Montagu Accommodation: The 15 Best Places to Stay

Set against the Langeberg Mountains, the picturesque Klein Karoo town of Montagu (founded in 1851) has both pastoral and high-street appeal, with vineyards and orchards punctuating the townscape, and a centre lined with shops, cafés, art galleries and historical architecture. Close by are Route 62’s charms – farmstalls, antique shops, wine cellars and quirky roadside eateries, as well as a natural playground for hikers, rock-climbers and mountain-bikers.

Have you visited Montagu recently? Which are your favourite places to stay? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Best for Cape Dutch style: Jonkmanshof

Jonkmanshof comprises two 19th-century Cape Dutch-style homes in Bath Street that were lovingly renovated with lashings of design flair – courtesy of Jacques Erasmus of Cape Town’s Hemelhuijs fame and his business partner Hein Liebenberg. Every room is an immersive artwork, every object and antique considered – but it’s comfortable too, with thick lime-plastered walls, fireplaces, cashmere blankets, underfloor heating, a wood-burning Aga stove in the kitchen/dining area at 20 Bath, and homemade liqueurs such as limoncello, vin d’orange and kumquatcelle from the courtyard orchard. There are magical gardens to explore and farm dam-style pools to dip in, too, but you’re also a short walk from the town’s attractions.

The lodgings

• each house has 2 suites with four-poster beds (twin beds on request at 20 Bath Street) and a seating area
• ensuite bathrooms with bateau baths
• lounges with wood-burning fireplaces
• library with a desk (20 Bath Street)
• fully equipped chef’s kitchens (with Aga stove at 20 Bath Street)
• swimming pools at both houses
• private gardens and terraces with recliners and outdoor dining tables
• indigenous succulent greenhouse (20 Bath Street)
• daily breakfast; dinner prepared by a professional chef on request (minimum of 4 guests)

Good to know There is inverter power during load shedding in both houses.
Child friendly? Yes, only from 8 years (unless booking exclusive-use)
Pet friendly? Yes (30 Bath Street only)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per suite; 8 overall (exclusive use)
Cost From R2 900 – R3 500 per suite per night
Exclusive use: 20 Bath from R8 000 per night; 30 Bath from R7 000 per night
Where to find it 20 and 30 Bath Street, Montagu
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Best for a luxe safari: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

The Western Cape’s answer to a luxe safari experience, here wildlife roam free in over 58 000 hectares of wilderness below the purple folds of the Warmwaterberg mountains. You come here for Big Five-spotting, wide-open savannah, indigenous flora, birdlife and tranquillity, plus the luxury of five-star service and privacy. While the two daily nature drives are the main event, you can fill your days with wilderness walks, visits to ancient rock-art sites, spa treatments and guided stargazing excursions. Three stylish lodges (Gondwana, Dwyka and Tilney Manor) are sensitively positioned within the landscape, offering accommodation for families or couples. Main lodge buildings feature a communal lounge with a fireplace and satellite TV, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a relaxation retreat.

The lodgings

Gondwana Family Lodge:

• 12 suites with a king-size bed and sleeper couch (interleading suites available)
• ensuite bathroom with a shower and freestanding bath
• private balcony or deck
• tea-and-coffee station and minibar (stocked on request)
• air-conditioning and underflooor heating
• large communal swimming pool
• Eco-Explorers activities and indoor and outdoor play areas
• relaxation retreat with steam room

Dwyka Tented Lodge:

• 9 spacious glamping suites with a king-size bed (or twin beds)
• a bathtub for two with a view, plus indoor and outdoor showers
• private deck with outdoor seating and table for in-room dining
• private heated plunge pool
• tea-and-coffee station and minibar (stocked on request)
• air-conditioning and heating
• relaxation retreat with with 2 therapy rooms
• wine cellar

Tilney Manor:

• 6 spacious suites with a king-size bed (or twin beds)
• a freestanding bathtub, plus indoor and outdoor showers
• private verandah with outdoor seating and dining table
• tea-and-coffee station and minibar (stocked on request)
• fireplace, air-conditioning and heating
• large communal rim-flow swimming pool
• relaxation retreat with steam room and sauna
• exercise room

