tour.
Alternatively, you can book the Montagu Town Tour and enjoy a wonderful guided tour of this charming Western Cape town.
Trips are custom-made, adding to the thrill of this experience.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3125, res@montagucountryhotel.co.za
Website: www.montagucountryhotel.co.za
Address: Montagu Country Hotel, 27 Bath Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
7) Take a Stroll through the Nature Garden
Montagu Nature Garden is a special find and well worth a visit when you pass through or stay over in Montagu.
The nature garden is situated on the outskirts of town in Montagu South and provides visitors with a beautiful nature experience.
Visitors can explore the different garden sections, check out the Tea Garden and see the natural fauna and flora that the town has to offer. There are also short garden walks and hikes to enjoy within this amazing garden.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 3565
Website: www.montagu.org.za
Address: Montagu Nature Garden, 40 Van Riebeeck Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
8) Enjoy a Fun Bicycle Ride About Town
Flying Feet guided tours are another popular attraction in Montagu. Each bicycle has been hand-painted by a local artist, further adding to the local charm of this outing.
This activity is great for couples to enjoy together, as you get to ride around on a lovely Dutch-style single speed bicycle, taking in all the historical- and art-sites in town.
You have the option to book a standard guided tour or to book a customised tour and explore on your own.
They also offer hiking and walking tours around town.
For pricing and other tour information, please contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (076) 891 3623
Website: flyingfeet.co.za
Address: Flying Feet, 27 Bath Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
9) Wine and Dine at BluVines
A relatively new Montagu gem is BluVines cafe-restaurant. Here, guests can enjoy everything from a choice of wine tastings in the tasting room to quality Truth Coffee (prepared by Truth-trained baristas) in an idyllic setting to an incredible, contemporary dining experience.
Not only do they handle normal bookings but they also cater to private dining requests to ensure an extra special, romantic private dining experience.
Contact: +27 (023) 614 1663
Website: hbluvines.co.za
Address: BluVines, 12 Long Street, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
10) Enjoy a Hike in the Montagu Mountains
Montagu offers incredible hiking experiences and nature trails, all thanks to the majestic mountains that envelop this small town.
While you can hike many of the trails on your own (provided you have the necessary permits and maps), it might be better to book a guided hiking experience.
Montagu Outdoor Adventures is the perfect answer to all your Montagu hiking needs: the trails Tony Lourens selects are ideal for everyone from beginners to children or more experienced hikers.
Tony has been hiking around Montagu since the late 1980s and has written climbing guides for the Montagu area. So he is well-versed and accustomed to these mountains. He is also a registered mountain guide and climbing instructor.
For more information on tours and pricing, please contact Tony directly.
Contact: +27 (082) 550 6819, tony@samountain.co.za
Website: www.montaguoutdooradventures.co.za
Address: Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the most fun and romantic things for couples to do near Montagu. Which appeals most to you and your partner?