Past Ashton the R62 squeezes through the Cogmanskloof, then runs for a few metres through solid rock. The tunnel through the Kalkoenkrans is considered the oldest road tunnel in South Africa, five metres high and 15 or 16 metres long, depending on the source. On the ridge above stand the remains of Fort Sidney, built by the British army in 1901. Come out the other side and you are in Montagu: 15,176 residents at the 2011 census, where the Keisie and Kingna rivers meet, on the western edge of the Klein Karoo.
- temperature of the hot springs, depending on the source
- 43 to 45 °C
- road and tunnel through Cogmanskloof opened
- 1877
- Bloupunt, Montagu's home mountain
- 1,266 m
- residents, 2011 census
- 15,176
The place used to be called Agter Cogman's Kloof, a name that goes back to the Cochoqua, a Khoikhoi group. Montagu was founded in 1851 on the farm Uitvlugt and named after Colonial Secretary John Montagu. Wikidata says 1856. Joubert House at 25 Long Street, built in 1853, is the oldest house, and German Wikipedia counts 25 national monuments on Long Street. Thomas Bain built the road through the kloof. According to the Montagu Museum it opened on 28 February 1877; English Wikipedia gives the same day in 1887, probably a typo. Floods are part of the story here: in 1867 a flood killed twelve people, and on 25 January 1981 the Keisie swept away the bathhouse at the springs.
According to Avalon Springs the water surfaces at 43 degrees, while German Wikipedia says 45. The tourism site lists nine pools between 32 and 36 degrees. Climbers know Montagu as one of the country's major climbing areas, with crags such as Legoland, The Steeple and Bad Kloof. And the wine? Politically Montagu belongs to Langeberg Municipality in the Cape Winelands District, but in wine law it is part of the Klein Karoo, not the Breede River Valley like neighbouring Robertson. SAWIS puts the Klein Karoo region at 2,021 hectares of vines (as of the end of 2025). Montagu is known for Muscadel and its Muscadel Festival in May; the tourism office can tell you whether it still runs every year.
- Time needed
- one night for the springs and a short walk, two with Bloupunt or climbing
- From Cape Town
- 184 km, 140 minutes
Our tipThe long trails in the Montagu Mountain Reserve need a permit: Bloupunt at 15.6 kilometres and five to nine hours, and the Cogmanskloof Trail at 12.1 kilometres. You can get permits at the Joubertpark entrances, at the tourism office and at the hot springs. The short Lovers Walk is free.
Places to stay in Montagu
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Montagu Vines Guesthouse
2 Tanner Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €164per night on 8 November 2026
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PJURE Wellness Retreat & Spa
112 Bath Street
- Pool
- Spa
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €229per night on 27 November 2026
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The Vineyard Country House
42 Lang Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €112per night on 7 November 2026
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Monte Vista Boutique Hotel
16 Church Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €192per night on 18 November 2026
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Kogman & Keisie Guest Farm
2 Kloof Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €127per night on 18 November 2026
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Squirrels Corner
Bloem Street 3
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €56per night on 27 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoMontagu: frequently asked questions
Is Montagu part of the Cape Winelands?
Politically yes: Montagu is in Langeberg Municipality within the Cape Winelands District. In wine law, however, the Montagu ward belongs to the Klein Karoo region, not the Breede River Valley like neighbouring Robertson.
How warm are the hot springs in Montagu?
According to Avalon Springs in Montagu the water surfaces at 43 degrees; German Wikipedia says 45. The tourism site gives 32 to 36 degrees for the bathing pools.
Do you need a permit to hike in Montagu?
The long trails in the Montagu Mountain Reserve, Bloupunt and the Cogmanskloof Trail, need a permit, available at Joubertpark, the tourism office and the hot springs. Short walks such as the Lovers Walk are free.
How old is the Cogmanskloof tunnel near Montagu?
According to the Montagu Museum, the road through the Cogmanskloof with its tunnel through the Kalkoenkrans opened on 28 February 1877. English Wikipedia gives 1887, probably a typo.