Montagu, South Africa

Place in Western Cape, South Africa

33°47′S 20°7′E / 33.783°S 20.117°E / -33.783; 20.117CountrySouth AfricaProvinceWestern CapeDistrictCape WinelandsMunicipalityLangebergEstablished1856^[1]Area

^[2]

• Total32.71 km² (12.63 sq mi)Population

(2011)^[2]

• Total15,176 • Density460/km² (1,200/sq mi)Racial makeup (2011)

^[2]

• Black African6.4% • Coloured75.7% • Indian/Asian0.5% • White16.4% • Other1.0%First languages (2011)

^[2]

• Afrikaans91.2% • English5.5% • Xhosa1.5% • Other1.9%Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)Postal code (street)

6720

PO box

6720

Area code023Websitehttp://www.montagu-ashton.info

Montagu is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, about 180 kilometres (110 mi) from Cape Town in the Western Little Karoo.

The town is named after former secretary of the Cape Colony, John Montagu, but was once known as Agter Cogman's Kloof, Cogman's Kloof linking the town and railway station. It is situated at the confluence of the Keisie and Kingna rivers.

Montagu was founded on the farm "Uitvlugt" in 1851, and is known for its hot mineral springs and scenic mountains. It is also an agricultural centre, where orchards and vineyards are in production and local herbs are grown. The farming area, 'Koo', lies north of the town and is famous for the quality of its apples, pears, apricots and peaches.

Recreation

Nearby rock formations make it one of the country's major rock climbing venues. The 1,266 m (4,154 ft) high Bloupunt peak overlooks the village and offers several hiking trails, as well as kloofing and mountain biking trails further afield.

Popular crags for rock climbing include Legoland, The Steeple and Bad Kloof.

Location

Montagu is near the Robertson Wine Valley and is most easily reached via the Route 62 scenic route.

Pastor Emeritus Matthys du Toit was born in Montagu.^{[citation needed]}

The author Francis Brett Young spent his final years in Montagu.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ Robson, Linda Gillian (2011). "Annexure A" (PDF). The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact (PhD thesis). University of Pretoria. pp. xlv–lii. hdl:2263/26503.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Main Place Montagu". Census 2011.