If you’re holidaying in Montagu, or happen to be in the area for a short time, don’t be fooled by the small town appearance, as the village is teaming with excursions and activities the whole family can enjoy. Having recently returned from a 3-day trip to Montagu, I can say that all of the below activities have been tried and tested, and led to tons of fun for my husband and I!

1. Wine Tasting

Surrounded by lush vineyards and orchards, there are many great wine farms within driving distance of Montagu. Don’t miss a stop at Montagu Wine Cellar to try some of their unique Muscadel offerings, as well as their delicious wines and grape juices.

Address: Cinsautsraat 1, Montagu. Find out more.

2. Hot Springs

Take your pick from Avalon Hot Springs (which shares Montagu Hot Springs water, and is open to day visitors), or Warmwatersberg Spa, which is set 60km away in Barrydale. If you visit Avalon or Montagu Hot Springs, please be careful of the resident dassies, and check for any that may have taken refuge beneath your car before you drive away.

Address: Uitvlucht Street, Montagu. Find out more.

3. Ravenna Mountain Retreat

I am completely and utterly enamoured by the beautiful, down to earth accommodation called Ravenna Mountain Retreat. You’ll meet friendly owners, pleasant staff, and a host of lively animals that will keep you company – from friendly Burmese cats, to bounding dogs, and even a chicken coop (which visiting children just love)! We highly recommended using them as your base.

Address: Farm Ravenna, Kruispad turnoff, Montagu. Find out more.

4. Touch Farm and Hot Pools

If you’re worried that the hot springs will be busy, then stay at Guano Caves Resort, set along Route 62. They not only have several heated swimming pools, but they also have a touch farm and rabbit world, which showcases several cute rabbit species, as well as snakes, birds, and guinea pigs. Adults will enjoy the horse rides and fishing opportunities on-site. Rates vary per day visitors / swimming pool visitors.

Address: R62, 6km outside of Montagu on the road to Barrydale. Find out more.

5. Saturday Market

Every Saturday until 12:30, there’s a market held in Euvrard Park, Bath Street, which offers a full selection of eats, treats, gifts, and even picture frames and mirrors. The little ones will love zipping from stall to stall, and you’ll enjoy browsing the assorted wares available as you sip on a hot coffee or enjoy a freshly squeezed fruit-and-veg smoothie (the hint of beetroot and carrot with orange is delicious)! It truly offers a vast variety of goods, and after visiting it, I ended up going home with a stunning curved candle-holder, and a few more jams and preserves then I should have.

Address: Euvrard Park, Bath Street, Montagu. Find out more.

6. Arts and Crafts Route

Within Montagu and the surrounding towns, you’ll discover over 30 local artists you can visit. The map of the route is available at the Montagu tourism office, and includes Aasvoëlkrans, Jessica’s Restaurant, and Bear Ling creations.

Address: Artists are located in and around Montagu. Find out more.

7. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, other than the resident dassies, then visit or stay over at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, which is set on the outskirts of Montagu. Wildlife to see includes the Big 5, cheetah, honey badger, klipspringer, brown hyena, white lion, and riverine rabbit. After a visit here, you’ll fall in love with the ancient landscape and volcanic mountain range. If you choose to stay for the weekend, you’ll have your pick between luxury of cottages or tented camps.

Address: Route 62, Between Barrydale & Montagu. Find out more.

8. Montagu Museum

Anyone who enjoys items from yesteryear will love a trip to the quaint Montagu Museum, which is set inside an old Mission Church. With an entry fee of only R5 it’s well worth seeing. Apart from the obvious bric-a-brac, curious, furnishings, and antiques, you will discover a unique armadillo hide, a delightful and well laid-out herb garden, and a very informative overview of medicinal plants (many of which, you’ll see in the herb garden).

Address: Long Street, Montagu. Find out more.

9. Rock Climbing

Considered to be the top developed sports-climbing area in South Africa, and rated as one of the Top 10 climbing hot spots in the world, Montagu is a prime destination for rock climbers. There are reputed to be over 450 bolted sport climbing routes to go on, with plenty of crags that vary in steepness.

Address: In the surroundings of Montagu. Find out more.

What activities would you recommend in Montagu?

Main image of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (C) TravelGround