Child friendly? Yes, at Gondwana Lodge
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes, at main lodge buildings
Sleeps Dwyka + Tilney Manor: 2 per suite
Gondwana: 2 adults and 1 child (under 12 years) per suite
Cost Gondwana + Tilney Manor: From R7 535 per adult sharing per night
Dwyka: from R8 480 per person sharing per night
Daily conservation levy: R175 per person
Where to find it Off the R62, near Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for a stylish experience: STIL

Hanno and Martly Calitz decided to create an escape for those wishing to experience striking surroundings in a spectacular spot. Guest experience is at the heart of STIL – as such, visitors have the option of being left to their own devices, or of enjoying a curated itinerary which includes private catering, outdoor activities, art classes, wine tastings, tours and more. Beauty therapists are also on hand for rejuvenating spa treatments. The interiors are contemporary yet soft-edged, with a wonderful indoor-outdoor flow. Outside is an ever-evolving sculpture garden that fits seamlessly with the house’s white walls, terracotta floors and wooden accents. It’s certainly a dream destination for those who love architecture, art and design.

The lodgings

• 1 bedroom with a king-size bed (cot or mattress for children on request)
• ensuite bathroom with a shower
• open-plan lounge and dining area
• fully equipped kitchen
• 2 fireplaces (in the bedroom and living area)
• selection of curated books
• patio with seating, umbrella and Weber braai
• view-drenched rooftop area
• heated plunge pool
• air-conditioning
• breakfast, lunch and dining options

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 adults + 2 children
Cost From R3 500 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it 1A Bath Street, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for total seclusion: Wolwehoek Private Nature Reserve

“Secluded” is only the tip of the iceberg when describing this breathtaking escape, hidden in the untouched Keisie Valley just outside town. Passionate owners Roux van der Watt and Robin De Cauwer take care of this private reserve, a wonderfully isolated haven far removed from the stress of daily life, where birdsong, fynbos plains and stunning accommodation set the scene for an off-the-grid escape. There is currently one glamping unit called Leopard’s Kloof (with the introduction of another two in the pipeline). You have free range to explore, with hiking trails, four mountain peaks to conquer, and a gravel road through the reserve for mountain-biking.

The lodgings

• king-size bed
• free-standing bath and outdoor shower
• lounge area
• fully equipped kitchen
• wood-fired hot tub
• pizza oven and braai
• 12-metre super-hammock

Good to know The cabin is only reachable by 4×4. Alternatively, the manager can drop and collect you at the cabin for a fee. Your vehicle will be safely parked at the collection point.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? No
Sleeps 2
Cost From R2 200 per night
Where to find it Off the R318, Keisie Valley, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for luxury country living: Magnifik House

An oasis in the centre of town, this bijou self-catering villa is on a small farm (pecans, olives, figs and other fruit) – all you’ll see are orchards and the Langeberg Mountains. Think luxury country living, with generous entertaining spaces (indoors and out) balanced by private areas – the two bedrooms are on opposite sides of the house, opening onto the wide verandah and an outdoor-shower courtyard. It’s furnished with all you could want for a wonderful break – along with generous extras.

The lodgings 

• 2 bedrooms (king-size and queen-size bed)
• ensuite bathroom with bath and shower, plus outdoor shower
• fully equipped kitchen with Smeg stove/oven, Nespresso machine and dishwasher
• open-plan living/dining room
• smart TV with satellite and Netflix
• verandah with outdoor dining table
• lapa with firepit and pizza oven
• saltwater pool with sun loungers
• garden
• complimentary basic kitchen consumables
• stocked honesty bar

Child friendly? Yes, 8 years and older
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4
Cost From R3 900 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it 13 Van Riebeeck Street, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for off-grid serenity: Suidster

Two identical barn-like cottages, Dwarriega and Poortjies, perched amid pristine fynbos on a 110-hectare farm, look out over the distant horizon under big skies. It’s stark but also exquisite – and the same goes for the interior of these modern cottages. Designed to be a single, elegant, light-filled space, there is no division between the sleeping, bathing and living areas; no walls except the outer dark-metal-clad shell. It’s a Zen-like space, powered by solar energy, that provides an intimate refuge in nature. There’s a 5km hiking trail to explore should you want to spread your wings.

