Montagu Nature Garden

History

Established in 1954, Montagu’s centenary year, by the Montagu Horticultural Society
Proclaimed a Nature Reserve in 1961 under the care of the then Montagu Municipality
From 1994 to the present, managed by the Montagu Nature Garden Association (a non-profit organisation run by volunteers)

Mission

To conserve and develop an indigenous wildflower reserve with plant species representative of those in the Klein Karoo and adjacent areas, thereby providing opportunities for environmental education and recreation.

The Nature Garden in Brief

12 ha in extent encompassing arid hillside and plain, and moist stream habitats.
More than 8km of gravel pathways from which one can view the Garden and the impressive natural surroundings.

A 1.7km circular walking trail to the summit of ‘Bessiekop’ provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Situated at the western entrance to the Klein Karoo and containing flora of 3 regions of the Western Cape - succulent karoo, fynbos and renosterveld.

Contains numerous species of succulents, bulbs, small shrubs and trees.
Succulent ‘vygies’, daisies and aloes set the Garden ablaze with colour during winter and spring.

Fauna in the Garden includes tortoises, buck, porcupines, hares and dassies, while birdlife includes colourful sunbirds, kingfishers, weavers, ibises, egrets, geese and herons.
Expansive shaded lawns provide delightful areas for picnicking beside a babbling stream.

When to visit

The Montagu Nature Garden is open throughout the year from 07:30 to 17:00 daily, 7 days a week. Entrance fees/donations towards the upkeep of the Nature Garden can be made at the unmanned entrance kiosk.

Teas and eats can be enjoyed every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11:30am, from April until the end of October. The facilities of the Montagu Nature Garden are available for a variety of events and happenings - such as musical and other performances, including the popular ‘Summer Sunset’ concerts, as well as special family occasions such as weddings and birthday parties.

Visit our Facebook page and let us know how you enjoyed your visit to the Montagu Nature Garden or rate us and comment on TripAdvisor.
For further information and a brochure please contact the Montagu Information Office. Tel. (023) 614 2471
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Riana Meyer
Cell: 083 310 7170
e-mail: riana.cairo@yahoo.com