Fun in the Sun

Caravan & Outdoor Life Magazine

A katspoegie from the start of the R62, nestled between the ridges of Cogman’s Kloof in the Langeberg, and bordered by two rivers and a verdant stripe of vineyards, you’ll find the laid-back town of Montagu − a place also known to many of us through the ever-popular Montagu Dried Fruit label.

It’s also where you’ll find the Montagu and Avalon hot springs on the Touwsriver Road (R318) at the town’s edge. But, be warned: a visit to these facilities costs R50 per head as a day-visitor, and a lot more for an overnight stay. Fortunately, Baden Klub, 10 kilometres from Montagu, also has a hot-spring pool, is no longer a private venue, and is much more reasonably priced!

Back to the subject of this review... although Montagu Caravan Park is quite central to the town, it’s nonetheless very peaceful and relaxing − perhaps thanks to the peacocks, ducks, guinea- and other fowl you see sauntering about. The resort is ideally positioned as a base to tour the surrounding area; Ashton and Robertson are close by. We found Platform 62 in Ashton to be well-worth a visit, as it has lovely antiques, a coffee shop, Muscadel wine and homemade-jam tasting. They also sell a great selection of wines from 72 vineyards.

During the week, the Montagu Caravan Park is fairly busy, but at weekends it really hums. An average of 50 caravans and tents arrive then, mostly from Cape Town and surrounds, proving its popularity. There are 90 stands, all shaded, level and grassed. You’ll also find taps and rubbish-bins well positioned at each site.

There are rules in place to promote responsible behaviour, which are enforced by the management − who are on site seven days a week from 07h00 till late. We stayed for three nights (including a weekend) and it was very pleasant and quiet, even though it was 90% full!

Children are kept busy riding bicycles, sliding down the super-tube, swimming, fishing, canoeing on the dam and just generally having fun. The dam is well stocked with carp and tilapia, and a few were actually caught − surprisingly, by young girls!

There are three pools: one large pool (which is heated in winter and left cool in summer for adults, and for children under supervision) a smaller, warm, indoor, children’s pool, and a small pool with a small water slide. There are two halls which can be hired for functions, a TV room (where we watched a Stormers game) and a fast-food takeaway which is very popular with the younger set!

There are six ablution blocks positioned throughout the resort; and toilet paper is provided. As each shower has its own gas geyser, there’s enough hot water. There are four showers in each block and two blocks have baths. The washingup facilities are very good, with a sink especially for black pots. There’s also a token-operated washing machine and tumble drier.

There’s something unique in this resort − a container for the SPCA, and one for the staff, in the sculleries. You place unwanted braai-meat, bones, leftovers or extra food in appropriate containers, and this is collected daily. What a clever idea. The resort is very popular with locals and Capetonians as it is family-oriented, quite safe for children, gated and fenced, and has good security. Late arrivals are also welcomed, with prior arrangement.

Montagu itself has many historical sites and museums. There’s also a Shoprite, a Spar, a pharmacy, ATMs, some clothing stores and some great pubs. The town is sparkling-clean and very busy on weekends.

On the Ashton side, five kilometres from the town, on a high ridge with a short poort below it on the R62, you’ll find an old English fort which was built in 1899. If you park on the Montagu side, you’ll see a steep pathway to the fort. We climbed it in eight minutes, and enjoyed 360° views.

Montagu Caravan Park is a resort that you’ll want to return to; both town and resort offer a great deal to keep you entertained.

- Words and photos by PJ Hannabus
Caravan & Outdoor Life Magazine October 2015 Issue