The lodgings 

• king-size bed with fine linen
• freestanding bath and shower, plus outdoor shower
• fully equipped kitchen with Smeg stove and French press coffee maker
• open-plan lounge and dining area
• fireplace
• wraparound deck with braai
• wood-fired hot tub

Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per cottage
Cost From R3 300 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Off the R62 to Barrydale, 25km from Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for special gatherings: Cabine du Cap Main Camp

This hideaway, contained within 175 hectares of private wilderness, comprises a very romantic cabin and two explorer-style safari tents (set apart but all booked together, should your group be a little bigger). This is a place to loosen up and let time pass unnoticed, while you enjoy the pristine natural surroundings, wildlife and big skies. Staff are on hand (via walkie-talkie) to service the lodgings and make breakfast, and there are special add-ons such as bush massages, sundowner drives and catering options that take this stay to the next effort-free level.

The lodgings

• La Cabine with four-poster double bed, ensuite shower plus outdoor tin bath
• Goshawk’s Nest safari tent with queen bed, claw-foot bath, plus outdoor shower and tin bath
• Weaver’s Nest safari tent with brass double bed (shares the La Cabine bathroom, 20 metres away, separate entrance)
• all have drinks cabinets, Africology toiletries, bathrobes and sheepskin slippers
• private decks at both tents
• fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine (in the cabin)
• outdoor dining area and lounge with fireplace and ceiling fan
• shared plunge pool and shaded boma area
• bluetooth speaker and mobile charger power bank
• Smeg minibar fridge and Nespresso machine (in Goshawk’s Nest)
• coffee machine, gas heater and ceiling fan (in Weaver’s Nest)
• ice and wood supplied
• breakfast included; other meals available at an extra cost

Good to know The two glamping tents can only be booked with the cabin (as extra space).
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (October – April)
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 6
Cost R3 900 per night for La Cabine
With Goshawk’s Nest: R7 200; with Weaver’s Nest: R8 500
Stretcher bed for a child: R600 extra
Catered option: R1 000 a day extra for two people; R1 500 with wine and beer
Where to find it Off Route 62, near Montagu
MAKE A RESERVATION

Best for cosy country charm: Klein Nektar Farm Cottage

Just outside town, this quiet three-hectare olive and wine farm (dating back to 1860) is surrounded by natural beauty. The private self-catering cottage is completely off the grid, making it the ideal spot for unhindered, deep relaxation, punctuated by strolls through the olive groves and vineyards. The wraparound verandah and green-lawned garden beckon for dining and chilling out; indoors, it’s cosy and equally well set up for your leisure. With reed ceilings, shiny screed floors and a country aesthetic, it’s also as pretty as a picture.

The lodgings

• 2 bedrooms with queen-size beds
• 1 shared bathroom
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, fridge and freezer
• open-plan living and dining area
• indoor fireplace
• furnished wraparound verandah with hammock
• private garden and braai area
• wood-fired hot tub
• complimentary kitchen basics and firewood

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? No
Sleeps 4
Cost From R1 140 per night for two adults
Where to find it 32 Long Street, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for town-centre chic: Monte Vista Boutique Hotel

For a chic stay in the centre of town, breakfast included, this is a perfect choice. One of the old Karoo houses on the historical main street – with shuttered windows and a wraparound stoep overlooking a lush, manicured garden – has been given a fresh lease on life. Decorated in a pleasing natural palette, filled with artful details (basketry, woven lampshades, printed textiles, carved ornaments, potted succulents), it’s a perfectly stylish setting in which to unwind between outings. Plus there are free Rosendal Wines tastings on site.

The lodgings 

• 13 rooms (6 Luxury, 5 Luxury Garden Suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite, 1 Family Suite)
• super king-size, queen-size or twin beds
• ensuite bathroom with shower and/or bath
• fridge and espresso machine
• sitting area
• private patio
• air-conditioning
• communal pool with loungers
• breakfast room and verandah
• garden with seating

Good to know Neighbouring Airlie’s Historical House, run by the same owners, offers more vintage-style rooms.
Child friendly? Yes, in selected rooms
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per room
Cost From R2 991 for two adults sharing per night
R535 per child (up to 11 years); R803 (12 years old)
Where to find it 16 Church Street, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for the simple luxuries: Olive Stone Farm

You get what the packaging promises at this boutique olive farm, and then some – stone cottages amid olive trees, with mesmerising mountain views and warm hospitality. It’s pretty as a picture, with a stone barn and kraal, sheep that “mow” the lawns, ducks and chickens (fresh eggs for breakfast), and a vegeatble garden guests are welcome to forage in. The three off-grid cottages each have their own character, but all boast rough rustic walls, reed ceilings and their own little private garden oasis complete with hot tub, eco plunge pool and braai fire. The farm is in town but away from the bustle – its own little bubble of bliss – although just a quick stroll to shops, cafes, delis and a wonderful bakery.

