Galenia Estate: Our full report
Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg ...
... Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds. Please note Galenia will be closed for the winter between 16th May until 14th August 2020 inclusive.Formerly Les Hauts de Montagu, Galenia came under new ownership in 2016. None of the Expert Africa team has visited Galenia yet but we know the new owners very well as they also run two first-class lodges in Tanzania, Beho Beho and Oyster Bay. We have high hopes that Galenia will reach the same levels of comfort and individuality. Our first travellers here loved it, so it’s looking promising!
The hub of your stay at Galenia is the Estate House. Historically a barn, this has been renovated in a contemporary Cape Dutch design. Gable windows and a ceiling made of whole wooden tree trunks lend a rustic but chic feel. The sitting room is light and airy with a large fireplace (ideal for the cooler winter months); and a stylish dining area, with floor-to-ceiling windows, affords views over the surrounding scenery.
Other places to take in the views are the manicured garden, the swimming pool with sunloungers and a relaxing Jacuzzi.
Galenia's ten suites are twin or double semi-detached rooms set within five thatched cottages, each with its own covered stoep – Afrikaans for a veranda. A seating area features an open fire log, perfect for warming you up on cold winter evenings. We understand that mod-cons include WiFi, satellite TV, an electronic safe, a minibar and a tea and coffee station, and that each bathroom has a free standing ‘claw-foot’ bathtub and an outdoor shower.
Galenia’s location is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Robertson Wine Valley, the Breed River, the Koo Valley and the Klein Karoo. On the estate itself, however, we understand that guided activities include early-morning nature walks, giving the opportunity to find out more about the estate and its flora and fauna. You can also join the ‘olive familiarisation and tasting’ in the afternoon and learn about the manufacturing process of olive oil on the estate, which has more than a thousand olive trees; you can also purchase the end result!
For the more independent-minded, there are also walking trails on the property, and mountain bikes are available to explore on two wheels.
Our view
We are delighted to see a new high-quality guesthouse in this area, promising a welcoming and charming atmosphere, a high level of service and food, and stylish and comfortable accommodation.
We are looking forward to visiting Galenia ourselves and will post further details here as soon as we have them – but meanwhile just ask us for the latest information.
Country manager: South Africa
Geographics
- Location
- Little Karoo, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 nights
- Directions
- Galenia Estate is 3km outside Montagu on the scenic Route 62, about a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome here.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under the age of 12.
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available.
- TV & radio
- Each room has a satellite TV.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a doctor in Montague 3km away.
Swimming pool warning: Take care when using the pool as there are no depth markings. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
Extras
- Disabled access
Other lodges in Little Karoo
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Rosenhof Country House
Rosenhof Country House is a luxurious country house in South Africa’s Little Karoo, ideal for exploring the nearby Cango Caves and various ostrich farms.
Mooiplaas Guesthouse
In a rural area, not far from Oudtshoorn, the friendly Mooiplaas Guesthouse is a good base for exploring an ostrich farm, the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Mountains.