The lodgings

• 1 bedroom with king-size bed (or twin beds)
• ensuite with shower only, plus outdoor shower
• fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
• lounge and dining area with fireplace
• furnished patio with braai
• plunge pool and loungers
• wood-fired hot tub
• private garden area
• ceiling fan, bathroom heater and electric blanket

Good to know You can order an eat-in breakfast basket or braai basket to be delivered to your cottage.
Child friendly? Yes, by arrangement
Pet friendly? Yes, by arrangement
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per cottage
Cost From R2 555 per night
Where to find it Church Street, Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for an exclusive bush retreat: White Lion Lodge

This privately owned lodge is a concession in the southern section of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a spectacular Klein Karoo wilderness of wooded kloofs, valleys and river channels that are the habitat for myriad animals (including the Big Five) and unique indigenous flora. White Lion Lodge is a luxury bush retreat that caters for just eight guests (making it a great option for a special-celebration group getaway). Expect personalised service and delicious cuisine, and a memorable stay in glass, stone and thatch suites elevated on a hillside overlooking a riverbed.

The lodgings 

• 4 spacious suites with extra-length king-size or twin beds
• dressing room
• ensuite bathroom with bath and rain shower, plus outdoor shower
• living area with fireplace and satellite TV
• wooden deck with loungers
• underfloor heating and air-conditioning
• minibar fridge and tea- and coffee-making facilities
• communal bar-lounge with fireplace
• library
• dining room (or verandah dining)
• 15-metre infinity pool and sun deck
• wood-fired hot tub

Good to know The lodge can be booked for exclusive use by one group.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes (but limited phone signal)
Sleeps 8
Cost From R8 500 per suite per night
Where to find it Off the R62, near Montagu
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Best for nature lovers: Grysbokkloof Private Nature Reserve

This sanctuary, tucked in the rolling hills of the Montagu countryside, is the perfect choice for those who prize total privacy and want to take things easy. With just one tent at the top of a mountain, Grysbokkloof is entirely off the grid – making use of solar power for an even more enveloping stay. Wake to nothing but the sound of chirping birds, before soaking up the views of the watering hole and mountains from your private hot tub or hammock. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway.

The lodgings

• 1 king-size bed and 2 single beds
• ensuite bathroom with shower
• fully equipped kitchen
• spacious lounge and dining area
• indoor fireplace
• deck with hammock and braai
• wood-fired hot tub
• separate boma braai with potjie
• pizza oven

Child friendly? Yes (6 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4
Cost From R2 000 per night for 2 people; R2 400 for 4 people (minimum two-night stay over weekends)
Midweek Special: From R1 500 per night for 2 people (minimum two-night stay)
MAKE A RESERVATION

Things to do in and around Montagu

• Ride a Dutch bike around town on a Flying Feet cycle tour
• Hire a vintage/classic car for a chauffeur-driven tour
• Visit the Montagu Museum (comprising two buildings in Long Street)
• Soak in the hot springs or visit Guano Caves waterpark
• Stroll through the Nature Garden and along riverside Lover’s Walk
• Dine at more than a dozen restaurants and coffee shops
• See local art in home studios and galleries (including Hick’s, Ibis and KWV)
• Catch a movie at the Odeon Cinema
• Enjoy the Saturday morning market
• Shop for Montagu’s famous dried fruit – and local crafts
• Go for wine and olive tastings
• Take a tractor trip in the Koo Valley (with lunch included) on Protea Farm
• Go rock climbing and abseiling in Cogmanskloof
• Hike the Aasvoëlkrans, Badskloof or Bloupunt trails
• Test the seven mountain-bike routes
• Play a round of golf at the Montagu Club

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